Question about finishing a bowl....

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 5, 2013

• #1

I feel like I am at the end of the bowl, I take my tool and feel down in the bowl and my first pack is always in there still with ash on top. By first pack I mean the first time I load the bowl and pack it down. It seems like this portion is more wet and doesn't keep lit. I dry my tobacco about 20 mins and still get this. Thank you for any help

 

irishsmoker

Lifer

Feb 14, 2012

1,177

0

• Jan 5, 2013

• #2

May need to dry it longer or smoke slower lad!

 

irishsmoker

Lifer

Feb 14, 2012

1,177

0

• Jan 5, 2013

• #3

And you may be packing the bowls a little too hard.

 

ghost

Lifer

May 17, 2012

2,001

4

• Jan 5, 2013

• #4

I'll second what Irish said. Sometimes even if you think you're going slow, you can probably go slower. Takes awhile to get the rhythm. Is it an aromatic?

 

misterzombie

Lurker

Dec 30, 2012

49

0

• Jan 6, 2013

• #5

When you guys mention going "slow" what does that mean exactly? Slow long sips or slow long pauses?

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #6

Yes it is an aromatic, and smoke slower.... I feel like I am already going too slow and always worried the bowl is going to go out. Expecially when I am low on matches!! Lol

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #7

And I don't think I'm packing too hard but who knows. I have no air restriction after its packed

 

philip

Lifer

Oct 13, 2011

1,705

6

Puget Sound

• Jan 6, 2013

• #8

Be careful of tamping too hard. That will end up packing the bottom of the bowl tighter each time you tamp.

 

cajundad

Can't Leave

Nov 1, 2012

468

1

Louisiana

• Jan 6, 2013

• #9

Expirament with packing , and smoking longer slower puffs . Every blend packs a bit different .

 

cigrmaster

Lifer

May 26, 2012

20,249

57,280

66

Sarasota Florida

• Jan 6, 2013

• #10

When you say aromatics, what type are you smoking? Many aromatics are loaded with PG and will leave a wet gunky mess in the bottom of your bowl. Drying them for an hour or 2 before smoking might help a lot. In regards to slow smoking, everyone has their own cadence and methods, you will find yours with practice.

 

gray4lines

Part of the Furniture Now

Nov 6, 2012

679

2

KY

• Jan 6, 2013

• #11

Be careful of tamping too hard. That will end up packing the bottom of the bowl tighter each time you tamp.

Click to expand...

This was my problem for a while. I think i just now am understanding how and when to tamp. Very light touch, and less often works for me, just enough to knock down the fluffy ashes.

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #12

Thanks everyone, tons of good advice I will keep in mind. I beleive it is the tamping that is the problem.... Just too hard mid way through bowl. Thanks again :puffpipe:

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Jan 6, 2013

• #13

Like Philip suggested, tamping is the probable source of the problem.

Draft hole drilled too high could create this kind of problem too.

Fix by raising the bottom of the bowl with pipe mud.
Of course, you could find yourself a Bianchino upside-down pipe. :rofl:

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #14

Oh and I'm smoking a blend from my local shop. David's Coventry... It was my first purchase. I'm thinking of looking for a Virginia tobacco next time, what do you guys think?

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Jan 6, 2013

• #15

From a B&M? McClelland #27, or #22 if you smoke outdoors. For comparison to a more bread-like Va try #25.

If your B&M carries Newminster's bulk blends, then #701 Straight Virginia is a must try.

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #16

Yes a B&M, and a bread-like va? What do you mean bread like?

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Jan 6, 2013

• #17

Not sharp and grassy, nor particularly citrus-like; more on the dark, sweet side.

Once you expose your palate to a variety of Virginias you'll say, "Oh yah, definitely bready!"
You might try putting together a sampler from Hearth & Home (PipesandCigars.com)
In fact, you can make big advances in your appreciation of Virginias by calling Russ Ouellette and asking him

to put together a package of Virginia blends that will give you the full range of the genre. 800.494.9144

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 6, 2013

• #18

I am looking forward to it. And wow, 6 samples, how to choose what 6!!! Lol

 

redbeard

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 2, 2013

841

4

• Jan 8, 2013

• #19

When you finish the bowl is it ALL supposed to be ash?

 

captainprophesy

Lifer

Sep 27, 2012

1,779

0

Upland, CA.

• Jan 8, 2013

• #20

When you finish the bowl is it ALL supposed to be ash?

Click to expand...

Yes... very rarely do I leave a small amount in the bowl. But if I do its no biggie, just empty clean and move on :D