Tamping has been discussed before, but I thought I'd summarize the reasons for tamping, not because I know so much but to solicit other ideas from members. Here are some of the uses of tamping, and then others can add to the list
1. When packing a pipe, a gentle tamping will sometimes settle the blend into place breaking up any pieces that are sticking up before you light up. But keep the packed bowl loose enough to breathe.
2. Sometimes the first light is just a charring light and doesn't get the ember going, so tamping will prep the bowl again for the relight.
3. When a bowl goes out when partially full, a tamping will settle the blend back in place so the unburnt tobacco is more compact and burns better.
4. As you get past the halfway mark in a bowl, you especially need to settle the tobacco again to keep the ember material together.
5. Even as the ember is burning evenly, you can improve the burn by tightening the blend just a little, keeping the unburnt leaf compact.
6. Don't overdo it. Two or three tampings will usually get you through a bowl, but when needed, go to it.
What have I forgotten? Or, how could this be said better? Tamping is useful and a fine art and will enhance your smoke every time. Tamping is not an empty gesture. Be sure to tuck the edges of the ember back into the bowl for even burning.
1. When packing a pipe, a gentle tamping will sometimes settle the blend into place breaking up any pieces that are sticking up before you light up. But keep the packed bowl loose enough to breathe.
2. Sometimes the first light is just a charring light and doesn't get the ember going, so tamping will prep the bowl again for the relight.
3. When a bowl goes out when partially full, a tamping will settle the blend back in place so the unburnt tobacco is more compact and burns better.
4. As you get past the halfway mark in a bowl, you especially need to settle the tobacco again to keep the ember material together.
5. Even as the ember is burning evenly, you can improve the burn by tightening the blend just a little, keeping the unburnt leaf compact.
6. Don't overdo it. Two or three tampings will usually get you through a bowl, but when needed, go to it.
What have I forgotten? Or, how could this be said better? Tamping is useful and a fine art and will enhance your smoke every time. Tamping is not an empty gesture. Be sure to tuck the edges of the ember back into the bowl for even burning.