Issue With My Savinelli Hercules 111 EX

[eljimmy]

Just bought this one not too long ago and I do understand some pipes have a breaking in period but after 3 bowls it is putting out a slight tea tree oil smell and taste. Have any of you experienced this with Savinelli pipes?

 

[gamzultovah]

Is it a new pipe or an estate?

 

[eljimmy]

Is it a new pipe or an estate?

Brand new pipe

 

[gamzultovah]

Probably the bowl coating used? I have no experience with Savinelli pipes, but I do have experience with other manufacturers. Some bowl coatings I can tolerate through the break in process and others have to be removed before breaking in. Can you tolerate it for a few more bowls?

 

[eljimmy]

Probably the bowl coating used? I have no experience with Savinelli pipes, but I do have experience with other manufacturers. Some bowl coatings I can tolerate through the break in process and others have to be removed before breaking in. Can you tolerate it for a few more bowls?

I can definitely power through it. Just the first time I experience this and wondered if anyone else has had this experience.

 

[gamzultovah]

I can definitely power through it. Just the first time I experience this and wondered if anyone else has had this experience.

The person with the most experience that I know of with Savinelli’s is @chasingembers maybe he will chime in?

 

[eljimmy]

The person with the most experience that I know of with Savinelli’s is @chasingembers maybe he will chime in?

Let's see what he says and also we will see what happens after 10 more bowls. Should go away........ hopefully.

 

[OzPiper]

Did the bowl come with a coating ?
If so use sandpaper to get rid of it or it should come off easily after an alcohol soak.
Hopefully that will fix the problem.

 

[That Guy]

This stuff has worked like a charm for me. I had a new Meerschaum that had a funny taste even after 20 bowls and this stuff did the trick. A good cleaner and deodorizer.

 

[didimauw]

Sometimes after a bowl, I stir the ash, cover the bowl with my thumb, and give it a shake. Adds a light coating, and takes away some of the bad taste.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

Could be it's just gone sour, I'd give it a thorough cleaning with alcohol.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Is the smell coming from where the bowl meets the shank?

The person with the most experience that I know of with Savinelli’s is @chasingembers maybe he will chime in?

I've only got one left, but it's still a favorite.

 

[gamzultovah]

Is the smell coming from where the bowl meets the shank?

View attachment 98692



I've only got one left, but it's still a favorite.

That may be so, but the knowledge never leaves.

 

[ofafeather]

I’m guessing lesser cured briar. I think that is a huge part of what people went through in the briar heyday. It’s the main reason why there are bowl coatings and why brands were marketing pre-smoked pipes. They even had smoking machines that would break in pipes.

 

[eljimmy]

Did the bowl come with a coating ?
If so use sandpaper to get rid of it or it should come off easily after an alcohol soak.
Hopefully that will fix the problem.

Yes it has a coating. Might have to give that a try

 

[eljimmy]

Is the smell coming from where the bowl meets the shank?

View attachment 98692



I've only got one left, but it's still a favorite.

It's coming from the bowl.

 

[eljimmy]

Sometimes after a bowl, I stir the ash, cover the bowl with my thumb, and give it a shake. Adds a light coating, and takes away some of the bad taste.

good idea

 

[eljimmy]

This stuff has worked like a charm for me. I had a new Meerschaum that had a funny taste even after 20 bowls and this stuff did the trick. A good cleaner and deodorizer.

View attachment 98686

I'll have to source some

 

[OzPiper]

I'll have to source some

I use a high proof clear fruit brandy. But any high proof spirit eg vodka
or gin will do.

Advantage of that is I always have some in my liqour cabinet, and it leaves a pleasant aroma in the bowl (which dissipates after the 1st or 2nd smoke).

And I know it is definitely not toxic (unless consumed by the gallon !)

 

[eljimmy]

I use a high proof clear fruit brandy. But any high proof spirit eg vodka
or gin will do.

Advantage of that is I always have some in my liqour cabinet, and it leaves a pleasant aroma in the bowl (which dissipates after the 1st or 2nd smoke).

And I know it is definitely not toxic (unless consumed by the gallon !)

Thank you, I do have some Everclear on hand. What is your technique? Hahaha! don't consume the gallon!