Refurbished an Antique Meer to Smoke

[Waning Embers]

The only thing I know about amber beyond all the usual postings is that when you drill out old amber pieces from a pipe you get the smell of eucalyptus for some reason!

You can get the same effect heating them with a hair dryer. Some have a cedar or pine smell.

 

[xrundog]

That’s probably the camphor from a celluloid stem. I know all those things smell different, but the nasal clearing properties are similar.

 

[Waning Embers]

That’s probably the camphor from a celluloid stem. I know all those things smell different, but the nasal clearing properties are similar.

Never had a celluloid stem but I've heard stories.

 

[xrundog]

Never had a celluloid stem but I've heard stories.

I think it was a late 19th century thing. Not a great material for stems. Amberloid was an improvement. Bakelite better yet.

 

[Waning Embers]

I think it was a late 19th century thing. Not a great material for stems. Amberloid was an improvement. Bakelite better yet.

I've got some bakelite ones. I may do some searching.

 

[xrundog]

I've got some bakelite ones. I may do some searching.

The characteristic odor from worked Bakelite is due to formaldehyde. The Red stuff is my favorite stem. I just think it looks terrific polished up.

 

[Brig]

Finally have a little time to work on this one. Did my best to clean out the stem...not very much came out, it seems the pipe was well-oiled and maintained by the previous owner.

I did notice, however, that one side of the stem is far cloudier than the other. Is this something I should polish, or is it in need of a sanding? Seems to me like a Polish job is needed, but what should I polish with?

 

[xrundog]

That material does sometimes get cloudy internally. From heat and/or age. All you can do is polish the exterior. Brebbias Stem polish works well. Some people use tooth paste. Just rub it on and work it with a finger. Buff off with a soft cloth.

 

[Brig]

First go over with a magic eraser...it cleaned up pretty dramatically, very little patina to it. Guess I'll have to color it myself.

Still need to clean out the pot.

Some scratches on the bottom. To wax, or not to wax?

 

[jhowell]

Jojoba oil