A Meerschaum Reborn... Before and After Pics.

[petes03]

Ok guys, before I get to the pics, let me just say that I actually wanted more of a rustic, well used antiquated sort of look for this pipe. I think it turned out pretty much the way I had it in mind. This is also the first Meerschaum I've tried my hand at restoring.
I first reamed the pipe, then did the stem work.

For the stem, I simply sanitized and cleaned with alcohol soaked bristled and fluffy pipe cleaners, then sanded the stem with 2000gr. sand paper, then polished with toothpaste, then finished with carnauba wax.
For the bowl, I first sanded with 320gr. sand paper to remove the old wax and rim charring, and to scuff the bowl up a bit. Then I sanded with 1000gr. to smooth it out. I quit sanding after the 1000gr., as I didn't really want a very slick and shiny finish.
After sanitizing the shank, it was time to finish the pipe.

For that, I used a hair dryer set on hot/low to heat the pipe. While holding the pipe in a clean rag, I heated it in one hand, and some 100% beeswax in the other. The pipe took the wax very well.

I would put one coat on, and buff with the rag while the pipe was still hot, then another coat.

After about 3 coats, I was pretty happy.
So here's the pics!
Before;

And here's the after pics;

 

[condorlover1]

Have you smoked it yet? There is excellent reason why I am asking chum.

 

[petes03]

No, I haven't smoked it yet. I just finished it a little while ago. I figure I'll smoke it this week some time.

It'll be dedicated to English/Balkan blends by the way.

 

[condorlover1]

Look at the last picture with the yellow lines from the rim down. Is that a trick of light or a result of the alcohol and wax used in the cleaning? I had it with one meerschaum I purchased back in the 1980s that I still smoke and looked just like that after I cleaned it.

 

[petes03]

That's partially the light, and partially the way it looks.

I didn't use any alcohol on the bowl at all, only sand paper.

I did run a few pipe cleaners, damp with alcohol, through the shank, followed by dry ones.

Even then, I was very sparing with the alcohol.

 

[pitchfork]

Someone remind me again why alcohol isn't used on meerschaum pipes?

 

[voorhees]

Nice work. Now comes the real test.

 

[petes03]

Thanks Jason!

 

[shaintiques]

Pitchfork. It has to do with sealing up, the pores and causing it to not color I believe.

 

[petes03]

Alcohol can make a Meer turn black and blotchy. I'm not sure if it affects the smoking qualities or not.

 

[topd]

Wow...! Really great job! It turned out way better than I would have thought.

 

[petes03]

Thanks D!

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

Looks like you did a good job. Enjoy your new to you estate meerschaum. It appears to be coloring nicely and I'm sure you'll enjoy adding to it.

 

[plateauguy]

Great job!
While looking at it, an idea popped into my head. Would the stuff that they soak dentures in work on a Meerschaum?

 

[condorlover1]

Yep Staintiques is spot on - turns pipes black. That didn't come out right. It turns meerschaum pipes black for some odd reason.