A Sting In An Old Peterson

[vates]

Just got an old XL999 Pete. There's a sting going out from the tenon. Looks like a syringe sting
I don't really like the idea of such thing protruding from the stem. Yes, it looks like a Dunhill inner tube, but much shorter (doesn't go all the way into the bowl).
What is this thing for?
Do I really need it? Is it okay to smoke this Peterson without it?

And yes, it is not so easily removed. I think it is stuck. So your advice is highly welcomed.

 

[BROBS]

it pulls straight out... might be stuck in there with crud.
there is no advantage to it in those pipes IMO, they just all came with them.
Donegal Rockys of the same time period too.

I've found them to clog easily and restrict the draw.
I tried to keep it in a few but ended up pulling them out.

it basically is a Dunhill inner tube it's the same dimensions and end cut.
when these pipes came out a ton of pipes had stingers.

 

[vates]

Thanks! Just as I though. Yes, it's Donegal Rocky XL999.
Great, I'll try to pull it out then. Maybe a de-oxydation bath first...

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

@vates ,be prudent with the oxy bath, I mean do not sit it there a longer period of time yet do not use overly strong mix,so as not to ruin the stem with permanent no dissipating chlorine smell

 

[BROBS]

Yeah I wouldn’t do that with a Rocky stem it’s going to turn so creamy brown....

 

[vates]

So what should be the proper way to clean it?
I thought: oxy-bath => rubbing pads => oil/conditioner

 

[Chasing Embers]

So what should be the proper way to clean it?

Whichever way works best for you.

Oxyclean and Chlorine cause pitting. If you must go that route, coat the tenon and plug both ends of the stem with Vaseline to prevent the tenon and airway from oxidizing.

I just use a lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste on my stems now.

 

[vates]

Thanks! A lighter?!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Thanks! A lighter?!

Yup!?

A BIC lighter and Oxidation

Blog by Rob Hardy and Steve Laug Thanks to a serendipitous discovery by a friend of mine, Rob Hardy (incoinnu on Smokers Forums), who also does refurbishing as a hobby we have worked out a very dif…

rebornpipes.com

 

[vates]

Amazing! Thank you very much. Gotta try it now.

 

[ssjones]

I think the Junior line also came with Dunhill style tubes? I found the draft too open without them. If the former owner used it, they sure do keep the shank clean.

Here is one in a pre-Republic Kapruff 411 shape.


And a shape 407 Kapet



With those tubes removed, the draft was manhole cover size.

 

[BROBS]

I think it concentrates the smoke into a hot tiny stream.
I haven't found any problems with removing them..

 

[diamondback]

Whichever way works best for you.

Oxyclean and Chlorine cause pitting. If you must go that route, coat the tenon and plug both ends of the stem with Vaseline to prevent the tenon and airway from oxidizing.

I just use a lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste on my stems now.

View attachment 10005

I can’t pass up an opportunity to learn: Cap’n Embers, do you use the toothpaste like a wax: rub on, let dry, then rub off?

Err... bad question. What’s your procedure if you don’t mind sharing?

 

[diamondback]

I can’t pass up an opportunity to learn: Cap’n Embers, do you use the toothpaste like a wax: rub on, let dry, then rub off?

Err... bad question. What’s your procedure if you don’t mind sharing?

LOL! Seriously I don’t know /embarrassed

 

[Chasing Embers]

I can’t pass up an opportunity to learn: Cap’n Embers, do you use the toothpaste like a wax: rub on, let dry, then rub off?

Err... bad question. What’s your procedure if you don’t mind sharing?

I apply a thin film of toothpaste and let it sit for 30 minutes. I then thumb buff it until gone. Often with one application it will polish to a black mirror but 2-3 applications may be necessary. I often do the toothpaste polish after smoking a pipe as well. It doesn't take much at all for each application.

 

[vates]

What toothpaste are we talking about? Regular colored or something special?

 

[Chasing Embers]

What toothpaste are we talking about? Regular colored or something special?

I just use Colgate.

 

[vates]

I think the Junior line also came with Dunhill style tubes? I found the draft too open without them. If the former owner used it, they sure do keep the shank clean.

With those tubes removed, the draft was manhole cover size.

Now it gets a bit complicated.
Shall I let it sit there, or shall I remove it?

Previously I removed an inner tube from my beat-up '71 Dunhill. The tube was bent and buried under layers of cake inside the bowl. I had to use a drill to actually remove the piece of sting from that shank. The pipe smokes great without it.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[BROBS]

I would try smoking it with it installed and see what you think. If it seems too restrictive or clogs easily, yank it out. The draft is really big in one of the Rockys I’ve got and it smokes wonderfully without the tube.

 

[ssjones]

Absolutely, try it both ways. I prefer a typically British draw (not Italian wide open), so with the straw in inserted, it was perfect for my taste. Your mileage may vary!