Are Most Pipe Racks Made Wrong

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H

Hfinn

Guest
in my experience most racks hold group 5 and smaller pipes without issue . It is the group 6's and ODA's that have most problems. I have 2 6[s that don't fit in either of my racks so I just keep them in basket next to my pipes. If someone were to get a custom rack made taking into account the bigger pipes that would be cool.
Could you tell me the diameter of the bowl and the width of the stem at its widest point?
 
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Dec 3, 2021
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Pennsylvania & New York
I have a number of Rhodesians and Authors that won't fit in most older premade racks (like Decatur). I have a custom one that I had made that can accommodate wider widths, but, the curve of several Rhodesians requires turning the pipe to the side in order to sit in the divot, otherwise they slip. I recently ordered some sunglasses cases to store the "problematic" pipes.
 
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Dec 3, 2021
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The higher capacity Decaturs I have (24 and 36) already have U shapes on the top tier; the lower tiers with O shapes will only fit straight stems, which is fine—I keep some of my older French and American pipes in those slots.
 
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fontbandit

Lurker
Jan 24, 2022
30
159
Boston, MA
fontbandit.com
I love the way pipes look stored horizontally, like in a pipe shop. I spent a long time rack-hunting, but couldn't find one that would grow with my collection. So I made one using curtain rods that look like...what else...pipe fixtures! And fishing pole clips with the addition of beefier screws, and a dab of hot glue on the screw heads so they could be adjusted depending on the thickness of the shank without scratching the briar. I call it "The Pipe Pipe."

More pics:

2022.01.09_The Pipe Pipe_Building + Installation 17_2022.01.15 photo shoot.jpeg
 

cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,248
57,309
67
Sarasota Florida
Harris,

Are you sitting down? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your pipes don't breathe. They dead.

Pretty reliquary by the way.
Jesse, my pipes breath very well thank you. I have 3 holes in each side of the cabinet so my pipes can breath properly. I don't seee any holes in your drawers for air to circulate. Mine is better than yours, na na na.
 

Streeper541

Lifer
Jun 16, 2021
3,194
20,242
44
Spencer, OH
Most of mine are at or around magnum size at this point. No racks for those.
I have thought about this thread several times and never felt the need to chime in until I read Chasing Embers response... which gave me pause to think.

Pipes are like peckers.
Racks are like rubbers.

Most pipes can make use of the standard racks as they're built with just enough wiggle room to accommodate most pipes. For the magnum pipes... well, they need breathing room that the standard rack just can't offer.

Thats why regular pipe racks are sold in packs of 12 and larger ones are sold in packs of 10.

Of course, this is a broad generalization, because with both pipes & peckers... YMMV. ?

Grizzly6.jpg
 
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beargreasediet

Can't Leave
Nov 23, 2021
302
2,503
The Prairie
I have thought about this thread several times and never felt the need to chime in until I read Chasing Embers response... which gave me pause to think.

Pipes are like peckers.
Racks are like rubbers.

Most pipes can make use of the standard racks as they're built with just enough wiggle room to accommodate most pipes. For the magnum pipes... well, they need breathing room that the standard rack just can't offer.

Thats why regular pipe racks are sold in packs of 12 and larger ones are sold in packs of 10.

Of course, this is a broad generalization, because with both pipes & peckers... YMMV. ?

View attachment 123975
Looks like a baby’s arm with an apple (or rather a stack) in it.
 

Ksigel

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 16, 2021
115
303
73
Connecticut
I recall an article that stated most pipe racks were made wrong. Pipes should be stored stem down to allow better drying and allow any moisture to drain into stem for easier cleaning. What is your take ?
I certainly hope not. My beef is most racks do not show enough of the beauty of the pipe. Here’s one I made to show more of the pipes41B7771C-B144-4B1F-A7B1-0D76FB1F9849.jpeg
 

Ksigel

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 16, 2021
115
303
73
Connecticut
I recall an article that stated most pipe racks were made wrong. Pipes should be stored stem down to allow better drying and allow any moisture to drain into stem for easier cleaning. What is your take ?
I certainly hope not. My beef is most racks do not show enough of the beauty of the pipe. Here’s one I made to show more of the pipes
The small racks I make for myself are stem down.The larger ones someone made for me are stem up.Big difference?,in my opinion, no.as long as there is air flow through the pipe.I prefer stem down for aesthetic reasons.I've only made one one stem up rack,and that was in the late 90s.
I have started making racks. Would love to see of your work
 

Ksigel

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 16, 2021
115
303
73
Connecticut
That horizontal display is a neat idea. As to the problem of storing different size and shaped pipes, I have started making racks with 3 features that go a long way to help. I route a channel the length of the bottom in lieu of holes. I offset the top openings from points where bottom of bowls fall. Last I make a hook shaped opening on top. Here are some pictures.
 

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