Bending Vulcanite?

[tobakenist]

I use a hot air paint stripper with a pipe cleaner in it and then run it under cold water.

 

[crashthegrey]

I have bent hundreds of vulcanite stems. Heat gun until warm and bend. I would avoid hot water bringing oxidation to the surface. Your hands get used to it. I never plug the airway, just watch the angle of the bend and do not get too extreme until you get enough practice.

 

[proteus]

I've used hot sand.

 

[Briarcutter]

I'd agree with the heat gun, and practice! I was taught with a candle and used it for years but now I find a heat gun more controlled. I have a round, thick, 10X4" ground piece of steel on my bench I use as as an anvil. It is surface ground flat and hardened. When I feel it's ready to bend I cut off the heat and place the mouthpiece button down flat on the steel for a few seconds. That flat chunk of steel sucks the heat out of the button and allows me to hold the bend in place with my fingers. Sounds crazy but it works and dosent affect the bending but it is sure much easier on the fingers.