Best packing methods for beginners.

[dunendain]

When I started smoking a pipe, I was told to use the three step method. At the time I was smoking mostly ribbon, ready rubbed, or shag cut. The three step method did not work for me. My pipe would gurgle and never seemed to burn right. Then I read an article that showed how to use the airpocket and Frank method. Those work great for ribbon. You take a wad of tobacco and stuff it tightly in the top 3/4 of the pipe: Hence the air pocket. With crumble cut, I use the gravity feed. I am sure you other guys have suggestions.

 

[ghost45]

For my Ribbon cut, Shag cut or whatever you want to call it the three step has worked pretty well for me. When I first started smoking I would pack it really big and really tight.
For my Flakes I roll it into a ball and utilize the air pocket technique.

 

[chuckw]

I generally use the three step method but with a slight twist. The first pinch I roll between my fingers and push it into the pipe. The next pinch is done in the same manor and the third is done in the conventional way. It is a variation of the air pocket method.

As I prefer my flakes rubbed out, I do them the same way except i use only two pinches.

 

[python]

Here are some articles that I wrote that cover most all of the methods that I use:
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 1
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 2 (Videos)
Flake Pipe Tobacco Preparation

 

[sapo59]

I like the air pocket method for ribbon, and the fold and stuff for flakes.

 

[dudleydipstick]

The 3 layer method (finger of a baby, finger of a lady, finger of a man) was the one that made me realize what pipe smoking had to offer. Before then, I thought pipe smoking was limited to 20 minute smokes, tongue bite, and a lot of lighting.
I still use the 3 layer method most of the time, but not as strictly as I did when I first learned it. Over time, I've developed the sense of feel for it.
Now my bowls average around 45 minutes for a medium sized pipe, I never get tongue bite, and usually only have to light once after the initial charring light.

 

[pstlpkr]

I'm with you Dudleydipstick,

Usually, for me, the 3 layer method, is my choice.

 

[dunendain]

I have learned a trick. I like to pack my pipes tight, because they have small bowls. So, when using the air pocket method I insert a thick pipe cleaner into the bowl, and pack tight. The pipe cleaner seems to insure that there is some space for air in the bottom.

 

[sapo59]

Sounds like a good idea. I may give it a try.

 

[pstlpkr]

Me too,

Do you ever burn part of the "Peep Cleaner"?
"Peep Cleaner" from Murder on the Orient Express, Just a little crossing over from the Movie Quotes string.

 

[thecigarsoldier]

3 step seems to work pretty well for me. I do think some of these other methods are going to get a try from me soon though.

 

[dunendain]

I of course, remove the cleaner after loading. : )

 

[hauntedmyst]

Been using the 3 step method for 30 years. Never needed any other way with any type of tobacco.

 

[pstlpkr]

Dunedain,
All I have to say is DOH!

Blonde moment....

 

[hobie1dog]

Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 1
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 2 (Videos)
Flake Pipe Tobacco Preparation

Bump for the newbies, these links are in Bob's post above

 

[tanless1]

God Bless Frank

 

[juni]

The Frank method seems to work really well for me, except for Irish Flake which (even when rubbed out) has to be packed pretty lightly.

 

[unclearthur]

After over 40 years of smoking a pipe I use what I call the geezer grab and stuff method. I grab some tobacco and stuff it in the pipe. Educated fingers know when it's packed right.

 

[romeowood]

There's a method? :?:

 

[redfox]

i used to use the 3 step pack, but it always came out a bit weird. So i use a two step method instead!! i smoke a smaller pipe usually, as i dont have much free time, so the three step was just too much for a little pipe.