Red Oak has an open grain whereas White Oak does not. That's why whiskey/wine barrels are all white oak. If they used Red Oak, it would leak from the open grain structure.
For me when I'm breaking in a pipe there's no rotation. I'm smoking it all day every day until it has a cake or I get bored!?
When I was a newer smoker I used to fantasize about pipe causality, and sometimes even added myself into the mix, like "Are thick walls an
It can be for pipes as well. Other than chamber size and smoke duration, I really don't notice any difference between one pipe or another.
Very true.
Yep, and what is prized in a cob? It's poracity and easy break-in. Same with Meerschaum. Much color comes from the interaction of the wax and exterior smoke, but with time color works its way through the mineral. Then too, we talk about ghosting in pipes. We all know what creates a crappy pipe besides sap still in the wood - lack of poracity when the exterior is lacquered. The pipe has to breath. Years ago when I was selling pipes, old timers would come in the shop and swear tight straight grain pipes were harder to break in. There's no scientific evidence one way or the other, just theories (like putting honey and water in the bowl - oops, I just started something again ?). I've had straight grains, mostly Charatans that smoked good from the start. But I have two BEs that are a cut above. Then too, I have a Charatan Free Hand Relief, Extra Large straight & ring grain that is just a bastard. I got it on the second hand market for a very low price and restored it. It had paint splatters and a bowl you could only put a pencil in; It was a miracle it hadn't split. The wood in this is so hard it almost rings. I haven't given up on it yet and continue to ponder the nature of briar wood.
I've never had an issue with lacquered pipes and the absorbency and breathing of a pipe were debunked on here some time ago.
I was just dropping a reference to a joke essay by Benjamin Franklin. About why older woman are better for having affairs with. It ends with the wisdom that all cats are grey in the dark.
