Breaking in a new pipe is hard work!

[johndolan]

Just a note to all who mention Mark Twain and his instructions for breaking in a pipe. I have seen the quote mentioned several times. I get the impression a lot of people believe it to be truthfull instructions. I'm a big Twain fan and have studied him and his writings for years. Twain poked fun at everyone, especially himself, which is why he was so funny. When he talked about the person he hired to break in his pipes, he was talking about himself! It's funny how so much of his humor is taken so seriously and his serious instructions are taken as full humor. To wit: "Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience".

 

[jpmcwjr]

It (partial bowls) seems to burn hotter and also having to burn all the tobacco down to nothing to ensure a good cake at the bottom means burning wet tobacco.

No it doesn't! Not if it's dry enough to start with. (Yes, an old thread, which makes me wonder where the OP has gone? I've been here just a year, and he was posting regularly for a while.)

 

[briarcudgel]

Carter Hall. All that PG glues every errant particle of smoke and carbon to the bowl. It makes a fast soft cake, but you can stop using it once a good cake is formed and use whatever your pleasure.