Breaking in an Uncoated New Pipe

[t1m3kn1ght]

Hi all!

I just picked up a new Chacom Elephant pipe and have some questions about the break-in process. In terms of pipes I've personally smoked, they've all had a good carbon cake already developed (since those were inherited) or have that coating applied to the inside of the bowl out of the box. Are there any tips, tricks, or do-nots to bear in mind for smoking a pipe that lacks the factory coating? Any wisdom would be great!

PS: celebrating my first post beyond the introductions thread!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Are there any tips, tricks, or do-nots to bear in mind for smoking a pipe that lacks the factory coating

Fill it, light it, and smoke it.

 

[bullet08]

Believe it or not, Peterson natural finish used to come without bowl coating. Not sure if they still do. I just smoked them just like the ones with coating. Fill and fire up that bastard.

 

[PipeIT]

For an inexpensive pipe, someone might not care, so I’ll include in the conversation expensive pipes too.

Don’t let them get hot when they are new an uncoated, there is always the possibility of developing thin cracks inside the chambers.

Just let them get barely warm feeling to the touch when holding the pipes, until you eventually start to develop a thin carbon layer inside, generally 1mm thickness.

Any decent pipe someone cares about, should never smoke them hot to the touch anyways, even though briar is extremely dense and fire resistant.

Have fun...

 

[t1m3kn1ght]

Thanks all for the replies!

 

[cigrmaster]

I have broken in well over 40 pipes over the years and I fill it with a Virginia Flake to the top, smoke it to the bottom and watch the heat. If it gets to warm, put it down, let it cool and do it again. Briar is a tough wood so it won't burn out unless you do something silly. Good luck.

 

[ThermionicScott]

One other tip: don't go nuts trying to burn every last bit of tobacco at the bottom of the bowl. You can char the draft hole that way. If the bowl seems to be almost done, and it's not taking a light, go ahead and dump it.

 

[OzPiper]

Don't smoke too hot.
If it feels more than warm, set it down for a while.

You don't need a thick cake, so ream out the bowl with doubled over cleaner(s) or a scrunched papar towel after each smoke

 

[instymp]

I smoke a new pipe like an old pipe.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I smoke a new pipe like an old pipe.

Same

 

[georged]

One other tip: don't go nuts trying to burn every last bit of tobacco at the bottom of the bowl. You can char the draft hole that way. If the bowl seems to be almost done, and it's not taking a light, go ahead and dump it.

Yup.

The whole "nothing left but a quarter teaspoon of fine ash" thing isn't how pipe fizziks works as a rule. Do not aim for it as an imagined ideal outcome. Airway charring awaits if you do.

Here's a pipe in chamber-axis cross section. Notice how the wood that comprises the "top" of the airway thins to a "zero thickness" edge. It will burn readily if you try to force a Fine White Ash conclusion to every smoke by touching it with flame. Especially if you use a gas lighter instead of matches.

(A nothing-but-ash finish can happen of its own accord, but it's rare and a blind luck combination of conditions when it does.)

 

[bullet08]

Come to think of it, haven't seen white ash finish thread on the forum lately.

 

[kcghost]

This process is simple as can be. Just remember to pack your pipe not so tight and to smoke slowly.

 

[JimPM]

Being of the older-minded dudes I typically go with progressive third leveled bowls of good old Carter Hall. Call me superstitious or silly but that has been my standard for a long time.

 

[OverMountain]

Briar is a tough, resilient wood.

I try and smoke full bowls on the warm side for break in. The heat helps dry the briar out further and I think, results in a dry, good smoking pipe in the long run.

TLDR; modern pipes are not fragile and smoke it like you stole it.

 

[judcole]

I make sure to use a tobacco that I am very familiar with, and is fairly neutral. I typically use Lane Ready Rubbed, Stokkebye Natural Dutch Cavendish, and Sutliff Virginia Slices. I load it up and go. One bowl a day for two weeks, then let it rest a good 10-14 days.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Old school, and one I'd recommend to a new smoker:

Fill half way with a tobacco that's ok. Smoke slowly to the bottom. Repeat 4-5 times, then load and smoke as usual.

Enjoy!

 

[Dublin Old Man]

I agree with the recommendations to start with a Virginia. I wouldn't use a Latakia or flavored blend. My experience is that the uncoated briar absorbs and retains the flavor of the initial tobaccos that are smoked in it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I agree with the recommendations to start with a Virginia. I wouldn't use a Latakia or flavored blend. My experience is that the uncoated briar absorbs and retains the flavor of the initial tobaccos that are smoked in it.

And for whatever reason, I'd recommend starting with a mild English!

 

[bullet08]

Always English to start with. Beginner's palate won't pick up much at all from Va. Along with possible tongue bite, they might actually get rather disagreeable taste like cigarette. But Lat is easy to notice, burns cooler and doesn't taste anything like cigarette.

If not beginner, Carter Hall.