Cob Question

[papipeguy]

I'd like to order a couple of cobs but I really don't want to mess with filters. I noticed that the MM site offers filtered and non-filtered cobs. Does one really need to use filters in a filtered pipe.

With briars I generally toos the filters with no detriment to their smoking qualities.

Appreciate any advice on this.
John

 

[fred]

I toss the filters that come with a Cob. After a few

smokes, the Cob starts giving a good smoke. Things really

improve when the base of the shank that is in the bottom

of the chamber burns away. I've learned to cut this wood out

of the Cob, as part of the break-in and it works for a shorter

break-in period.

 

[papipeguy]

Thanks, Fred. Now I'm set to order.

 

[cortezattic]

Throw away that filter! ...before you remove it from the cob! :lol:

 

[papipeguy]

Ordered 2 cobs from MM this afternoon. Geez, 2 pipes fpr $25 including shipping! Such a deal.

 

[sparroa]

Does anyone find a benefit to these filters if you discard them with every smoke and replace them with new ones? The chief complaints I've heard about them is that they get wet, dirty, and smelly - I've smoked with them before in a new pipe without realizing it until I removed the stem the next day. They didn't seem to be too bad. Anyone think they do more than just a token amount of filtration? Or do they just choke the draw and provide an illusory effect in your opinions?

 

[hobie1dog]

I think they serve a good purpose, but also think they are a one-time use, then throw away device. Once it pulls in the moisture, then it's toast. I can surely tell whether or not I have one in my cob during the initial light. Actually the draw is almost too open without the filter in place.

 

[sparroa]

I'm not a big smoker, I'm pretty sparing with my tobacco so I wouldn't go through a whole lot of filters if I set out to use them all the time. A milder smoke also isn't a bad proposition to me if it catches a nice bit of tar and ash particulates.

 

[papipeguy]

I'll just have to train myself to go slow and gentle as I just don't like filters/ I inetend to use the cobs as test instruments for unknown blends and at $10 a pop I don't feeel like I have alot at stake with them.

 

[papipeguy]

One more thing. I've read tha some guys make a pipe mud and apply it to the bottom of the bowl so I may go that route as it seems to make sense to me. Any thought on that?

 

[oldjazzlover]

I've never relly used a mud, and I love my cobs while on the river bank fishing.

 

[romeowood]

Personally I prefer using the filters, PA, in cobs and the pile of other Medicos I have. Particularly for the straight-stemmed pipes it prevents the burping of tobacco juice back on you. I don't mind the change in the draw, considering it just one of the many things that is different from pipe to pipe.

As for the mud, I've not done it yet, but I think it was Tommy that had mentioned a combination of buttermilk and activated charcoal...which intrigued me. For the life of me I can't find the thread though. Tommy?

 

[collin]

Sorry I missed your post Romeowood,......pipe mud is simple, but I've read that it's fairly tricky to get right. I've been lucky so far. It's nothing more than spit and cigar ash.

The tricky part is too much or too little spit and it'll fall apart after it dries and don't try to substitute pipe tobacco ash for the cigar ash. It's a good excuse to smoke a good cigar.
Mix the saliva with enough ash to make a stiff mud. Plaster it in the void and let her dry. :D
I've got a cob that's got a HUGE void under the stem....I need to get that done.
The "paint" that I've been using after taking bowls down to bare wood has been suggested by a lot of restorers, and it's no more than a three part mixture consisting of equal parts buttermilk, sour cream, and powdered charcoal.

Some have suggested yogurt in place of the sour cream.

 

[fshu2]

tommy great answer very informative.

 

[jayhp]

I dont use filters either.And I dont use mud.I do however take an exactoo knife and trim the edges on the stem at bottom of bowl. Just round off the sharp edges.Then , one first bowl, I let it burn out with just a bit of toby in it. That usually will roast off the edges of the pine , stopping the taste.

 

[whitebriar]

i don't use the filters either--

i have heard some mention that the draw is too open without them--i saw a hint on one of the forums that supposedly would help tighten things up--
take a pipe cleaner, cut 1/2 to 3/4 inch sections, bend them in half with some gap to allow springlike tension, place one partway into the stem--smoke--it should tighten the draw--
it seemed to me that it was going to behave much like a filter--i did try it and it worked-it did tighten up the draw--they are cheap and one piece will last several bowls--eventually they get foul and must be tossed--much cheaper than a box of filters--
i don't use the gimmick either, but just offered it in case someone might like to give it a try--