If any of you have ever replaced a cork on the calabash pipe, I would appreciate any suggestions that you might have. I just bought a nice old calabash for $10 but the court needs replaced and this is something I haven't done before. Any suggestions on the type of glue(heard gorilla glue works well), clamping instructions, and anything else I might not have thought about would be appreciated. I did order Cork from Amazon so I have that covered.
Cork Replacement on a Calabash
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On older pipes, I believe the cork might have been attached with rabbit glue. But, because the glue is hygroscopic, it continually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, causing the glue to swell and shrink as ambient humidity levels change—I wonder if this might adversely affect the bond given the steam produced during smoking. I have used RH Adhesive Clear-Tite contact cement when adding or replacing cork to some of my pipes (I believe it may be used for cork attachment on wind instruments). The good thing about the contact cement is it’s easy enough to completely remove if need be.
@georged probably has a better solution.
@georged probably has a better solution.
An interference fit is jaw-droppingly fussy.
You're about to discover how small the range is between too loose, too tight, and just right.
Without manufacturing machinery (calabash cork is die cut for consistency in both size and perfect inner circle shape), trial-and-error is all ya got. I vish yoo goot laak, Dah-link. May the smokeforce be with you.
You're about to discover how small the range is between too loose, too tight, and just right.
Without manufacturing machinery (calabash cork is die cut for consistency in both size and perfect inner circle shape), trial-and-error is all ya got. I vish yoo goot laak, Dah-link. May the smokeforce be with you.
I have replaced mine. I have had the calabash for over 40 years. Use cork designed for clarinets. It cuts into strips well and there is a grease designed for it that has held up for decades. I can’t recall the glue, but I would not use gorilla glue. You will need to do this again in a decade or so. The corn is the correct thickness and it holds up amazingly well
I bought pre glued 1mm cork from Amazon and cut strips which I pressed around the edge after removing the old cork, and checking for snugness. Then when it felt the right snugness I left it to let the cork settle. Three years in its doing fine and the cup removes easily. If it wears out I’ll just replace it again. The cork is pretty cheap.