Correct Amounts

[wizhunter]

Hi Guys

This question has probably been asked before but here goes. Being a new pipe smoker i wondered how much flake to rub and put in a bowl,i am asking because i have just recieved some flake andhave no idea how much to rub out and smoke.Does it all boil down to guess work and experience,also i was told it's better to fold flake and put it into a bowl.I am wary of using it at the moment because i don't want to rub out to much but on the other hand i don't want to rub out not enough,the size of the bowl is Dr Grabow Viscount size. Sorry i don't know measurements.
Thanks in advance

Wiz

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Experience. I know my pipes pretty well at this point, and most take one and half to two flakes, and I have three pipes that take one flake or less. I will either set out one or two flakes to dry, and then cube cut or rub them out as I pack them, and return the part of the flake that I don’t use to the tin. I know this doesn’t help much, but at least what is left over isn’t ruined. You can smoke it next time.

 

[wizhunter]

Thanks Cosmic, i have never heard of the cube method and might give it a try.How big are the cubes ?
Wiz

 

[briarbuda48]

I cube cut all of my flakes as well. I get a fuller, richer flavor, at least for my palate. I cut the flake across the grain in about one eighth of an inch strips, break it up a little and let it dry to my liking.

 

[winton]

I usually say, "As long as you are enjoying your pipe and not setting your beard on fire, you are doing OK. Of course, some ways work better than others."
There are many ways to pack a pipe, light it, tamp, clean, store, etc. As long as you get smoke, (not out of your ears!) you are reasonably successful. But ask others and they can give tips on better techniques, blends etc. Some of the ideas will work and others won't. Everyone is different. I am a nic light weight. I don't enjoy latikia. Just because someone else loves a blend, does not mean that I also will enjoy it.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I’m not sure what Winton is trying to say, but Briarbuda has the idea, but you can cut the cubes to whatever size you want, just cut across the grain of the flake. I like to add a little pile of the dust and smaller pieces to the top of the bowl when packing to act like kindling.

 

[derekflint]

After a while you'll remember how many coins or flakes it takes to fill a particular pipe. I recommend rubbing out in the beginning before trying the fold and stuff method........

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

There are some specific bowl chamber shapes that in my humble opinion work best with folded flakes,particulary those of conical and narrow tall ones.Nonetheless,in the event my flakes are coming on the thicker side then I'm preferring either cube cutting or rubbing em out,(to avoid repeated relights)