I was torn on that- there was enough material to cut a nice crisp button, but it didn’t seem that was the way it originally was..The challenge whether on bowl or stem is to remove enough material to get rid of the ugly without screwing up the patina.Especially on that button.
I scrape the bulk of it with a knife blade. When it’s thinner. I use a rounded dowel with 320 grit paper to work it down to a very thin coat.How are you taking the cake out of them
I was torn on that- there was enough material to cut a nice crisp button, but it didn’t seem that was the way it originally was..The challenge whether on bowl or stem is to remove enough material to get rid of the ugly without screwing up the patina.
Because he's discovered that working within constraints is more technically challenging than making new pipes, of course, and therefore more satisfying when you pull it off.Zack, why the saving/refurb instead of making? Not criticizing just wondering.
George, You know I have something that pushes back- you've met Greta,,,, On the other, you're correct- I originally bought the pipes to learn from the shapes...and couldn't stand having ugly pipes sitting in my case.... he wants something that pushes back.
I generally to go with whatever is going to make for the most pleasant smoking experience.
Keep in mind- "It's not old and nasty- it's an rare and wonderful antique"...I tell you the biggest problem is the threaded stems- only one out of 4 I bought clocks into the correct alignment and I either had to recut a thread in Delrin or readjust where it locked. Without tools, you would need to send it out to be fixed....I'm always afraid they won't clean up well. Then I'll be suck with an old nasty pipe.