Cracked meerschaum pipe

[peace]

Hi all,
This morning I was smoking a fine bowl of Captain Black White in my meerschaum when I noticed it started to crack in some places. I don't think I've smoked it too hot, and, even though I only smoke outside, drastic change of temperature is not an issue yet. Do I own a cheap meerschaum? Can anything be done to fix it? or is it no good anymore?
Thank you all

 

[fred]

This is not good. Since I don't know anything about the Pipe or it's origin,

there's not much to comment on. This can happen with Pressed Block, low quality

Block, or failure to take care of the Pipe. You can smoke it until it falls

apart, but there really is no fix for this problem. There are plenty of quality

Meerschaums out there.

 

[cortezattic]

That's awful. Can you describe what you mean by "cracks"? Perhaps a picture?

 

[peace]

Thank for the prompt replies!
Been cleaned after every smoke (after it cooled off), and I didn't allow any build-up inside the bowl.
I'll try to post pics later today

 

[ernest]

Duct tape?Just kidding.Always sorry to hear when something dies.Bury it and send it to pipe heaven.

 

[peace]

I couldn't get a clear picture of where it's cracked. But here's a pic of the pipe anyway to give you an idea. It's a skull carving, and the main crack is at the bottom of the back of the head. It looks like the head wants to come off the base. Also there's a small crack where the shank attaches to the pipe. The cracks are about the size of a hair. I read somewhere about using crazy glue????? I'm thinking WTF???
I know there are alot of other quality pipes out there, but finances are an issue.

 

[ernest]

The good news is that Captain Black White is my favorite.The bad news is that your pipe has just seen it for the last time.

 

[scratchglfr]

Ernest Captain Black White is good I lean towards gold. Peace thats a shame about your meer I just purchased a new one Tuesday and received it on Friday. It's an IMP I'm not sure about your finances and of course it"s none of my business,but you can purchase a beaut for 100 with case.

 

[cortezattic]

Unless Fred knows of a better material, I'd suggest crazy glue;

and smoke it until it no longer works.
If it interests you as an art piece, then put it on the shelf right now.

 

[fred]

I'd be careful about using an epoxy, as I'm not sure what compounds would

be released in the smoke. The cracks that you've described will get a lot

of heat from the smoke. Another issue to be considered is the differences

in heat expansion. Likely, this Pipe will be like trying to plug a leak in

the dyke..., when you fix one, another is likely to show up. Start a savings

plan and get a good Pipe.

 

[krgulick]

I agree with fred, you don't really want to use an epoxy because of possible noxious fumes and what not. It may be best to start a pipe fund for something of better quality.

 

[cortezattic]

Fred, I've got a classic "claw holding egg" type meer, are there known weak spots in these shapes? Have you ever heard of them cracking the way Peace described? I'm thinking the pipe might have been knocked against an astray cork, or a palm too aggressively.

 

[fred]

There are no inherent weak spots in the Egg in Claw style that I'm aware of.

I prefer to use a Pipe tool to dislodge the remnants of a smoke from the

bowl's chamber. 'Knocking' a Pipe leads to damage sooner or later, such

as the tenon snaps off and remains in the shank, and/or the shank breaks,

or even the Block cracks.

 

[peace]

So I decided to rack this pipe for good. I was gonna try the Crazy Glue, but Fred has a good point against doing so. I've always been gentle with it, never banged it, not even in my palm. Pure bad luck I guess.
Thank you all for your replies.

 

[bubbadreier]

It is always said to lay a pipe to rest, I will keep your family in my prayers on this sad sad day...

 

[cortezattic]

Alas! Poor Yorick. I knew him well.
[Commentary, Hamlet, Act V, Scene 1: Hamlet famously realizes that man's accomplishments are transitory (fleeting) and holding the skull of Yorick, a childhood jester he remembers from his youth, creates the famous scene about man's insignificance and inability to control his fate following death. It seems ironicly appropriate.]

 

[fred]

I've got a few retired solders in the dresser drawer as well....

 

[pilgrim]

i'm reading how these pipes are coated with bees wax and the smoker can periodically apply some, for shine mostly i think.....would a goodly amount melted down into the crack do any good at all?