Crackling Noise...

[reepicheep]

I was lighting my pipe just now trying a new blend. As the match hit the tobacco it seemed to make a slight crackling noise. I had never noticed it before, is this something that happens, or is it a sign the tobacco is too moist?

 

[shutterbug]

Or it could be the exact opposite too... think of tinder crackling... the tobacco could be extremely dry.

 

[reepicheep]

I think it is too moist. I just opened a brand new tin and I thought it might be a little on the moist side but didnt think much about it. But so far it has smoked well. Trying a new blend and so far I'm quit pleased.

 

[cavendish]

roth and shutterbug hit on the head there.
What blend is it that you are smoking that's so wet? I found Lane and Altadis blends tend to be quite wet. Also Captain Black and MacB's are quite damp as well now that I think of it.

 

[bphilli75]

I get the crackle with 1Q pretty regularly.

 

[smeigs]

if your pipe is gurgling then it is too moist. Just run a pipe cleaner through it every now and then while you are smoking and it will take some of the moisture out of it.

 

[reepicheep]

The blend was Sutliff Private Stock Kentucky Planter. I think that is a branch of Altadas but I'm not sure. It was a very plesent smoke and I had no problems, it stayed lit well and burned clean. I did notice when I cleaned my pipe the balsa filter was a little more wet than normal. I guess too moist was the issue.

I must add I really liked the blend.

 

[cavendish]

Next time you want to have a bowl take a little tobacco out and let it dry for 20mins or so and see how that fares for the next smoke. I do the same thing when I first get a new tin. I have a bowl straight from the tin to see how much it needs to be dried and I go from there. Just a bowl at a time though b/c you don't want to take the entire tin and end up drying it too much and then have to rehydrate (its a PITA and it takes away from a good smoke).
I haven't tried the blend you speak of but there are alot on my bucket list (approx 220 so far). Have fun mate, and remember, trying new things is the joy of this hobby. Happy puffin' ::

 

[reepicheep]

Thanks Cavendish, I'll try that.

 

[joeyhodson]

I found the same as smeigs, Since I've been cleaning it between every smoke or every other, the crackling has gone down.