CRACKS ON BAMBOO PIPE SHAFTS

[babalooie]

I've seen a few bamboo shaft estate pipes with small cracks parallel to the circumference of the bamboo. I'm guessing they're from the bamboo drying out, instead of stress cracks. Do these cracks affect the function of the pipe? Do they affect value?

 

[clickklick]

They don't effect smoking qualities. Some bamboo naturally has these and some makers like to stain the bamboo dark. It can effect resale value depending on the buyer. Generally speaking, I'd have no issues with them.

 

[literaryworkshop]

Being a natural product, that's pretty typical of bamboo. As long as they don't go all the way through to the draft hole, you should be okay. To check for an air leak, plug the bowl with something (your thumb, a cork) and blow into the pipe. If there's an air leak from one of the cracks, you should be able to feel it with a finger, and maybe even hear it.

 

[tbradsim1]

I read where circumference cracks are not to be worried with, horizontal cracks yes.

 

[lestrout]

Aren't some bamboo shanks reinforced with a metal tube? Those showing cracks would then be more of a cosmetic than structural issue.
hp

les

 

[bluesmk]

"I read where circumference cracks are not to be worried with, horizontal cracks yes."

Absolutely right Bradly. That is only the skin of the bamboo. The fiberous tubuels under it run in the opposite direction,there's where it's strength lies. I rather like old bamboo that has aged well and taken on this look.

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes ::

 

[bluesmk]

I hope this pic is sized properly. You are talking about these kind of cracks,as in the top shot:

Love me some aged bamboo like this.

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes ::

 

[bluesmk]

Babalooie,

To answer your original question,it's purely aesthetics. It does not affect the funtioning of the pipe.

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes ::

 

[ming]

bluesmk has posted a perfect photo. I find that cracks like that add character to a pipe. When I go through my pile of bamboo looking for the right piece to make a tamper I sometimes am even looking for some of those cracks to be present to add visual interest. It's obviously not a functional issue with a tamper, but, I have also never found it to be one with a pipe.