Cumberland Stem And Everclear

[monty55]

I've been using everclear to clean most everthing pipe related that requires alcohol. I also occasionally rub my stem down with a q-tip dipped in everclear to get "stuff" off that wouldn't otherwise come off before waxing the stem. I have had no problem on any acrylic or vulcanite/ebonite stems up till now.
I just received my first Dunhill! A 1999 Cumberland Churchwarden, which of course has a cumberland stem. I was using the everclear on a q-tip to give it a once over. On the underside of the stem I started to notice it was hazing over, and worse yet I was getting the odor of burnt rubber, which of course if the vulcanite rubber. I immediately ran in and rinsed the stem off with water. I dried it off for inspection and sure enough a good portion of the bottom was hazed over. I applied two coats of Paragon wax and it is almost unnoticeable now. But now I am very perplexed at this event. Has anyone else experienced this reaction with everclear and a Dunhill cumberland stem?

 

[ejames]

Weird! I've never had any problems with alcohol on any Cumberland stem. Alcohol can remove wax or skin oils but I've never seen any damage on a Cumberland or black Vulcanite from using alcohol to clean. Maybe you just removed waxed the seller had used on the stem that needed buffing before it was waxed. Rubbing the Q-tip on it might have generated enough heat to cause the burning rubber smell. Personally I wouldn't use the Q-tip. Even though it's cotton, with enough pressure they can leave tiny scratches. I sometimes use alcohol on a soft cotton cloth to clean a stem or lukewarm water and mild soap on a soft cloth.Even then the finish may be dull and need waxing and/or buffing.

Alcohol can it seems make oxidation more visible if it's there.

 

[dottiewarden]

I feel for ya monty55. Geez what a sense of desperation as you try to improve the prized Dunny, it all starts to get out of control. Good thing you noticed before it was too late.

Alcohol can it seems make oxidation more visible if it's there.

@ejames
Thanks for the tip!

 

[monty55]

ejames I think you hit the nail on the head. I believe there was oxidation there on the underside that the seller covered up with wax. As I applied the everclear it removed the wax and exposed the oxidation. The Paragon simply hid it again. Looks like my cumberland stem needs a little more serious attention.
Thanks again james, appreciate the input to help me solve this puzzle.

 

[ejames]

You're quite welcome!!

 

[ssjones]

Interesting, it seems you found the answer.

 

[ejames]

One thing I should have mentioned is that cold water will also make oxidation show up.Doesn't cause the oxidation,just makes it more visible. That is one reason I like to wet sand stems, the water helps me see when the oxidation is totally gone, and I want it totally gone.
On the other hand if you want to turn your vulcanite stem greenish brown,place it in some boiling water. With most vulcanite stems you'll get instant oxidation.

 

[pipedreamer]

Have someone buff the stem out for you.