Draft Hole on My New Classic Vauen

[crazyhog]

Hi,
I decided to take a closer look at my New Classic Vauen. I used a flashlight this time. It looks to me like the draft hole is ever so slightly off center and possibly low. Slightly to the right in pics. draws very well dry, but I wonder if I'll have issues when smoking. It's a 9mm pipe, so Im not concerned about a little moisture. I still have around 2 weeks to return it. I do like the pipe otherwise. What do you think? Thanks

 

[Briarcutter]

I think it's not a problem. But if it bothers you send it back.

 

[anotherbob]

it's fine. Seriously it will make no difference in smoking at all. Short or long term.

 

[Hillcrest]

Hi,
I decided to take a closer look at my New Classic Vauen. I used a flashlight this time. It looks to me like the draft hole is ever so slightly off center and possibly low. Slightly to the right in pics. draws very well dry, but I wonder if I'll have issues when smoking. It's a 9mm pipe, so Im not concerned about a little moisture. I still have around 2 weeks to return it. I do like the pipe otherwise. What do you think? ThanksView attachment 405044View attachment 405043

You have to do what makes you comfortable. However, My Vauen Olaf 4873 bent egg is exactly the same and I l smoke it every day and it is one of my favorite pipes. That hole is as close to bottom as possible and directly in line with dead center and causes the tobacco to burn evenly all the way down. Mine has a slight channel from hole to dead center which I need to keep clear for airflow. For me, its what makes this my pipe one of my favorites. Run a pipe cleaner through it and you'll see it ends at the center. I like my Petersons but the draft hole is high I often need to relight to finish the tobacco. Just 2 cents as everyone's preference is different.

Edit for P.S. Its one of my driest pipes as well.

 

[xrundog]

I’d have to measure that one. Looks pretty centered to me. That said, a little off on a factory pipe doesn’t bother me. Depends on price point. The more I pay, the pickier I am. But honestly, a slight deviation there won’t make a difference.

 

[crazyhog]

Thanks guys. I did get a 15% off for July 4th promotion. So price was good. I decided to look closer at another Vauen I have, a white dot lovat. I haven't smoked that one either. It draws exactly the same as the classic and while the draft hole is perfectly centered, it's slightly lower. So, no issue with the Classic's being too low. I also did the flashlight test that was mentioned here. Flashlight down the bowl and look through the stem. It looked good to me. Here's my other Vauens draft hole.

 

[The Benedictine]

I wouldn't worry about it. It's not too far off center.

 

[crazyhog]

I’d have to measure that one. Looks pretty centered to me. That said, a little off on a factory pipe doesn’t bother me. Depends on price point. The more I pay, the pickier I am. But honestly, a slight deviation there won’t make a difference.

Thanks, it was just over $100, making it my least expensive briar. It was the last one in stock. I do get a little OCD at times. When she first arrived I did look and I felt it was almost centered and ok with it. Then today, I brought out the flashlight and just kept looking and looking.

 

[dottlejockey]

Looks good to me. Congrats and enjoy the new piece.

 

[crazyhog]

Well, I guess I'll have to keep her. She smoked very well! The drilling made zero difference. I'm so glad I kept her. Thanks everyone!

 

[Pipe_Guard]

Dont worry, it doesnt matter long term.

I just got a Ropp. the draft hole was drilled about 6mm to high. When you look down the shank and pulling the stem. You see the air way is at teh exact TOP of the hole for the stem.

and the tenon hole is deeper then needed. SO when i pull to hard on an empty pipe its an actual WHISTLE. and when it gets smoking wet it becomes "the french gurgler" as seen on late night cable channels.