When I first started smoking Peterson pipes, I noticed that draught hole exit in the mortise was higher than the dead center. I thought that was odd. But the pipe smoked just fine. No gurgling, no moisture issue. Then I heard people complaining about Peterson pipe not passing pipe cleaner test. I thought maybe there's an issue. But didn't bother me much, I always break down my pipes mid-smoke to wipe out possible moisture in the mortise. Then I started smoking System pipes and I found out the reason for the off center drilling. There are few possible answers, but I do not know if any of them are by design, or it's just me seeing the benefit.
1) With draught hole exit drilled higher in mortise, you'll have less chance of moisture from stem going into chamber. 2) Peterson craftsmen are instructed to drill draught hole like System pipes. 3) Peterson craftsmen are so used to working in System pipes, or don't know how else to drill draught hole.
If you look at the diagram below of a System pipe, you will notice that, at least in System pipes, exit is drilled higher by design. This along with other features are in place to give a smoker drier smoke.
Draught hole in fully bent Peterson pipes are all drilled like System pipes. Other less bent pipes are also drilled higher than the center. Most any bent Peterson pipes will not pass pipe cleaner test, but that really doesn't say much other than you don't want to break you pipe down as often as I do.
Since the last change of ownership of Peterson, I noticed the draught hole more towards the center, and some of the pipes having shallower mortise. Not sure what's going on. Maybe just few pipes with different drilling or the owners are listening to pipe cleaner test connoisseurs.
1) With draught hole exit drilled higher in mortise, you'll have less chance of moisture from stem going into chamber. 2) Peterson craftsmen are instructed to drill draught hole like System pipes. 3) Peterson craftsmen are so used to working in System pipes, or don't know how else to drill draught hole.
If you look at the diagram below of a System pipe, you will notice that, at least in System pipes, exit is drilled higher by design. This along with other features are in place to give a smoker drier smoke.
Draught hole in fully bent Peterson pipes are all drilled like System pipes. Other less bent pipes are also drilled higher than the center. Most any bent Peterson pipes will not pass pipe cleaner test, but that really doesn't say much other than you don't want to break you pipe down as often as I do.
Since the last change of ownership of Peterson, I noticed the draught hole more towards the center, and some of the pipes having shallower mortise. Not sure what's going on. Maybe just few pipes with different drilling or the owners are listening to pipe cleaner test connoisseurs.