drilling in shank off center

[alexnc]

Have a basic Q

I have a 2nd Rattray arrived today where the drilling in the shank where it meets the mortise is not in the center of the shank but rather towards the top, on the outer edge of but completely within the diameter of the filter compartment. The other Rattray I have is like this and smokes quite well. Is it supposed to be in the center? Or is this a defect? I know it will smoke fine from the other Rattray - or is it intentional? A 9mm filter would leave a gap between the end of the filter and the bottom of the mortise, so I can't see how it should be considered a huge flaw. But would like to know before I fire it up.... and it's itching to be loaded!

 

[mikestanley]

It's a filter pipe? Passing a pipe cleaner isn't really an issue. As long as the draft hole is at the bottom of the bowl or the shank wall isn't fragile, it likely won't be an issue IMHO.

Mike S.

 

[yaddy306]

Is it a bent pipe?

The offset may be on purpose.
See Walt Cannoy's diagrams in this thread.
"The draft hole must be drilled at a different angle than the mortise to achieve this bend in the shank. This can be done a couple of different ways, depending on the makers approach to the problem.
The first option, seen in many factory pipes, and some handmade pipes, is to drill the airway high in the mortise floor, leaving a small gap between the end of the tenon and the mortise floor for the smoke to travel through:"

 

[alexnc]

Thanks Yaddy, It's a bent pipe - and that looks exactly like what I've got. I'm used to straight pipes, so I wasn't used to seeing it. It's a filter pipe and will still fit a 9mm balsa without trimming even though they're 1/8" longer than a regular 9mm. So - ready for fire!
I do note that the draw is not quite as open as my straight pipes. I'm used to straight 9mm pipes with a balsa. Does the diameter of the drilling vary with the shapes?