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LudwigB88

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 4, 2023
277
428
Otherwise, you are not going to get uniform burn. You need some contact between the tobacco flakes/ribbons. Again, I’m NOT saying a bunched up plug.
 

LudwigB88

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 4, 2023
277
428
If you have air pockets your tendency is going to be to over-tamp, and then you WILL surely get clumps and overpacking.
 
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Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
46,091
123,610
If you have air pockets your tendency is going to be to over-tamp, and then you WILL surely get clumps and overpacking.
It's the technique I've used for ribbons for a long time now. Either a light touch with a finger, capping the chamber with fingers, or tapping the heel on my palm is all of the correcting necessary. Not had any clumping issues or need of relight unless intentionally extinguishing the ember.
 

LudwigB88

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 4, 2023
277
428
If it works keep doing it. I was just sharing. There’s no need to change what works for you. Everybody has their own unique journey. That’s what’s great about the hobby. Happy piping !!
 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
46,091
123,610
If it works keep doing it. I was just sharing. There’s no need to change what works for you. Everybody has their own unique journey.
Exactly


Everyone eventually finds their own way. New smokers at least have the benefit of the internet. Many of us worked it out by trial and error long before the internet was a reality.
 
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Sigmund

Lifer
Sep 17, 2023
3,681
36,496
France
I thought my pipes were too big. Then I stopped over packing. I recently spoke with Mr Frank of the Frank method. Interestingly enough his full method involves meer chips. He didn’t include it in his earlier videos do to thinking not everyone could get them.

He fills the bowl half with chips then does his light filled method.

Now I dont do it exactly like he does typically I fill one third. This gives more airflow and you never get bottom of bowl muddy taste. I am careful to lightly compress (I think the word tamp confuses people) around the edges as I progress through the bowl. It seems to work well if Im patient enough to dry my tobacco enough.
 

OzPiper

Lifer
Nov 30, 2020
7,153
39,346
72
Sydney, Australia
I recently spoke with Mr Frank of the Frank method. Interestingly enough his full method involves meer chips. He didn’t include it in his earlier videos do to thinking not everyone could get them.

He fills the bowl half with chips then does his light filled method.

Now I dont do it exactly like he does typically I fill one third. This gives more airflow and you never get bottom of bowl muddy taste.
I have been using meerschaum chips or Nording Keystones for a while.
Typically I use anything from 4-6 depending on their size.
They absorb most of the moisture
And also create an air pocket under the tobacco.
Reduces Dottie and results in a much better smoke all round

Blo….dy autocorrect
That should be dottle
 
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OzPiper

Lifer
Nov 30, 2020
7,153
39,346
72
Sydney, Australia
I have been using meerschaum chips or Nording Keystones for a while.
Typically I use anything from 4-6 depending on their size.
They absorb most of the moisture
And also create an air pocket under the tobacco.
Reduces Dottie and results in a much better smoke all round

Blo….dy autocorrect
That should be dottle. :mad:
 

makhorkasmoker

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 17, 2021
808
2,100
Central Florida
I find gravity works well for flakes and plugs. But not so well for ribbon and shag. The latter, for me, needs tighter packing, lest it go up like so much tinder.
I agree.

If I am smoking a ribbon that’s even lightly cased/topped or pg’d, I will do something close to a gravity fill—and it’s great.

Far more often I’m smoking a dry, unadulterated ribbon by c&d—dark burley is my fave. I much prefer this with a fairly tight pack. Same for some of my favorite shags: 5 bros, dark birdseye, Kendal Kentucky . The tight pack slows the burn, improves flavor, and makes things better all around
 

senpai

Lurker
Nov 26, 2023
33
110
I definitely agree that a loosely loaded pipe smokes better. There's a balance to strike, but I used the three step method for years, and it started to hurt my neck from the amount of sucking on the pipe I was doing to draw.

Learning to losely load the pipe changed my pipe smoking experience.
 

Briarcutter

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 17, 2023
817
4,949
U.S.A.
Pipe smoking isn't rocket science, it just takes time to learn what you like. I can't even explain how I load a pipe. All I know, from experience, is how I like the draw. I fill it and before every light, I draw on the pipe. If it's tighter than I like, a pipe cleaner usually clears it, if not I empty and re-fill. Too tight a draw is a miserable experience. It just takes time.
 

LudwigB88

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 4, 2023
277
428
I definitely agree that a loosely loaded pipe smokes better. There's a balance to strike, but I used the three step method for years, and it started to hurt my neck from the amount of sucking on the pipe I was doing to draw.

Learning to losely load the pipe changed my pipe smoking experience.
Yes ! That was my experience, and exactly why I posted originally. Take care buddy ! But it seems like some people have great luck with that method. Just not us.
 

LudwigB88

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 4, 2023
277
428
I have been using meerschaum chips or Nording Keystones for a while.
Typically I use anything from 4-6 depending on their size.
They absorb most of the moisture
And also create an air pocket under the tobacco.
Reduces Dottie and results in a much better smoke all round

Blo….dy autocorrect
That should be dottle
Interesting. I never knew about those products.