Extreme Example; Porosity, Pinholes, Cracks
This is a picture of my hand made Barontini ½ Spigot bent billiard when new. It is a good smoking pipe that I enjoy. Unfortunately, the bowl gets too hot to touch as in 2nd degree steam burn hot, like holding your hand over a teapot spigot when boiling water. It can be easily held by the shank or bottom of bowl.
I wanted to see how bad the problem was after reading this excellent article from Reborn Pipes which I recommend to all:
Filling in cracks and holes with briar dust and super glue – rebornpipes - https://rebornpipes.com/tag/filling-in-cracks-and-holes-with-briar-dust-and-super-glue/
The original shellac bubbled so I sanded it off to natural briar which I then waxed with Renaissance wax. I continue to regularly smoke this pipe.
As an experiment to see how bad the problem was, I covered the pipe with Elmer’s Carpenter’s Glue which is water soluable and easily removed with a wet cloth so I didn’t ruin the pipe(!).
As you can see below the porosity, pinholes and possible cracks in the very fine grain is extreme.
I don’t have any briar dust handy for the repair suggested in the article above but I could possibly buy a block of briar for under $10 plus shipping if I am sufficiently motivated. I could send the pipe out for repair but even though I paid full price I don’t think it’s worth it. I could also use DAP wood putty which is the second most popular repair recommendation. Or I could do nothing. I am pondering my next move. For those who say throw it out - I enjoy smoking this pipe which is a good smoker. The tobacco and smoking experience are not effected.
I am curious though. Has anyone else dealt with this problem successfully ?
Does anyone have a recommendation for repair that can be done with common or easily obtainable household items. Finally, No, I am not going to cut it in half.
Thank you in advance for constructive or at least funny comments. Health and happiness to all.
Wherever you see a bubble in the glue is probably a pinhole or crack:
This is a picture of my hand made Barontini ½ Spigot bent billiard when new. It is a good smoking pipe that I enjoy. Unfortunately, the bowl gets too hot to touch as in 2nd degree steam burn hot, like holding your hand over a teapot spigot when boiling water. It can be easily held by the shank or bottom of bowl.
I wanted to see how bad the problem was after reading this excellent article from Reborn Pipes which I recommend to all:
Filling in cracks and holes with briar dust and super glue – rebornpipes - https://rebornpipes.com/tag/filling-in-cracks-and-holes-with-briar-dust-and-super-glue/
The original shellac bubbled so I sanded it off to natural briar which I then waxed with Renaissance wax. I continue to regularly smoke this pipe.
As an experiment to see how bad the problem was, I covered the pipe with Elmer’s Carpenter’s Glue which is water soluable and easily removed with a wet cloth so I didn’t ruin the pipe(!).
As you can see below the porosity, pinholes and possible cracks in the very fine grain is extreme.
I don’t have any briar dust handy for the repair suggested in the article above but I could possibly buy a block of briar for under $10 plus shipping if I am sufficiently motivated. I could send the pipe out for repair but even though I paid full price I don’t think it’s worth it. I could also use DAP wood putty which is the second most popular repair recommendation. Or I could do nothing. I am pondering my next move. For those who say throw it out - I enjoy smoking this pipe which is a good smoker. The tobacco and smoking experience are not effected.
I am curious though. Has anyone else dealt with this problem successfully ?
Does anyone have a recommendation for repair that can be done with common or easily obtainable household items. Finally, No, I am not going to cut it in half.
Thank you in advance for constructive or at least funny comments. Health and happiness to all.
Wherever you see a bubble in the glue is probably a pinhole or crack:
