Filing Stem to be Thinner

[verporchting]

Any suggestions for files or sandpaper grits for thinning the bite zone in an acrylic stem?

What grit to begin with and how to gradually thin it up a bit?

I’m willing to experiment and if I jack it up it’s not a big deal. Inexpensive Ropp pipe that I actually like but the bite zone and button is just annoying me with the jumbo thickness.

Any input appreciated.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I start with a flat file made “safe” on one edge, so as not to eat into the button. Once I have it pretty close (slightly oversized), I start with sandpaper. The progression I use is 80 to 120 to 220 to 400 to 800, then micromesh pads (I forget their grits), then a gentle buffing on the buffer with pink no-scratch (be careful, acrylic will melt).

 

[coming to_falling too]

What kind of Ropp is it? I didn't know they made any with acrylic stems

 

[LotusEater]

Any suggestions for files or sandpaper grits for thinning the bite zone in an acrylic stem?

What grit to begin with and how to gradually thin it up a bit?

I’m willing to experiment and if I jack it up it’s not a big deal. Inexpensive Ropp pipe that I actually like but the bite zone and button is just annoying me with the jumbo thickness.

Any input appreciated.

Great question- I have been thinking of asking this question for a while but haven’t gotten around to it.
And thanks Country Bladesmith for the guidance.

 

[verporchting]

I start with a flat file made “safe” on one edge, so as not to eat into the button. Once I have it pretty close (slightly oversized), I start with sandpaper. The progression I use is 80 to 120 to 220 to 400 to 800, then micromesh pads (I forget their grits), then a gentle buffing on the buffer with pink no-scratch (be careful, acrylic will melt).

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

 

[verporchting]

What kind of Ropp is it? I didn't know they made any with acrylic stems

I misspoke, meant to say Rossi. Great pipe but the bite zone and button are just too thick for my preference so I figured it would be a good project since the total investment is about $40.

 

[sasquatch]

Yup, safe edge file, then a progression of sandpaper, I start with 240 on acrylic, and it smooths out fast, then 320, 400 or 500, and by then it should be looking pretty good. If you have a buffing set up, you can move to tripoli after 400 on acrylic. If you are using micro mesh, just carry through the series.

 

[coming to_falling too]

I misspoke, meant to say Rossi. Great pipe but the bite zone and button are just too thick for my preference so I figured it would be a good project since the total investment is about $40.

Right on. I have a Rossi Notte lovat that has a surprisingly thin saddle stem and a nice button. Its acrylic as well. Rossi makes a pretty decent budget pipe.

 

[ray47]

I used a Dremel tool with a grinding attachment to file down my acyclic bits.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Use the grit progression that @sasquatch stated first. It’s less aggressive than what I suggested. If the 240 doesn’t get the file marks out, then you can dip down to a lower grit.

 

[mso489]

I have only one pipe on which I'd like a slimmer stem at the bit, but it is handmade by a master, so I have accustomed to it.

 

[sasquatch]

Most "Masters" hit 4.0 mm as a maximum, and many shoot for a good deal less. There are a few notoriously bad stem makers out there, but only a few.