Filling popped out - is this a problem?

[kg.legat0]

This value-priced pipe came with a pack of Amphora Kentucky blend a couple years back, it has been a great smoker so far ...I never minded the fills at all, but noticed one has popped out. Is this something I should have repaired or should be able to do myself? My initial google investigation did not provide the insight I was looking for. Cheers!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Shouldn't be a problem, just cosmetic. Often just pits in the briar.

 

[kg.legat0]

Shouldn't be a problem, just cosmetic. Often just pits in the briar.

Awesome, thanks for the heads up ...I am a 'if it ain't broke...' type, but wasn't sure if it was on it's way to broke or not hehe -cheers!

 

[verporchting]

Won’t hurt anything. If you like the way it smokes I’d ignore it and keep on keeping on.

I really don’t mind fills on inexpensive pipes (unforgivable on high dollar or premiums pipes IMO though) but would almost rather see the natural pits personally.

 

[kg.legat0]

Won’t hurt anything. If you like the way it smokes I’d ignore it and keep on keeping on.

I really don’t mind fills on inexpensive pipes (unforgivable on high dollar or premiums pipes IMO though) but would almost rather see the natural pits personally.

Totally agree - it's a natural product, I appreciate the 'flaws' ...tho I agree, I would feel different if this was a $125 pipe rather than a $25 pipe (that also came with a pouch of decent tobacco haha)

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Just be mindful, if you do decide to fill it, the common recommendation of briar dust and cyanoacrylate (super glue), the fill will dry very dark, and draw too much attention to the fill. Something light, maybe even plastic wood, that can be matched with regard to stain would be better. Not sure if that fill is big enough to use the cyano fix that it won't look too dark.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Just be mindful, if you do decide to fill it, the common recommendation of briar dust and cyanoacrylate (super glue), the fill will dry very dark, and draw too much attention to the fill. Something light, maybe even plastic wood, that can be matched with regard to stain would be better.

I'd just try a color match with a Crayon for something that small and press it into the pit to fill it then buff it with a paper towel until smooth.

 

[Briar Tuck]

Glad that you posted this question because I just acquired a Master Craft estate pipe with a missing fill and was wondering the same. I assumed it was just cosmetic, and I'll probably just keep it as is, although I really like the Crayon idea as a simple, easy fix.

 

[kg.legat0]

I'd just try a color match with a Crayon for something that small and press it into the pit to fill it then buff it with a paper towel until smooth.

This is a really neat idea for a rainy day, thanks! @Briar Tuck - glad this post was helpful!

 

[mso489]

I think I have four or five pipes with visible fills, but none of them have ever come out, and I'm hoping saying this won't jinx the deal. I have four of the old Iwan Ries house pipes made by Benton, with fills, and these are about 30 years old, and no problem. They look good; you have to pay attention to see the fills. Depending on the brand of pipe, fills often stay in for a lifetime. My point is, with many brands, fills falling out aren't a problem.

 

[Papamique]

I actually prefer a pit to a fill. Just a personal preference but I would rather see a natural blemish like a pit than a fill

 

[kcghost]

Nope, just let it be.

 

[Briar Lee]

This value-priced pipe came with a pack of Amphora Kentucky blend a couple years back, it has been a great smoker so far ...I never minded the fills at all, but noticed one has popped out. Is this something I should have repaired or should be able to do myself? My initial google investigation did not provide the insight I was looking for. Cheers!



View attachment 188960

Every briar pipe from a Dr Grabow to a Dunhill is an old, cured, and preferably aged chunk of burl from the roots of a heath tree that grew on a rocky hillside around the Mediterranean. Sand pits in briar are only cosmetic flaws.

Three quarters of a century ago Lee made absolutely perfect, flawless pipes that cost ten dollars at the time.

Today about thirty dollars buys a survivor that looks like this.



Leave your pipe alone, and buy a Lee to smoke around company, is my advice.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Adds character!

 

[ThermionicScott]

There's a thread on PSD where they're passing around a super-pitted pipe and attempting to burn it out. No luck so far.

 

[kg.legat0]

Leave your pipe alone, and buy a Lee to smoke around company, is my advice.

Lee pipes certainly are lovely - love my Dr. Grabows, too.

 

[reloader]

It shouldn't pose any problems. If you do decide to fill it painter's putty would be a good solution. If you head to a hardware or paint store with your pipe you'll be able to find a color that comes close, or buy a few small jars of the stuff and mix until it matches.

 

[Streeper541]

I had a filling come out a couple weeks ago. The dentist says I need a root canal.
You're pipe doesn't look like it needs that much help, so you should be fine.

 

[Briar Tuck]

I'd just try a color match with a Crayon for something that small and press it into the pit to fill it then buff it with a paper towel until smooth.

I bought some stain pens that came with a set of fill ons and gave this a try on my MasterCraft with the missing fill. It worked great. I just gradually scraped the on across the pit until it built up and was filled in flush, then buffed it. It is much less noticeable now and probably looks as good as the original fill.

 

[kg.legat0]

I bought some stain pens that came with a set of fill ons and gave this a try on my MasterCraft with the missing fill. It worked great. I just gradually scraped the on across the pit until it built up and was filled in flush, then buffed it. It is much less noticeable now and probably looks as good as the original fill.

It's cool to know this option exists - thanks for the heads up!