Filters and Pipe Cleaners

[Manawydan]

I've seen videos on YT of 'wet smokers' who use filters (like Savinelli's balsa system), and also say they use one or more pipe cleaners during the smoke. Am I correct in assuming that they are just running the cleaner down the stem? I wouldn't imagine they would be taking the pipe apart mid-smoke (and while hot) to get the dottle at the bottom of the bowl...

 

[AJL67]

Yes no harm in running a cleaner down the stem now and then, i do it all the time. There are no rules it'a ANARCHY!!!

 

[Manawydan]

Yes no harm in running a cleaner down the stem now and then, i do it all the time. There are no rules it'a ANARCHY!!!

Thanks for confirming -- just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious.

 

[AJL67]

The least little gurgle really bugs me, probably so little most people wouldn't notice, so i def hit the stem with a cleaner, then after hitting it and telling it "bad stem!" i run it through. The nice thing is you just leave the cleaner on the side and it dries out a bit as you smoke and keep reusing it so it's not a new cleaner every time.

 

[Manawydan]

The least little gurgle really bugs me, probably so little most people wouldn't notice, so i def hit the stem with a cleaner, then after hitting it and telling it "bad stem!" i run it through. The nice thing is you just leave the cleaner on the side and it dries out a bit as you smoke and keep reusing it so it's not a new cleaner every time.

And you use a filter?

 

[PaulDM]

I use a pipe cleaner even with a filter pipe. I put it gently in the stem just until it hits the filter - keeps the front of the stem nice and dry,

 

[Manawydan]

I use a pipe cleaner even with a filter pipe. I put it gently in the stem just until it hits the filter - keeps the front of the stem nice and dry,

That makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Sigmund]

With 9mm filters the stem always stays dry for me. I run a cleaner through when I take the pipe apart but a cleaner lasts a long time since the stem stays pretty clean. I use bristle cleaners on the stummel.

In my limited experience Ive found balsa filters to not be that absorbent.

 

[Manawydan]

With 9mm filters the stem always stays dry for me. I run a cleaner through when I take the pipe apart but a cleaner lasts a long time since the stem stays pretty clean. I use bristle cleaners on the stummel.

In my limited experience Ive found balsa filters to not be that absorbent.

I use 6mm balsa filters in my Sav. They always come out quite damp after a bowl for me, so are definitely absorbing some. But I also think they just plain block moisture from traveling past. Either way I have been happy with the results.

 

[Briarcutter]

I don't use filters but I do use plenty of pipe cleaners. I'm not a wet smoker but they seem to improve the taste.

 

[Michigan_Bill]

Filters keep the stem dry (usually!). If there is no filter, a pipe cleaner does the trick. Also if a bit of tobacco gets stuck in the airway and affects the draw, ditto.

 

[PiperCalvinist]

I use 6mm balsa filters in my Sav. They always come out quite damp after a bowl for me, so are definitely absorbing some. But I also think they just plain block moisture from traveling past. Either way I have been happy with the results.

Me too! I’ve only used the Savinelli balsa filters and they have kept me from tongue bite and from any wet gurgling. The only pipe I’ve experienced gurgling from is my only non-filtered pipe, and I’ve experienced it every time I’ve used it. So the balsa has effectively dealt well with wet smoking. I like that because I don’t have to monkey around with pipe cleaners until after I smoke. I am buying some charcoal filters to try them out, but I have been pleased with the balsa thus far.

 

[AJL67]

And you use a filter?

Mostly i smoke meerschaum non-filtered pipes now but yes i do/did it even with filtered pipes, there is no right or wrong way just your way.

 

[Hillcrest]

Don't forget to dry your tobacco before smoking it ... fresher tobacco is more moist and creates more condensation. As tobacco burns it draws some moisture from the air added to fresh tobacco this can create a wet smoke. With practice you can limit excess moisture by drying the tobacco in a drying tray (or coffee filter or cupcake liner) for sometime. The taste improves as well. Military stems can be broken down during the smoke for cleaner swiping without damage to the pipe. The Balsa filters filter 88% of the tar and nicotine per 2 university lab studies ... its on the Savinelli website. Charcoal filters are reputed to filter 90-95%. Vauen invented the charcoal filter. As @AJL67 there are only a few hard and fast rules ... do what you need to create your good smoke.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've not had the issue and only use pipe cleaners on the stem, airway, and chamber after breaking down the pipe immediately after smoking.

 

[Manawydan]

Me too! I’ve only used the Savinelli balsa filters and they have kept me from tongue bite and from any wet gurgling. The only pipe I’ve experienced gurgling from is my only non-filtered pipe, and I’ve experienced it every time I’ve used it. So the balsa has effectively dealt well with wet smoking. I like that because I don’t have to monkey around with pipe cleaners until after I smoke. I am buying some charcoal filters to try them out, but I have been pleased with the balsa thus far.

I also bought some of the charcoal filters, but have had such good results with the balsa it's hard to switch in the moment for a test.

 

[Manawydan]

Don't forget to dry your tobacco before smoking it ... fresher tobacco is more moist and creates more condensation. As tobacco burns it draws some moisture from the air added to fresh tobacco this can create a wet smoke. With practice you can limit excess moisture by drying the tobacco in a drying tray (or coffee filter or cupcake liner) for sometime. The taste improves as well. Military stems can be broken down during the smoke for cleaner swiping without damage to the pipe. The Balsa filters filter 88% of the tar and nicotine per 2 university lab studies ... its on the Savinelli website. Charcoal filters are reputed to filter 90-95%. Vauen invented the charcoal filter. As @AJL67 there are only a few hard and fast rules ... do what you need to create your good smoke.

Thanks for the information on filter effectiveness -- I didn't know that. And a very good reminder about drying tobacco before use. That's something I often forget in the heat of the moment.

 

[BingBong]

I only use pipe cleaners during a smoke in polite company indoors. Outdoors, I'm an absolute brute, put my thumb over the bowl and flick the unwanted juices out upon the stony ground - a bit like a tomcat marking territory, I suppose.

 

[AJL67]

I only use pipe cleaners during a smoke in polite company indoors. Outdoors, I'm an absolute brute, put my thumb over the bowl and flick the unwanted juices out upon the stony ground - a bit like a tomcat marking territory, I suppose.

If there is enough spit, liquid, whatever, in the stem to "shake the juices out" i'm done. LOL

 

[BingBong]

If there is enough spit, liquid, whatever, in the stem to "shake the juices out" i'm done. LOL

Ah, I don't use filters either. Nor dry my tobacco more that a few minutes, if that. Might take to wearing an eyepatch and enunciating "yarrrr!" on days other than 17th September, at this rate ;-)