First Pipe Restorations

[AlabamaDan]

I know I’m new here, but I thought I’d share my excitement. I’m new to the hobby and want to start restoring pipes. I inherited a set from grandfathers that I want to restore. Before I touch those I decided I would learn on some eBay pipes. This is my first set to restore. Not sure if they are diamonds in the rough or just average pipes.

I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos on pipe restoration. I’ve never even touched a pipe before! Wish me luck.

 

[diamondback]

Good luck!

I’m on the exact same track: learning how to restore. Not looking to be a pro or anything, just want to be able to find that diamond in the rough and know I can spiff it up.

Please keep us updated!

 

[cshubhra]

All the best an keep us posted!!!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Oh, ho! You got lucky with those. Looks to be short work to shine those up.?You're starting with mostly black stems so you're already ahead of the game. The rims just look like tar and nicotine build up. Saliva and a paper towel makes short work of that.



On stems, never underestimate the power of a Magic Eraser, Barkeeper's Friend and toothpaste.?



Nowadays I just use a lighter and a wet paper towel on stems.



Good luck and have fun! Restorations are addictive!

 

[mso489]

Bring 'em back and pretty them up and they'll go another fifty years. Nice job on those stems.

 

[Saintwilliam]

It can be a dirty job when you get some really nasty internals but it is so satisfying to take a draw on a pipe that used to be nasty looking not taste a darn thing! They just beg to be smoked.

One of the best tools I bought for the job were these nylon straw cleaners for the internals. You just dip them in Isopropyl alcohol and when they are totally caked with crud scrub them against each other in a container of diluted IPA and go back at it. 5pcs Nylon Straw Cleaners cleaning Brush for Drinking pipe stainless steel by GAOHOU: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen - https://www.amazon.ca/Cleaners-cleaning-Drinking-stainless-GAOHOU/dp/B00HF2W33S

You will save so many pipe cleaners its ridiculous. I really only use my pipe cleaners now to see if the airway is clean.

Also an LED penlight to stick in the bowl and peer down the draft hole will tell you how much crud there is left as well.

enjoy! It's a lot of fun

 

[diamondback]

It can be a dirty job when you get some really nasty internals but it is so satisfying to take a draw on a pipe that used to be nasty looking not taste a darn thing! They just beg to be smoked.

One of the best tools I bought for the job were these nylon straw cleaners for the internals. You just dip them in Isopropyl alcohol and when they are totally caked with crud scrub them against each other in a container of diluted IPA and go back at it. 5pcs Nylon Straw Cleaners cleaning Brush for Drinking pipe stainless steel by GAOHOU: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen - https://www.amazon.ca/Cleaners-cleaning-Drinking-stainless-GAOHOU/dp/B00HF2W33S

You will save so many pipe cleaners its ridiculous. I really only use my pipe cleaners now to see if the airway is clean.

Also an LED penlight to stick in the bowl and peer down the draft hole will tell you how much crud there is left as well.

enjoy! It's a lot of fun

I have essentially the same set of those little brushes. They do work a treat on a deep clean!

 

[Chasing Embers]

One of the best tools I bought for the job were these nylon straw cleaners for the internals.

I have essentially the same set of those little brushes.

I use the ones made for baby bottles.

 

[f5rd2hy]

Nice work.

 

[mikethompson]

You've come to the right place! Lots of good folks on this forum have helped me out when I was starting.

More important than fancy tools, or tricks, or what was works, is to have patience. A slow and steady hand will serve you well.

 

[acidpox]

Keep us updated on the progress. Be careful, restoring pipes can be addictive. I'm always on the lookout for a cheap pipe to restore.

 

[scloyd]

I've cleaned up a few cheap pipes from antique shops. It can be addicting. Keep us updated and have fun.

 

[Saintwilliam]

You've come to the right place! Lots of good folks on this forum have helped me out when I was starting.

More important than fancy tools, or tricks, or what was works, is to have patience. A slow and steady hand will serve you well.

This is so true, it takes longer than I think it will each time. Especially the stem because you can't apply too much pressure or you will change its shape. Light pressure and for a long and careful time.

 

[donjgiles]

Especially the stem

One of the most critical areas is where the stem meets the shank. Pay close attention to NOT round off the corners and change the shape in that area.