Fitting?

[scottyb]

Yea back for another question for the bunch. I've noticed over the last two days the fitting between the stem and shank/bowl (still learning the terminology) is loosening up. Now I'm noticing a little wiggle. Is this expected due to wear? Seems a little quick for just picking up this hobby. Ive read it's better to have a couple of pipes to rotate so they rest. Hoping my new one comes tomorrow. Could this be due from not resting? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[baronsamedi]

Put a little beeswax on the stem and see if that helps first. If that fails, there are a couple of tricks for widening the diameter of the stem by heating it.

 

[scottyb]

Thanks I'll give it a go.

 

[sirsmokesalot]

You didn't try and take it apart while the pipe was still hot from smoking did you?

If so, the briar itself could have cracked. A hair line crack can go unnoticed and be the

cause of the problem. If that is the case...It can be fixed with a metal band if the pipe

is worth putting the money into. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[nsfisher]

ya mate, if ur only smokin one pipe it will wear between tenon and shank, dont take it apart while still warm. pipe is not gittin chance to dry out mate. I know u gotta do what u gotta do but i remember i use to make alot of pipes loose when i first started cause i only had one at a time. pipe would last me only bout 4 months then it got loose an sloppy from taking it apart while warm and cleanin it

 

[scottyb]

Ah I see. I have taken it apart while it was warm. Lesson learned. Thanks!

 

[nsfisher]

we live, we learn, we smoke. if ya got a magnifyin glass. put ur pipe together and examine the shank very closely. Ill lay u dollars to doughnuts that u will see a tiny scratch-like mark on it somewhere within the first inch from where the stem bumps the shank. that would be ur tiny hairline crack.

 

[scottyb]

Yea I'll do that. Glad I learned this now then on a more expensive piece.

 

[smokindawg]

I always wait too take mine apart till it's cooled for a while. One good reason, amoung many, why a person should have more than one pipe.
Leaving it set a day, even smoking it a few times before removing the stem won't hurt the pipe. Especially if you run a cleaner thru it between smokes, without removing the stem.