Four Dirty Old Pipes Made Pretty Again

[logandow]

any pics of them before you restored them?

 

[rigmedic1]

I need to try that oxyclean. The stem on my Voageur is too oxidized for simple cosmedic treatment. That is some fine work!

 

[ssjones]

I really like that Blakemar, it sure looks like it would be a nice smoker, so I'm not surprised. Restoring a pipe is a great feeling, congratulations! I have a decent buffer setup, but still use the micromesh for the stems, than buff with plastic polish on the wheel. Sometimes handwork is still yields the best results. I do think the buff with the plastic polish does sort of "seal" the vulcanite and keeps the stem from oxidizing as fast.

 

[stryder]

Scotrob,

Personal experience a soft cotton buffing wheel (yellow are firm) and some green polish compound light pressure and stem will look great Working lightly and slowly can even remove bite marks. Then buff with another wheel having carnauba wax only on it (do not mix compounds on wheels), wipe with olive oil = brand new looking stem in about 3 minutes.

I am going to try some micro mesh on the bowls to see if I can get a better base shine then use my carnauba wheel to finish.

I am new to cleaning up pipes. I am looking for something to remove tar stains from inside clear stems....any thoughts anybody?

 

[matchstickman]

I am looking for something to remove tar stains from inside clear stems....any thoughts anybody

Olderthandirt recommended dripping hydrogen peroxide inside the stem and leaving it there overnight. He said it seems to work pretty well though I have not tried it yet. I have also been told that you can treat those acrylic/lucite stems the same as a vulcanite stem and clean it out with a cleaner dipped in alcohol.

 

[spyder71]

Very nice. Gratifying work huh