Frank Method of packing

[3dogpiper]

So I’m not sure if this is normal but I keep reading everything I can and watching the weirdest stuff about pipe smoking. Bought the movie etc. etc. all the stuff. So here comes the question. I found this 3 part video about the “Frank Method”. Loved all but the lighter part. As for Frank Method packing I tried it. Three times. First time it worked so well I broke my pipe. Air flow is almost unobstructed but the bacco never falls out. (Even if you hit it on your hand hard enough to break the stem). Until it’s finished… then it all falls out with ease. All the tries I found I didn’t heat the bowl and I didn’t have to relight. Is this a well known thing? Is there a method that is superior? Am I overthinking all of this?

 

[anotherbob]

if it works for you. I think it's an o.k. way to pack. I find it's very consistent and that is good.

 

[Brewfan]

I use it and find it very consistent for me.

 

[JKoD]

Curiously, why would you need the tobacco to come out if not finished? Didn’t you buy a pipe tool?

 

[kcghost]

Whatever works for you, my friend.

 

[3dogpiper]

Curiously, why would you need the tobacco to come out if not finished? Didn’t you buy a pipe tool?

Yeah but I thought it was almost finished and was trying to try some Prince Albert that was just picked up. It was a bad move. I know. Let’s not labor on that part.

 

[Latakia Dave]

I use the Frank method for ribbon cuts and shags. I use gravity fill for cube cut and fold and stuff for coins

 

[JKoD]

Makes sense. I broke a pipe one time.

Frank method does work pretty well, but I don’t find it works for every blend. It’s like each cut and each blend kind of has its own sweet spot on how it’s packed.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I never use any method other than having the tobacco at the right moisture level, and rapid and smooth loading of the chamber. Scoop, scoop, scoop, press. Add a touch more if needed, press, light.

 

[wordheavy]

If it works keep it up. I just fill the pipe, pack it against my hand, and tamp it under the rim with my finger (very slight pressure). Whatever works.

 

[Brewfan]

I use the Frank method for ribbon cuts and shags. I use gravity fill for cube cut and fold and stuff for coins

Exactly the same here.

 

[3dogpiper]

If it works keep it up. I just fill the pipe, pack it against my hand, and tamp it under the rim with my finger (very slight pressure). Whatever works.

What a beautiful GSD in your avatar… I’m a fan. If I learned anything, it’s do everything with slight pressure ?

 

[wordheavy]

What a beautiful GSD in your avatar… I’m a fan. If I learned anything, it’s do everything with slight pressure ?

They're awesome dogs.

 

[3dogpiper]

I never use any method other than having the tobacco at the right moisture level, and rapid and smooth loading of the chamber. Scoop, scoop, scoop, press. Add a touch more if needed, press, light.

It’s fun foraging for the answers to dialing it in just right. However, the no method may be where i end up too. Still getting a feel for the moisture levels.

 

[3dogpiper]

Makes sense. I broke a pipe one time.

Frank method does work pretty well, but I don’t find it works for every blend. It’s like each cut and each blend kind of has its own sweet spot on how it’s packed.

I broke the first one I ever bought

good note on the blends. Makes me think of all the different coffee gadgets I’ve had through the years for different types of beans.

 

[3dogpiper]

I use the Frank method for ribbon cuts and shags. I use gravity fill for cube cut and fold and stuff for coins

Good note. Thank you Dave.

 

[3dogpiper]

Whatever works for you, my friend.

Amen

 

[Chasing Embers]

Someone named Ernest needs to develop an opposing method so we can have Frank and Ernest packing argument threads.

 

[STP]

I never use any method other than having the tobacco at the right moisture level, and rapid and smooth loading of the chamber. Scoop, scoop, scoop, press. Add a touch more if needed, press, light.

^^^ This. I started out with a pseudo-Frank’s Method, and it later evolved into a scoop… and go method. Maybe I was just lazy, or in a hurry… IDK, but I’ve been using this technique for years w/success.

Whatever works best for you is the best practice?

 

[3dogpiper]

I use it and find it very consistent for me.

Same, thank you. There have been some other ways I packed that are anybodies guess.