Having trouble finding answer pls help

[spyder71]

Heres the thing, I have a couple pipes that I think would smoke so much better if the airway was less restricted. I can't seem to find an industry standard on airway size. I have one pipe especially that I think would stop gurgling if the hole was a tad bigger and have found some supporting opinions on this theory but no hole sizes :|

What do our fellow pipe maker and restorers go to?

Btw, the couple pipes I am referring to have been cleaned vigorously and are free of any build up.
I DO NOT HAVE PICTURES SO DON"T EVEN GO THERE!!! :rofl:

 

[juozapas]

Start off small and slowly, then adjust up till it works best for you. Everybody is different. I use my cordless drill with the bits to scrape out the excess. Just have to be careful and not work too fast.....works for me. ::

 

[ichbinmuede]

I second the 5/32" opinion. I have personally met with nothing but pleasant smokes from pipes with that airway size and have also enlarged some and never regretted it.
I've never bothered with a drill (to err on the side of caution) and instead just held the bit with some pliers. Hah I feel a drill could get out of hand rather easily.

 

[hobie1dog]

Arthur needs to respond too, as his pipes are legendary for being wide open smokers.

 

[romeowood]

Arthur needs to respond too, as his pipes are legendary for being wide open smokers.

Amen to that! And interestingly, for as much of a data farmer as I am, I've never once measured or adjusted the draught hole on any of my pipes. Looks like I have something to do today....

 

[ace57]

Yep, one for Uncle A.

 

[pstlpkr]

Just so I can beat Arthur to it....

The answer is 42.

:D

 

[lonestar]

Just so I can beat Arthur to it....

The answer is 42.

Life, The Universe and Airways...

 

[cyndi]

OT: I keep threatening to get a tramp stamp of 42. Geek cred power up!

 

[lonestar]

Cyndi, DO IT.

And back on topic, theres no such thing as an industry standard size, they're all different.

Some swear by wider airways, some swear by smaller.

There are a lot of pipemakers/repairmen that will open up an airway for you.

 

[cortezattic]

Pipes2Smoke has an interesting illustration of the airway, with dimensions, citing Newcombe's recommendations.

I think Rick Newcombe is a chief advocate of opening up pipe airways, so just Google "Newcombe pipe opening up" and you should find several helpful URL's.

 

[spyder71]

Thank you all! Will give it a go when I make it to the hardware store.

 

[romeowood]

Try using an adjustable tap handle (from a tap & die set) for better control than a power drill (you got some cojones, juozapas :P )

 

[spyder71]

Awesome idea rome! I was thinking about trying out a handle like that to make a rusticating tool... now I have twice the justification to spend the money

 

[spartan]

There's another good title. "Justificated to Rusticate" or other variations lol Justificate to Rusticate lol

 

[seanz]

OT: I keep threatening to get a tramp stamp of 42. Geek cred power up!

as long as you know where your towel is your frood enough :nana:

 

[spyder71]

Ive never been in a group that so many of us know the answer is 42! Makes me feel all at ease and stuff :crazy:

 

[hobie1dog]

a true concensus has been obtained...all is good in the pipe smoking world....the rest of the world is in deep sh@t

 

[logandow]

the world may be going to hell, but at least I still have my pipe!

 

[kamikazesasquatch]

@logandow: And, hopefully, your towel :D