Hey Ma Look at Me, I Can Fold and Stuff Now!

[Ryan]

I’m not sure why, but I feel the need to share this info with somebody; I figured out how to fold and stuff flakes so that they smoke well!

I have to admit I do rough it up a bit after the folding and before the stuffing.

The big thing is that I saw guys on this forum talking about making a little kindling on top of the folded and stuffed portion. Once I started doing this, folding and stuffing started working really well for me. I’m not sure I will ever rub out another flake again.

Just wanted to share this “achievement” with someone, and I figured my best chance at finding anyone who might care at all would be to post it at this site.

I hollered about it out of my front door but I don’t think anyone in the neighborhood cared about it at all.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Now do a cannonball pack.

 

[seanv]

Right on! Good work!
Take it easy on the tamping though

 

[bullet08]

When fold and stuff first worked, I was rather proud of myself too.

 

[seanv]

Now do a cannonball pack.

What's a cannonball pack?

 

[Chasing Embers]

What's a cannonball pack?

Also called air pocket packing.

 

[OverMountain]

When you fold and stuff, do you fold it in half 2times so that it is a quarter?

 

[Chasing Embers]

When you fold and stuff, do you fold it in half 2times so that it is a quarter?

I do a width fold then a length fold.

 

[jndyer]

Great job on getting the fold and stuff down.

 

[Ryan]

Now do a cannonball pack.

A new one for me, I’ll try it with my next flake.

 

[Ryan]

When you fold and stuff, do you fold it in half 2times so that it is a quarter?

The Chasing Embers video that he posted above was one of the things that helped me get it.

Most of the pipes I smoke are small/medium so I tear the flake in half (larger piece if the pipe requires) and put the other half back in the jar. Otherwise, I’m doing it pretty much just like the video shows.

Part of the key to getting it right for me was learning how much (or how little) of a flake is required for a particular bowl.

 

[OverMountain]

I do a width fold then a length fold.

Thanks Chasing Embers. Tracking now.

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

Congratulations on conquering the fold and stuff method! Are you pleased with the results enough that you will use the technique often?

Unfortunately, if your Mom is like most of our Mom’s….. and I can imagine my dear Mom in heaven doing exactly this….. your title of this tread, if observed, would would likely result in your Mom giving you “the look” and and wanting to redden your behind for engaging in that “filthy habit”. So, a word of advice…. keep your accomplishment under wraps around your Mom.

 

[Ryan]

Congratulations on conquering the fold and stuff method! Are you pleased with the results enough that you will use the technique often?

Unfortunately, if your Mom is like most of our Mom’s….. and I can imagine my dear Mom in heaven doing exactly this….. your title of this tread, if observed, would would likely result in your Mom giving you “the look” and and wanting to redden your behind for engaging in that “filthy habit”. So, a word of advice…. keep your accomplishment under wraps around your Mom.

I will definitely be using the fold n stuff method on most flakes. I like the ease of loading the pipe in this manner.

I still have to try that cannonball too. Just don’t tell my mom!

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Experience will teach you to guesstimate how much of the Flake is needed for the pipe being used. Error on low side and make up the difference with loose "kindling" from the tin. That makes it easier to light anyway. I generally fold along the length, in half. Then fold in half the other way. Grab both ends and twist a little.

Other thoughts. Dryer than you think it should be. Error on packing loose vs tight. Don't stuff it in so it's jamming up at the bottom, that's critical. You can make up for too loose with a few tramps after lit. Test the draw before lighting. If plugged, use a pipe cleaner first, push in a far as possible and twist to free up the draught hole. If still plugged, pull out a few strands. If still plugged, use rod on pipe tool to loosen up and empty. Start over. It happens occasionally, don't sweat it. With experience, it will very rarely happen.

I have no clue how to ball the Flake up and make that work. If the Flake will ball up, it's too most.

I think Flake folded and loaded delivers the slowest and most flavorful experience. I can also load a flake faster than any other cut and with less debris going everywhere.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Between @Chasing Embers and @hoosierpipeguy, I’ve finally figured out the best way to enjoy a flake. Folding, a bit of a twist, some “kindling” and I am presently enjoying the best flake experience I’ve had so far (some well aged CVP isn’t hurting, lol). I used to cube cut and gravity feed, which worked (mostly) bit this is less labor intensive and works better (for me). Thanks for this thread!

 

[Honkytonk Man]

Good job, buddy.

I tried it a few months ago and was amazed at how well the pipe smoked. I find I'm using this method more often than not, when I smoke any of my VaPer coins.

 

[sparker69]

That's why I love flake so much - it packs nicely and burns cool. Takes a bit to light, but once lit, burns like a dream. And hey - it makes me feel like an old time sailor!

 

[tmcg81]

When I want to really sit down and relax with a pipe, I'll fold and stuff some MacBaren HH Burley Flake. It's a long, slow smoke.

 

[kcghost]

Anything that works for you is a good thing.