How to get rid of varnish in the chamber

[scottygod]

I've got a MM Ozark Mountain hardwood on the way and have read several reviews complaining about the varnish that coats the walls of the chamber producing some nasty first smokes. Is there anything I can do to avoid this? Burn it out beforehand? Sand? Or should I just suck it up and smoke? ::

 

[werdna]

Roth is right on, use sandpaper to remove it. I'd find a wooden dowel, that is a little smaller than the bore of the pipe, wrap some 220 grit sandpaper around it and go lightly until the varnish is gone. If you round the tip of the dowel, you can get to the bottom of the bowl and clear the varnish there also.
I use this method for removing excess cake from my pipes, it works very well. Just don't be too aggressive and stop when you see bare wood.

 

[scottygod]

Thanks, fellas.