How Would You Mark A Stem

[TinCup]

One of my pipes doesn't have any marking at all on the stem & I believe I see a slightly flusher fit with the stem one way round (a very slightly closer fit)

To save all the faffing/second guessing when reassembling after cleaning I was thinking about marking the stem so that I knew which way round I prefer it

How should I mark it without it looking naff (crap) ?

 

[Sonorisis]

Heat a needle and put two index 'dots' on the bottom of the pipe: one on the shank and one on the stem. You can make them as big, or small as you wish.

 

[mikestanley]

Maybe one of those permanent markers that come in silver?

Mike S.

 

[Kozeman]

Maybe one of those permanent markers that come in silver?

Mike S.

Yes. Paint Pen would work well and you could choose a color that doesn't detract from the pipes color scheme.

 

[bullet08]

I understand what you are trying to do. But why mark it? When I used to compete in bagpipes, I used to put small piece of tape on the chanter and the stock then cut it with a sharp knife where they meet. No damage to the instrument and I can always remove the tape.

 

[hauntedmyst]

Late at night, I don a cap and cowl and fight crime as my alter ego Blaze Jupiter so I would just have a stem stamp made that looks like a flame ?since BJ could be confused with something else. You know what, ignore that. Hehe... I didn't mean that. I'm not him. I'm just a mild mannered milk man. Yeah.

 

[Kozeman]

I understand what you are trying to do. But why mark it? When I used to compete in bagpipes, I used to put small piece of tape on the chanter and the stock then cut it with a sharp knife where they meet. No damage to the instrument and I can always remove the tape.

Bagpipes is a competition? Cue the image of a Monty Python skit...

 

[jpmcwjr]

OH, hell yeah! Go to any Scottish games and enjoy.

 

[jpmcwjr]

One of my pipes doesn't have any marking at all on the stem & I believe I see a slightly flusher fit with the stem one way round (a very slightly closer fit)

To save all the faffing/second guessing when reassembling after cleaning I was thinking about marking the stem so that I knew which way round I prefer it

How should I mark it without it looking naff (crap) ?

I always twist the stem when inserting. If it's a stem that can look all right either way, I leave. If it needs 180º I just continue the rotation. YMMV. Most of my stems are bent to some degree, so those are obvious.

 

[kurtbob]

Electric engraver?? If you have a steady hand and skill set

 

[kurtbob]

Late at night, I don a cap and cowl and fight crime as my alter ego Blaze Jupiter so I would just have a stem stamp made that looks like a flame ?since BJ could be confused with something else. You know what, ignore that. Hehe... I didn't mean that. I'm not him. I'm just a mild mannered milk man. Yeah.

Too many references to flame, BJ, man and milk in one paragraph ........sir

 

[anotherbob]

always clench the stem always. Eventually your teeth will make distinct marks.

 

[TinCup]

Thanks for the added suggestions

 

[BROBS]

Late at night, I don a cap and cowl and fight crime as my alter ego Blaze Jupiter so I would just have a stem stamp made that looks like a flame ?since BJ could be confused with something else. You know what, ignore that. Hehe... I didn't mean that. I'm not him. I'm just a mild mannered milk man. Yeah.

BJARNE?

 

[didimauw]

always clench the stem always. Eventually your teeth will make distinct marks.

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Even without the spade on the stem, In the dark, I would instantly know if the stem was upside down or not.