If I Were Just Starting Out Restoring Pipes I Would...

[pruss]

Greetings everyone. I'm just starting down the road of estate pipe restoration and am slowly piecing together my tools, materiel and kit.
I've, of course, acquired a few estate "must buys" from eBay, as well as a 40yr old 1/3hp bench grinder, a set of reamers, various pipe tools, micromesh sanding pads, and sand paper in every grade I can find of fine above 320.
I'll post project posts of my attempts at bringing old briar back to life, but would enjoy hearing your, "Pat! You gotta make sure to..." advice for newbie restorers.
More anon,
Pat

 

[sebastian]

Pat! You gotta make sure to...

look into getting a retort!
edited to add: Welcome to the forum, and good luck on your restoration endeavor!

 

[shaintiques]

Make sure you look your restored stems over really good under a good light, sunligt is actually best, but it is hard to see oxidation when you get deep into the clean. I use bar keepers friend and water and lots of elbow grease to clean off oxidation. It leaves the stem in a condition that just needs polishing, vs. the bleach method which needs to be sanded. It is a worthy task, and fun, and a great way to fund TAD and PAD. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I do lots of restoration. Also retorts are overrated. I find that most old estates aren't that bad, and mainly only use mine to flush out clogs

 

[hfearly]

Only one piece of advice: read every article on rebornpipes.com

 

[pruss]

Thanks for the feedback so far friends.
@ Sebastian - Well said. I just purchased a retort in a "Buy it Now" and it's on the way here.

@ rothnh - Fair words. My first 3 pipes this go 'round with tobacco were clean and beautiful previous enjoyed estates, 2 GBDs and a Royal Danish. Lovely smokers all. The "online research" is a load of fun.

@ shaintiques - Thanks for encouraging me to think about lighting. That's a good tip!

@ hfearly - Good advice. Love the detail in that blog.
Cheers,
Pat

 

[captainsousie]

In the words of Monty Python. "Run Away!" It's way more addictive than it should be. Oh yeah, and get a retort and learn to use it.

 

[timely]

I agree about reading everything on " RebornPipes.com ". Everything is explained in detail with pictures. There ia also an article about what equipment he uses that came in very handy.

 

[ssjones]

I acquired 99% of my restoration knowledge from Steven Laug @ Reborn Pipes, but don't be afraid to try your own techniques/practices.