Inexpensive pipes with 5/32 airways?
- Thread starter bigpond
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Fnord- thank you for your kind comments. Ironically, tech writing is one of the fields I am looking at pursuing. I have been an aircraft mechanic for over 20 years; that combined with resorting to working as a heavy equipment mechanic during the occasional layoffs has left my back a mess. In fact, right now I am on a doctor-required 5-day "vacation" to let a dislocated rib heal. If I can soldier on for four more years, my youngest will be out of high school, and my search for something less physically strenuous will be on! After all, a man's gotta make a living. Thanks again,
Aldecaker
Aldecaker
Bigpond,
There is nothing to worry about. The good news is that if the fluffy cleaner is pinching where it meets the slot in your good smoking 5/32" airway pipes, a well done 9/64" airway pipe will also smoke very good for you. Maybe even better.
I did a lot of testing before I started selling my pipes, and found that a well made 9/64" draft was exceptional in smoking qualities. More so than a well made 5/32". I even had good success with an 1/8" airway. Many of the old English pipes are pinched down to 1/8" and they smoke fine.
There is nothing to worry about. The good news is that if the fluffy cleaner is pinching where it meets the slot in your good smoking 5/32" airway pipes, a well done 9/64" airway pipe will also smoke very good for you. Maybe even better.
I did a lot of testing before I started selling my pipes, and found that a well made 9/64" draft was exceptional in smoking qualities. More so than a well made 5/32". I even had good success with an 1/8" airway. Many of the old English pipes are pinched down to 1/8" and they smoke fine.
Thanks to bigpond, aldecaker, Ryan and all for the ideas advice and suggestions.
I ordered the 2 bits from vermontfreehand and they arrived on Wednesday. I popped out during lunch yesterday and bought a tap wrench. Total outlay for the 2 bits and the wrench -- $18.75
Last night before dinner I gave my problem child - the XL22 - "the treatment".
After sundown, I loaded it up with GLP Kensington - the only thing I have smoked in it so far - for an apples to apples comparison. The pipe had given only crappy smokes so far and had a very tight draw. A very disappointing purchase. Well, it was a great smoke. The first good one in this pipe. No resistance all the way down. I had been ready to write off both the pipe and Kensington too. They both have a new lease on life.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will be reaming out a few more of my poor smokers.
I ordered the 2 bits from vermontfreehand and they arrived on Wednesday. I popped out during lunch yesterday and bought a tap wrench. Total outlay for the 2 bits and the wrench -- $18.75
Last night before dinner I gave my problem child - the XL22 - "the treatment".
After sundown, I loaded it up with GLP Kensington - the only thing I have smoked in it so far - for an apples to apples comparison. The pipe had given only crappy smokes so far and had a very tight draw. A very disappointing purchase. Well, it was a great smoke. The first good one in this pipe. No resistance all the way down. I had been ready to write off both the pipe and Kensington too. They both have a new lease on life.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will be reaming out a few more of my poor smokers.
I did the entire shank with 5/32". I then used the tapered 5/32" bit and went about 1.2" up the stem to where it narrows and starts to bend. I was scared to go beyond that. I was really surprised at how much vulcanite came out during that procedure.
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