That is very encouraging, thanks for sharing !Why not, if you can get a pipe cleaner through it and clean it properly. I have a nice little Castello, Old Antiquary, Canadian about 30 years old. Shortly after I bought it a large chip broke off the tip of the shank right where the stem fits in. A hidden flaw in the wood. Tried, couldn't fix it so it would hold. Finally I gave up and just glued the stem and broken piece all together. Works fine and smoke it all the time with no problem.![]()
At this point I am sure the stem on my pipe is glued with the shank on the inside, supporting the cracks. No problem with getting a pipe cleaner through, so as you said, I'm pretty sure it'll be fine for years to come.