Is your calabash bowl loose?

[johnnyxpipe]

I want to pass along this tip I found while googling around to try to find a place to get a new cork gasket put into my calabash. If your bowl is fitting loose you can apply steam to the cork gasket to bring it back to life and make the bowl fit properly again. I will now be smoking my calabash again regularly thanks to this tip. I hope some folk on here find this tip useful.

 

[papipeguy]

Great tip. The cork does tend to dry out if not used on a regular basis. I have not smoked mine in several years but luckily the cork seems to be fine. My Pioneer calabash is about 40 years old and I don't know what I'd do if the cork went. Any recommendations on replacement?

 

[johnnyxpipe]

Aside from sending it out for replacement, if you are looking for a do it yourself fix I've seen mention of using cork gasket material from the hardware store or cork gasket material used for repair of woodwind instruments.

 

[rd02sir]

Music stores sell a cork lube for wind instruments. I'm sure that could work to keep it moisturized and making it easier to remove if needed.

 

[jack87]

the issue I have with my calabash is the screw in stem is super loose. I may end up trading it because though I love it I feel like others could enjoy it more. Its a two hour minimum smoker. with a young child I never have that much time.

 

[captainsousie]

Cork grease, cheaper than a tube of chapstick and your cork will last for decades even if you remove the bowl every day.

 

[acme]

I replaced the cork in several calabash. I looked at the gasket material at an auto place, and it appeared to have some black stuff used as a glue. I did not inquire, but all I could think of was how it looked like rubber. I wondered what it would smell like when it got hot.
I went to an office supply store and bought some cork tiles; you can get it in rolls also. Worked just fine. I used a hide glue that I got at WoodCraft. Never had one fail yet.
anthony