Never Put Your Finger in the Bowl...

[Olkofri]

I don't know what percentage of cretins drool, but likely it's primarily the pipe smoking ones.

That's because they clench!! nana

 

[anotherbob]

(even if like me you don't golf),

O.K. now I am convinced you're a golf pro currently hiding out from the paparazzi.

 

[Rebub24]

When I first started out with pipe smoking, I was instructed to use my finger to tamp even when the bowl was lit. The reason why is when you start out, if you start with a tamper you are more likely to tamp too hard packing the tobacco way to tight and having to draw exceptionally hard which will cause you to smoke hot. With starting out by using your finger to tamp while smoking, you're able to tell if you're tamping too hard because you'll burn your finger slightly.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Well, if it worked for you, it worked. But it's mostly a steaming pile....

 

[Frozenoak]

I've been able to avoid pinch points by packing with the chop-stick method.

That’s how i pot my banzai. I suppose if could work with tobacco. Especially cube cut.

 

[Waning Embers]

That’s how i pot my banzai.

Same.

I work the Akadama around the roots with chopsticks while filling the tray.

 

[Frozenoak]

Same.

I work the Akadama around the roots with chopsticks while filling the tray.

I use DG because Akadama is out of my price range. My piñons don’t seem to mind and my oaks love it.

 

[Waning Embers]

I use DG because Akadama is out of my price range. My piñons don’t seem to mind and my oaks love it.

I get the bulk bags from Dallas Bonsai just because Acer roots are so finicky about moisture levels.

 

[Frozenoak]

I’ll look them up. Sorry about the derail.

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

My use of devices for tamping has ran from “official” tampers, large headed nails, golf tees, and my fingers and thumbs (thumbs in broad bowled pipes). Basically, I would use what was most convenient or handy.... so.... probably 80-90% of the time.... fingers.

 

[Waning Embers]

My use of devices for tamping has ran from “official” tampers, large headed nails, golf tees, and my fingers and thumbs (thumbs in broad bowled pipes). Basically, I would use what was most convenient or handy.... so.... probably 80-90% of the time.... fingers.

I've got these. Some to match pipes, some just because. I more often than not use my finger.

 

[kurtbob]

I've got these. Some to match pipes, some just because. I more often than not use my finger.

View attachment 10639

Pretty sweet collection but that explains why they all look brand new

 

[kurtbob]

I was always told to not stick my fingers in a light bulb socket.......didn’t listen in that case either!

 

[Waning Embers]

Pretty sweet collection but that explains why they all look brand new

They get cleaned and waxed as much as my pipes.

 

[brian64]

That’s how i pot my banzai.

I've learned two new phrases on here today:

"In the chuff"

and

"Pot my banzai"

 

[3rdguy]

 

[bullet08]

i'll have to try using my finger tomorrow. my thumb and index finger are nicely roasted from holding bic upsidedown.

 

[jpmcwjr]

i'll have to try using my finger tomorrow. my thumb and index finger are nicely roasted from holding bic upsidedown.

There's never a need to do that, even if you're lighting the bottom third of a bowl. Just hold the lighter horizontally and draw the flame into the chamber. Hold it high enough so you don't torch the tobacco or rim.

 

[ssjones]

I'm a degenerate finger-tamper. The only downside that I can see is that my key-board is a little worse for wear...

 

[BROBS]

I'm a degenerate finger-tamper. The only downside that I can see is that my key-board is a little worse for wear...

Hopefully it’s not a Mac! ?