New smoker, some help please.

[kf5eqv]

I searched around the forums a bit and didn't find anything that really reflected my particular problem. Although I did come across some hints that have helped some.
I have been smoking the pipe for roughly 3-4 weeks, and while I have made progress in getting used to the way a pipe smokes vs. a cigar, I am still having issues with burning my tongue. I have tried taking longer pulls, rather than a series of short puffs. I have also tried holding the lighter further away from the pipe to light "cooler".
The tobacco I have been smoking has been Captain Black "ROYAL" and Prince Albert, as well as a few "house blend" Cavendish tobaccos from a nearby tobacconist. I have noticed that Captain Black "white pouch" doesn't burn my tongue, but it doesn't seem to have any real taste either that I can tell. (Tasted kinda bland, and ashy) I gather this is due to the Burley tobacco in that blend yes?
Anyways, any tips or advice would be appreciated. I am using a rather cheap pipe, ($30 "seconds" briar marked "italy") but still feel that most, if not all of the problem must be due to my inexperience.
*Also, as a side question. How often does one typically have to relight a single bowl?

 

[pstlpkr]

Welcome KF5EQV, your question/issues are well described.
Long slower puffs/draws might seem to be the correct method however; the real solution may seem counterintuitive.
To get a cooler smoke, try shallower puffs at a slower pace.

The longer draw may be "stoking" the ember and producing a higher temperature.

Secondly; quicker shallow draws will produce a similar result... higher temperature.

This will cause a greater amount of steam to be produced and can burn your tongue.

Also, you might give wooden matches a try. If you are using a butane lighter you will discover that the butane burns at a much higher temp than a wooden match.
Something that may be of some assistance other than Bob's wonderful "how to" videos and articles (located lower left column of the page) is my blog on slow smoking.

Dottle Diggers

If you decide to read it, I recommend that you start with the bottom post, because they display in Newest first, Oldest last.
Once again Welcome and thanks for the great question.

We're glad to have you.

Don't sweat the "basket pipes" some are excellent pipes and will last you a lifetime.
Edit: Fixed the link.

 

[papipeguy]

The issue of tongue burn is foremost a drawing issue. You'll hear from guys about "sipping" your pipe. I think this is particularly true of aromatics. Gentle, long, slow puffs should help solve that issue. Packing is critical and there are tutorials on this site that address that- everything form stuff and puff to the "Frank Method". Take it slow and don't be a stranger here. People really are interesed in your progress and there is a lot of expertise among the members.

Welcome to the Brotherhood and good luck in your pipe journey.

 

[kf5eqv]

Lawrence, your link opens up the "Sheleleigh" tank pic from the "what does your username mean" thread.
I'll check out the tutorials on this page, and keep practicing.

(EDIT TO ADD)

I found it.

http://pipesmagazine.com/dottlediggers/
Edit: Oops. I must be slipping. Lawrence

 

[oldjazzlover]

If you're having problems with having to relight often it could be that you are packing too tight. Which would make you pull harder and hotter. I'd check out the sites mentioned above. Welcome to league!

 

[gecko13]

Welcome to the group kf5eqv. I remember when I first started. Seemed like a pain in the rear and too much busy work, and wondered maybe I should look into cigars more. I still have a couple basket briars I bought over 20 years ago, and smoke them regularly.

 

[kf5eqv]

Huh, easy enough fix.

Apparently it WAS an issue with how I was packing the bowl. I don't know what I was doing wrong with the "three step" method, but I just tried loading a bowl using the "frank" method and am currently enjoying the most pleasant smoke so far. Lots of flavor, no burn, not as many relights.
Thanks to everybody who chimed in. I'm very glad to have found this forum.

 

[oldjazzlover]

I think we're all always glad to offer some help.

 

[unclearthur]

As you become more experienced the packing will become automatic. I can load a pipe between heats while i am blacksmithing.

 

[admin]

Welcome to PM.com kf5eqv. Thanks for signing up and participating. I am glad you were not shy about asking a "newbie" question.
Everyone here is very friendly, there are no "pipe snobs", and we love answering questions to help you along your journey as a pipe smoker.
As you progress as a pipe smoker, it just gets better and better.