Newbie Question

[obihann]

I've read a few of the how to guides on getting started, and I've probably missed something obvious but here goes. I have a pouch of captain black gold my ex-roommate left sealed in a cupboard in the house, I found it the other day and bought the cheapest wooden pipe I could find. I know your supposed to do 10 or more half bowls to build a cake, I'm up to 4 right now however I was impatient yesterday and did a full bowl. Either way, my issue is the longer I smoke the pipe the harder it is to stay lit. It looks like I've burn quite a black ring into the top of the pipe bowl already just constantly holding a lighter to keep it lit.... What am I doing wrong?
(be kind)
Thanks.

 

[irishsmoker]

First step check your packing method. Second step let your tobacco dry out before packing and lighting.

 

[obihann]

I was assuming the tobacco was dry, because it was in the house for a while, I guess the humidity can keep it moist though. I'm starting to think part of my trouble is just to learn when your pipe is done, I just had it go out on me again and decided instead of relighting it again to empty it and see wahts left. There was virtually no useful tobacco left, 99% all ash. How much leftover tobacco is "acceptable" when you finish and empty a pipe?

 

[irishsmoker]

As much as is left. I typically smoke a whole bowl, but some times only a half.

 

[jameral]

How much leftover tobacco is "acceptable" when you finish and empty a pipe?

Welcome to the forum obihann. This is a good question. There is no hard fast rule stating that you must smoke your pipe until every last bit of tobacco turns to ash. It is perfectly "acceptable" to have some remaining "dottle"(wet unburnt tobacco) in the bottom of your bowl when you are done. Sometimes when you get down to the bottom of a bowl trying to keep the dottle lit becomes very difficult. Continually trying to relight it only leads to a hot and bitter smoke. More heat in turn results in more moisture.
Definately follow Irishsmoker's suggestion on checking your packing method. Pack the baccy looser than you actually think that you need to. Check the draw on the pipe several time while your packing it. It should feel as though your sipping soda through a straw and not like trying to drink a milkshake.
For the moistness of the baccy, pinch some between your fingers. If it clumps together and stays that way it' too moist. If at first it clumps and then falls apart it's probably good to go, though you may still want to spread it out on a paper towel for maybe 30min or so to let it dry out a bit more. If it does not clump at all it's probably too dry and you may want to rehydrate it. Here is a good article on how to rehydrate pipe tobacco.

 

[philip]

How much leftover tobacco is "acceptable" when you finish and empty a pipe?

Welcome to the forum, Obihann.
A number of things will affect the amount of dottle you have remaining.

1. The pipe. A well constructed pipe will smoke better than a poorly constructed one. A clean and dry pipe will smoke better than a dirty wet one.

2. The tobacco. Dry tobacco will burn more completely than wet tobacco. Some tobaccos, typically aromatics like your Captain Black, smoke a bit gooier than others. The Virginia/Perique blends I have tried smoke on the hot side but will smoke down to dust.

3. Your smoking technique. Packing too tightly and tamping too aggressively will both make it difficult to smoke completely to the bottom of the bowl.
If you enjoyed your smoke and feel good when you are finished, it's all acceptable.
Here's a thread you might enjoy reading on Breaking In Your Pipe.

 

[markw4mms]

@ Philip...+1000!

 

[papipeguy]

Welcome to the forum. You'll quickly learn that smoking a pipe is like trying to get to Carnegie Hall; it takes practice, practice, practice. Some sage advice here. Follow it and enjoy the experience.

 

[portascat]

Just enjoy the smoke, for now.
Make small, but real, changes in your various techniques over time.
It will all come together soon enough.

 

[judcole]

Welcome aboard. Philip hit it right on the nail. ::

 

[pstlpkr]

There are a number of good sources of information contained in the links in the left column under "Featured Articles". Tons of good stuff about tobaccos, packing etc.

You might watch the videos as well.

 

[captainbob]

obihann,
Lots of good advice has been given and I agree with all of it. I will add, "dryer is better than wetter". The "Clump test" explained by "jameral" above is right on the money! Many "over-the-counter" blends contain a preservative called Propylene Glycol or "PG". It extends shelf life for years! The down side is it may smoke very wet, hot and gurgle in the bottom of your bowl. Experiment with "tinned" blends from an online source or pipe shop. You will notice the difference. As only a point of reference, all Cornell and Diehl blends are moisturized only with distilled water. No "PG" in their blends. MacClelland is much the same way. So are many of the Imported tins.
Below, Craig Tarler of C&D and I are sampling new blends at the Chicago Show.

click on picture to enlarge:



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