Old meer stem alignment?

[MrWillow11]

Hi all ,

I have just received an old meer ( seller said possible 100yrs) and it has a threaded bone tenon with an amber stem . The alignment upon arrival is off about 1/8th a turn . Can I or how do I adjust the alignment?

 

[OzPiper]

Be VERY careful. Handle with care.
Bone tenons are fragile.
And amber stems are even fragiler

 

[MrWillow11]

Be VERY careful. Handle with care.
Bone tenons are fragile.
And amber stems are even fragiler

That’s why I’m extra concerned , I’m a newbie and really don’t want to mess anything up but it’s killing me it’s off as it is and I know it’ll keep me from reaching for it . So it’s either sort it or sell it lol

 

[OzPiper]

Paging @Chasing Embers and @condorlover1

The bone tenons should be attached to the stem. Not the shank.

You could try VERY GENTLY to loosen the tenon from the shank
Try the freezer method OR carefully drip (very) tiny drops of alcohol into the tenon/shank interface

I’d send it off to an expert, if it is an expensive piece

 

[SmokeyJock]

Paging @Chasing Embers and @condorlover1

The bone tenons should be attached to the stem. Not the shank.

You could try VERY GENTLY to loosen the tenon from the shank
Try the freezer method OR carefully drip (very) tiny drops of alcohol into the tenon/shank interface

I’d send it off to an expert, if it is an expensive piece

@condorlover1 is not gonna be happy when he sees this

 

[OzPiper]

@condorlover1 is not gonna be happy when he sees this

@condorlover1 will be unhappy that the pipe has been dissembled.
But it is already done

A simple solution is to use a thick felt ring between the stem and shank.
Obviates the need to fiddle with the tenon and risk damaging it or the stem.
A length of dental floss wound around the tenon or a few applications of a clear nail varnish to the tenon will work also.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Paging @Chasing Embers and @condorlover1

The bone tenons should be attached to the stem. Not the shank.

You could try VERY GENTLY to loosen the tenon from the shank
Try the freezer method OR carefully drip (very) tiny drops of alcohol into the tenon/shank interface

I’d send it off to an expert, if it is an expensive piece

Personally I'd heat the shank with a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the buildup in the mortise then carefully remove the tenon by hand.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I have used the teflon plumbing tape wrapped around the bone tenon with success. Paper spacers are a non-destructive option often used.

 

[condorlover1]

Paper spacers. Go to your local stationary store and buy a packet of hole reinforcers for paper. Once you have added the correct number for the stem to align correctly put the stem on and with a razor blade trim off the excess paper. Once the pipe is set up resist the urge to take it apart again as you will f*ck the threads on the amber stem.

 

[MrWillow11]

Paper spacers. Go to your local stationary store and buy a packet of hole reinforcers for paper. Once you have added the correct number for the stem to align correctly put the stem on and with a razor blade trim off the excess paper. Once the pipe is set up resist the urge to take it apart again as you will f*ck the threads on the amber stem.

Awesome thank you this makes alot of sense and seems like THE safest option

 

[renfield]

I’ve done the spacer thing on an old amber stemmed meer. No way I wanted to risk cracking something. It takes very, very little thickness to re-clock the stem.

 

[xrundog]

Old meerschaums commonly have tenons glued into the shank. Not always but often. My guess is that it’s to avoid wearing out soft meerschaum shank threads.
A spacer is a good option. A thin layer of super glue on the end of the stem can do it too.