Overheated Pipes

[jaytex1969]

I recently read an estate pipe description that stated there were signs of overheating in the bowl.
The seller did not post any pictures of it and I'd like the forum tutorial.
Please share your sordid tales of thermally abused pipes and, if available, share some pics.
Thanks.

 

[bigpond]

The appearance can vary with the severity of the burn. Typically, it will appear on the exterior as a dark patch often found in areas where the wall is thin. This is often an early stage in burnout or more correctly, burn through. Occasionally, this is nothing more than a discoloration of the stain. However, that will look like a broad dulling rather than a localized burn.
Link?

 

[sablebrush52]

Sometimes a pipe's history of having been smoked too hot presents itself as a graduated darkening toward the upper portion of the exterior bowl walls, one that extends around the entire perimeter. It may also appear as spider webbing, cracks, or charring of the chamber walls. In really far gone cases, the interior splits have made it through to the exterior.

 

[npod]

Agree with both posts above.

it will appear on the exterior as a dark patch

That! Is definitely something to look for. I’ve had a pipe blow a burn hole after a few bowls, it presented like this. A dark spot first then burn hole.

 

[danielplainview]

Over heated bowl chambers tend to look like this.

 

[mikethompson]

If a bowl had minor cracks developing, could you feasibly build a small layer of cake to protect it? Or use pipe mud to seal it up?

 

[sablebrush52]

If a bowl had minor cracks developing, could you feasibly build a small layer of cake to protect it? Or use pipe mud to seal it up?

Yes. I have several vintage pipes with such issues and had the walls coated with a pipe mud made using silicate instead of water as a binding agent. Then one builds up a cake over that. Works great. Of course, no repair protects a pipe from an inept and ignorant user. But if the pipe is smoked properly, those repairs will last for many years. possibly a lifetime.

 

[jpmcwjr]

No tales to share, thank Heavens! Had a spot occur on a new pipe, was possibly my first post here, but the pipe is good; no development.
If you are considering said pipe, insist on photos!

 

[jaytex1969]

No link or photos to share. It was just something that stuck out to me a few weeks ago.
Maybe is was mikelaw's site?
I thought it would be helpful for me and other members of the sophomore pipe class to see and hear about it.

 

[mso489]

In context, if someone is selling a pipe and will own up to an "overheated" bowl, I'd suspect the worst. If it were just heavily smoked with thick cake, the seller wouldn't mention it or would ream it and pass it along. I wouldn't bite; I think I'd just be setting myself up for a disappointment.

 

[jaytex1969]

I'm not looking to buy a particular pipe. I was reading about a pipe on a sponsor/vendor's site. They described the pipe as showing signs of over heating. They didn't give any additional info or show any pics and I just wanted to know what ARE the signs of such.
This is mainly an academic exercise.

 

[jpmcwjr]

A good question. What does the vendor say, and will they not send photos?