Oxidation

[estumpf]

I tried the eraser, not bad, if its pretty minor oxidation. Then I tried Crest toothpaste with a toothbrush. I think that does better. Then it occurred to me that the toothpaste might be better because of the pumice in the paste. Found out they don't use pumice anymore, but I'm going to try Plus White which lists its first ingredient as hydrated silica. It may have a little higher abrasive aspect to it.

 

[estumpf]

Okay, let me report my unscientific finding. I finished up a Sasieni Four Dot Huffingham with original vulcanite stem. It had some yellow discoloration marks on the stem from my use. I took the Plus White and a toothbrush and gave it a good brushing. Rinsed off and brushed at the same time to get rid of all paste. Dried it and it was great. I applied Obsidian oil on it and let it stand for an hour and buffed with a soft cotton cloth. Super results, I think better than the Crest toothpaste. Plus it had a very slight minty smell. I took that to be a good omen.

 

[erichbaumer]

For what it's worth, I can say that for a one time refurb job, 50/50 bleach and water works with absolutely no damage. However, I'm only soaking the stems for 5 minutes max at a time. Soak, take out and wet sand with 400 then 600 grade sandpaper under the faucet, soak again, repeat until black and smooth then apply a generous amount of Obsidian. Doesn't get them shiny, but they do reach a nice deep flat black that looks great on older pipes anyway.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I am told that the best thing to use is aged beetle dung. Am searching ebay now.

 

[kashmir]

Peck - I think its Dung Beetle not beetle dung. LOL.

 

[kashmir]

Wonder if they get off on the nicotine?

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Peck - I think its Dung Beetle not beetle dung.

Damn, now what am I going to do with the 5 pounds of beetle dung I just ordered?

 

[kashmir]

Briar Bid?

 

[wilson]

For a long time I've been curious about the bleach business. My recollection of chemistry is that household bleach is an oxidizing agent. Stain removal is really about oxidizing the molecules and thus removing their color. I also know, or am pretty sure, that vulcanite stems discolor because of oxidation. It stands to reason that a bleach treatment is likely to cause more oxidation? I've not restored anything, and have only used a Magic Eraser to remove some oxidation from a few stems, so I'm not an expert and don't wish to start a battle with those who bleach (and get good results) or challenge their expertise in any way. But, I am curious to know if anyone can shed some light on how this works?

 

[thesmokindragon]

I can't stand the look of oxidized vulcanite, just horrible IMHO.
Now while I really like the comfort and feel of vulcanite I won't

compromise when it comes to having my pipes look their best

at all times. I suspect that is why you see many designers only

using lucite stem materiel on their pipes. I know others really

don't like the feel and hardness of lucite. Many pipe makers

such as Radice, Ardor, Ser Jac, Cavicchi and Mark Balkovec;

Just to name a few have great skill in making stems that comfort

really does return with lucite or I have just accepted the feel and

am blinded ;-)
I miss out on many great pipes and get really bummed

when I look at the stem material and see "vulcanite", oh well to

each his own I always say

 

[kashmir]

You can easily replace the vulcanite stem with one made of Lucite. Pre-cut stem blanks are available from Pipe Makers Emporium or for more variety in colored Lucite blanks from exoticblanks.com. Cost varies with the pipe repairman, but for under $50 a pipe you can have any stem you want within a week on any strumel you supply. Alternatively you can spend $100+ a pipe and wait months for your pipe. Depends on the repairman. It pays to shop around. I think its worth it, as the Lucite is maintenance free and looks beautiful. Of course if you enjoy the continuous struggle to keep oxidation in check, than vulcanite is your material of choice.