Pack/Light Technique

[stevesc]

Is there a specific technique in bowl packing, lighting, and tamping to insure the tobacco burns evenly across the bowl rather than down the center of the bowl leaving unburnt tobacco arouund the bowl wall during the smoke? Thanks in advance.

 

[wilson]

You might want to look here:

http://pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-smoking/tobacco-pipe-packing-methods/

At the bottom of the page is a link to the second page, which has videos.
I suspect that the three step method, or some variation, is the most common, though I'm sure that there are many experts who simply stuff and puff.
Even with the videos, there is a certain amount of "feel" to packing a pipe that you get from experience. Not too tight -- the goal is not to cram as much tobacco into the bowl as possible -- but not too loose. When doing the three step method, bear in mind that you want the bottom of the bowl packed a bit looser than the top. That way, as you tamp, the bottom does not become too compressed.
Most use two initial lights. The first, often called the false or charring light, causes some tobacco to rise up in the pipe. You need to gently tamp that down and try to make it even. Then, light the bowl again trying to make sure that you've lit everything evenly.
When you tamp as you smoke, try to even out the top by gently pushing the tobacco and ash from the edge towards the center. The center might even be slightly raised. Don't over analyze what you are doing. It's not neurosurgery. Don't tamp too forcefully. The goal is not to crush the tobacco into the bottom of the bowl. Gently compress and try to straighten out the top. If your pipe goes out -- it happens -- tamp and relight. Again, move the flame so as to try to get an even light.
If your packing does not seem to be working, you will need to experiment a bit. Not having experienced the phenomenon you describe, my guess is that you are packing too firmly? Try packing a bit looser. Of course, if that doesn't improve things, then the obvious thing is to try packing a bit more firmly. Hang in there. Take a look at the videos. That and a bit of trial and error will get you where you need to be.

 

[wilson]

And, I did not notice that this was your first post. Welcome.

 

[sablebrush52]

One little trick that I don't often see mentioned is to moisten the rim with a little saliva before you light up. Doing that can help to protect the rim of your pipe against charring over time.

 

[smeigs]

welcome... I use a modified "frank" method.. I kinda just got the idea and made it my own really... Over time you will find out what works best for you. Its an art really.

 

[carcosa]

I draw on the pipe while I'm packing it to test the airflow so I know exactly when to stop tamping it down.

 

[fitzy]

I also do a modified Frank version with the modification being some tamping to adjust the air flow. His method is just to not push in past the rim but just push flat with your thumb. I tend to tamp it more into a dome and then tamp it occasionally.

 

[peter70]

If the tobacco burns down in the middle, but not on the sides, apart from inconsistent packing, this is a sign of puffing too often and/or too hard. You have to give the ember time to also expand to the sides, not only down, in the direction the airflow is going.
Kind regards,

Peter

 

[latbomber]

I just shove tobacco in until the pipe is full. If the draw is too tight ill repack. One charring light and one true light usually get me to the bottom of the bowl. Proper use of the pipe tool ensure and even burn. Just keep smoking and experimenting and you will get the hang of it!