Pipe Chamber Question

[Meat]

Hello everyone,

I've just started my adventure in pipe smoking, and I'm really enjoying it so far. This forum has been a gold mine of good advice and experiences to learn from, and it is in that vein I hope the community can assist me.

I recently bought a pipe that was listed by the seller as unsmoked. To me, it is a elegant pipe, but during my inspection I found this in the chamber. What is it and should I be concerned?

 

[warren]

From the photo only, looks to be a wood defect. Not seeing it in three dimensions nor, can I run a finger over it so, I'm hesitant to say if might facilitate "burnout." Sorry.

 

[OzPiper]

Very likely a defect (pit) in the block.

I’d fill the defect and coat the chamber with pipe mud.

Let it dry really well for some days then load it up and fire up

Happy smokes

 

[Meat]

Thank you for your replies, Warren and OzPiper. This is the only spot in the chamber, and while I can feel the pit with my finger, it doesn't feel deep. That's pretty unscientific of course, and I don't want to damage this pipe. I'll try coating the chamber with pipe mud (lots of recipes out there!) and wait till I'm better at my breathing/packing/smoking techniques before using this pipe. I'm learning on a MM Legend at this phase before moving on to a nicer pipe.

 

[captpat]

I'd consider returning the pipe if that's an option, that defect should have been disclosed before the sale. I'd never fully enjoy smoking it, worrying instead about the defect and avoiding burnout.

 

[xrundog]

People can be dumb about pipes. That pipe has been smoked and sanded clean. Looks like a pit that’s burned abit. Mix a little powdered sugar with a few drops of water and dab over the pit, let dry and smoke. The heat will carmelize the sugar and hopefully keep the pit from burning.

 

[Sigmund]

If you like the pipe fill the pit and move on. It has been smoked as stated above. Hopefully you didnt get nailed on the price.