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.

 

[Meat]

Based on that input, I think I did. Pretty sure. $75. Definitely wasn't disclosed in the description or sale.

 

[Sigmund]

Maybe you can have a discussion with the seller. If its ebay you have the option of returning since your report suggests it doesnt match the description.

 

[dottlejockey]

Obviously used pipe. Ash in the draft hole and signs of char around the chamber pits. If you bought it as unsmoked and paid the price for new it should be returned, if that option is available.

I'd take that money and buy a meerschaum. Practice all you want. No burn out to worry about.

 

[kcghost]

If it bothers you and you can return it, then do so.

 

[Meat]

Thanks, everyone. It's a shame because while I really like the pipe, I wouldn't have bought it had I known about this issue and it was described as being unsmoked. I don't like being deceived or taken advantage of as someone new to pipe smoking and the community at large.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Who was the seller? And price?

It may some fellow smokers from a future bad purchase.

 

[Meat]

Who was the seller? And price?

It may some fellow smokers from a future bad purchase.

I apologize for the late reply. The seller is CTBK on Etsy.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Thanks. Have you fixed the pit and smoked her since? Go OK?

 

[mpjetset]

Sorry to have seen this. At least it wasn't a weed pipe.

 

[Sig]

I would cover that with pipe mud and smoke it for years to come.
I have filled pits MUCH worse than that and had years of perfect smoking.
I repaired a 1930s Dunhill with a hole burned completely through the bottom. You could fit a pencil through the hole.
A small plug of wood and layers of cigar ash pipe mud and my friend has been smoking it sinse 2012 with no issues.
It's amazing what less than a dime thickness of cake will hold up to.

 

[Meat]

Thanks. Have you fixed the pit and smoked her since? Go OK?

I haven't fixed the pipe yet as I wanted to see how the seller would respond to my inquiries, and while he's active now on another forum, he is ignoring communication and responsibility.

So moving forward, it'll be the first time I've used pipe mud to fix anything. Kind of interested to see how this goes.

 

[Meat]

I would cover that with pipe mud and smoke it for years to come.
I have filled pits MUCH worse than that and had years of perfect smoking.
I repaired a 1930s Dunhill with a hole burned completely through the bottom. You could fit a pencil through the hole.
A small plug of wood and layers of cigar ash pipe mud and my friend has been smoking it sinse 2012 with no issues.
It's amazing what less than a dime thickness of cake will hold up to.

If the pits can be fixed, or sealed, wonderful. I'm going to give it a shot. Just wish the seller had integrity. Hopefully others will heed the warning here and purchase from better and more reputable sellers.

 

[paulfg]

I apologize for the late reply. The seller is CTBK on Etsy.

does ETSY not have a returns policy like ebay,if not I would never deal with them.
I never have anyway but that would seal it.
Good for you to name and shame the seller,one to avoid