Pipe Filter Question

[steele888]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9) - Bob

I have a nice Dunhill Shell from the 1960s that appears to take a filter (big hole in stem). Not interested in using filter, but draw is obviously off. Does anyone know if 1960s Dunhill would have been a 9mm and what adapters ---to fix draw hole size are known to work. I have seen some by Vauen 9mm Adapter does anyone have any experience in what type of adapter might be best/will work?

 

[mikethompson]

I've never felt that having no filter in a filter pipe affected the draw, but that's not what you are asking. I didn't know that Dunhill made filtered pipes either. Is this a European market pipe or something?

Either way, I'm sure a vauen adapter would work, I see people post about those quite often.

 

[steele888]

Let me show pic to clarify question - here is Dunhill shape 56 and stem - I'm relatively new to pipes, but no other stem I have looks like this. Pipe is from mid-1960s, is it cut to take a filter? If not, why is it so "open"

 

[mikethompson]

That certainly looks wide enough to take a filter. Strange one that is.

 

[seldom]

Yup, looks to be a 9mm pipe. I've no complaint with a Vauen adapter and a Molina adapter that take the draw down to 3mm. As far as filters go my personal preference is for the Stanwell ones.

 

[Worknman]

^^^ Yep they sell adapters on various sites that reduce the draw size.

 

[mso489]

I'm not a Dunhill guy, but this is an unusual Dunhill question. I second the motion that a standard 9 mm adaptor should work presuming the pipe is designed to take one of those standard 9 mm filters. This is a specialized, well-stated question. But I'll use the occasion to mention that filter, non-filtered pipes, and adaptors are some of the least well covered subjects for new pipe smokers and are usually learned by trial and error. Pipe makers don't think they'll make any money giving people an overview on the subject; it won't sell their particular pipes. But it is a perpetual annoyance and causes stress and concern in an interest that is supposed to alleviate those. I couldn't miss this opportunity to mount my soapbox on this.

 

[Rebub24]

Yes, Dunhill did produce 9mm filtered pipes. You don't see them often but you do come across them. If you wanted to smoke it unfiltered, you would want to get a 9mm to 3mm adapter. Trying to smoke a 9mm filtered pipe without an adapter will leave the draft too open and you'll suck through ash or tobacco.

 

[BROBS]

there's another thread that shows some Dunhill bents have a funnel in the stem like that. is is square inside or funneled?

 

[soviettubes]

I'm not a Dunhill guy, but this is an unusual Dunhill question. I second the motion that a standard 9 mm adaptor should work presuming the pipe is designed to take one of those standard 9 mm filters. This is a specialized, well-stated question. But I'll use the occasion to mention that filter, non-filtered pipes, and adaptors are some of the least well covered subjects for new pipe smokers and are usually learned by trial and error. Pipe makers don't think they'll make any money giving people an overview on the subject; it won't sell their particular pipes. But it is a perpetual annoyance and causes stress and concern in an interest that is supposed to alleviate those. I couldn't miss this opportunity to mount my soapbox on this.

I’ve been smoking pipes for over 20 years and I still, admittedly, know next to nothing about filter pipes because I’ve just simply stayed away from them.

I’d like to hear someone’s opinion who prefers them and why they’re beneficial. I always imagined filters would diminish the taste a little bit, which is the main reason for enjoying pipes.

Maybe that’s a myth, but I also figured if I’m not inhaling anyway, I couldn’t really think of a real benefit.

 

[TinCup]

I’ve been smoking pipes for over 20 years and I still, admittedly, know next to nothing about filter pipes because I’ve just simply stayed away from them.

I’d like to hear someone’s opinion who prefers them and why they’re beneficial. I always imagined filters would diminish the taste a little bit, which is the main reason for enjoying pipes.

Maybe that’s a myth, but I also figured if I’m not inhaling anyway, I couldn’t really think of a real benefit.

I always use filters, when I see the state of a disposable one after 3 or 4 bowls it always convinces me I'm doing the right thing

 

[indoeuro]

I’ve been smoking pipes for over 20 years and I still, admittedly, know next to nothing about filter pipes because I’ve just simply stayed away from them.

I’d like to hear someone’s opinion who prefers them and why they’re beneficial. I always imagined filters would diminish the taste a little bit, which is the main reason for enjoying pipes.

Maybe that’s a myth, but I also figured if I’m not inhaling anyway, I couldn’t really think of a real benefit.

Filters definitely change the taste of high-sugar Virginias and European aromatics. Do a side-by-side - filtered pipe and regular - with any of the Danish or German aromatics, you'll see what I mean.

 

[Worknman]

Personally I feel like the 9mm charcoal filters make the tobacco taste better. Others disagree but that's just me. It seems to remove some moisture and tar and you're left with a cleaner and more pure taste from the smoke. And it reduces tongue bite IMO, probably because of a drier smoke.

 

[Drew72]

I always use filters, when I see the state of a disposable one after 3 or 4 bowls it always convinces me I'm doing the right thing

I just began smoking a pipe, but will only do so with a filter. And I concur, when you see the condition of the filter after a smoke or two, you realize that some bad stuff is being absorbed... better than in my mouth. I have found the 9mm charcoals to do a better job than balsa. I have one 6mm pipe where I have used balsa, and just don't feel like they absorb as much, but that is not based on science. Also, the 6mm charcoal filters I have DO NOT fit into my 6mm pipes. The draw is completely closed. So, I am happy with the many 9mm charcoal options.

My neophyte observations since I started just a few months ago: I've never had tongue bite; I've never had a nic buzz (and I have NO history with any kind of tobacco consumption, so I was coming into this white as a snowflake); no overheated pipe; and the filter restricts the draw just enough that it forces one to draw slowly and smoothly, like a very thin milkshake. Most advice here is to sip/draw slowly to get full flavor, avoid tongue bite, etc. I think with a charcoal filter, you are forced to do that.

Even if tobacco tasted like candy without a filter, I would still always use one. It is at least one level of risk reduction I feel I can take without sacrificing the experience... YMMV, of course.

Cheers
Drew

 

[npod]

Filters are not a mystery, but you wouldn't know that by reading internet comments. Go to SPC and buy one each of a charcoal type and a balsa wood type in 9mm. Smoke and take mental notes. See which type you like better and then stock up. Change the filter after every 2 bowls imho (but some people go like 4 or 5 bowls before changing, yuck).

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yes, Dunhill did produce 9mm filtered pipes. You don't see them often but you do come across them. If you wanted to smoke it unfiltered, you would want to get a 9mm to 3mm adapter. Trying to smoke a 9mm filtered pipe without an adapter will leave the draft too open and you'll suck through ash or tobacco.

I have a couple. I find no problem smoking them as is, without filter.

The draft is neither too open nor does tobacco get sucked through more than any other pipe.

 

[scloyd]

I'd guess that half of the pipes I own take filters. I use filters with all of my filtered pipes. I throw the filter out after one smoke. I only smoke 1-2 bowls a week, so the cost isn't much.

 

[mordy18]

I own 4 9mm filter pipes -- Vauen, Big Ben, Stanwell and a Savinelli, and am having another Sav converted to a 9mm. I greatly prefer 9mm filters for the reason people stated -- they definitely remove some nastiness as is obvious when you change the filter, and I personally have not found any reduction in taste or smoke quality. In fact it may improve it although I'm not sure.

 

[Drew72]

and am having another Sav converted to a 9mm. I greatly prefer 9mm filters for the reason people stated

I am curious how you are doing this. I have a beautiful 6mm Savinelli, but would prefer it take a 9mm charcoal filter. DM me if you wish. Thanks

 

[mordy18]

I have a "Friday Savinelli" 673 roma lucite that takes a 6mm filter that I'm sorry to say smokes like crap with the filter. The 6mm filter never fit correctly. That is because if you look at the stem, it was originally designed to take a 9mm filter. Savinelli puts another plastic insert inside the stem (not removable) that changes the 9mm hole to a 6mm filter hole. But at least on mine it didn't fit quite right.

There are some videos on youtube about doing a home conversion from the 6mm to 9mm -- basically taking a drill bit or reamer and opening up the hole. I didn't want to do that.

So I emailed the laudisi group and asked them about a stem replacement. They can do it and it is in process. It costs $40. You send your pipe into them (bowl only). They ordered a replacement 9mm stem from Savinelli and then fit it to your pipe. I am waiting to get it back.

It has taken some time (I sent if prior to Christmas) but their customer service is very good and they have been very responsive.

Here is the contact for the guy who has been helping me:
-
Kyler Lambeth
Operations Coordinator
Laudisi Enterprises
M - (843) 503-8970
O - (888) 366-0345 ext. 133
kyler.lambeth@corporate.laudisi.com