I am interested in buying a Dracula Sandblasted (XL90) Fishtail (9mm) but I am unable to find one? Are there any places that will modify a non filtered pipe to accept 9mm filter?
I love the way a Pete smokes as well. Their history and experience shows in the product.Thanks, I like the XL02 and 306 also. I already have an XL90 and it is one of my favorite pipes. I want something that is similar to that in size. Peterson get a lot of flac for their quality control, and deservedly so, but I have had about 60 pipes by various makers and I am down to 12, mostly Peterson. I just enjoy the way they smoke.
My post copied from another 9mm filter addition query.
The short answer is no, it cannot be done. The long answer is yes anything can be done with enough time, money, & talent.
First you need to understand a few thing about 9mm filter pipes.
1. They tend to have larger shanks.
2. They have much larger tenons.
3. filter drilling is not just making the hole bigger, it also involves drilling to the correct depth , in both the shank and the stem.
4. The tenons in filter pipes are generally UHMW. Delrin. or Teflon.
To convert a pipe you need to cut out the old tenon and drill the bit for a sleeve tenon to the correct depth.
Glue in a UHMW, Delrin, or Teflon tenon sleeve. Then drill the shank to correct depth and diameter to accept a filter/filter tenon.
Most pipe tenons are somewhere around 7-9mm to start with so drilling an existing tenon is typically not possible. A filter tenon is usually around 12-13mm od, but even if you found a pipe with a 13mm tenon you could not just drill out that tenon if its vulcanite or acrylic because they typically wont last if they are that thin, they'll snap off.
So you would still have to glue in an UHMW, Delirin, or Teflon tenon. At that point it's basically easier to start with a new stem, but if your exsisting shank is already drilled to deep than its all for naught.
So could your drill a non filter pipe for a filter? Yes if you found just the right pipe that meets all the requirements and you're willing to either pay someone to do the work, or you have all the equipment and are capable of the complex drilling and machining required.
Personally I hate filters, I have exactly two filter pipes. One Peterson and one Savinelli. Both are outstanding pipes. Both smoke like crap with filters.
The XL90 and XL02 should have the same chamber size. Both are favorites, and I have several in different lines.Thanks! They have an XL02 which looks similar. They also have a 306. Any idea how they compare in size; either to each other and/or the XL90?
Not to contradict we all have our preferences. I have a few filtered pipes, they tend to come with adapters that you can use or not depending on your draw preferences. Which is nice as you can choose your own adventure.Why? If you want a filtered pipe, buy one that is made for the filter IMO. I am frustrated by the opposite problem, I like a pipe, but it is bored for a filter. I rarely buy them because it changes the flow and draw of a pipe. I would have concerns about a second party modifying a new pipe when there are so many great filtered pipes for sale.
Sorry I didn't answer the question directly.
I get the preferences, in fact that makes this hobby so much fun and is the reason for this forum. I still stand by my statement that boring out for a filter is a difficult and risky proposition considering the selection of pipes available made for filters. The original question was about how to modify a nonfiltered pipe to accept a filter which I think I gave good advice.Not to contradict we all have our preferences. I have a few filtered pipes, they tend to come with adapters that you can use or not depending on your draw preferences. Which is nice as you can choose your own adventure.