Pipe Modification for 9mm Filter?

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shane1

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 30, 2014
202
389
Connecticut, USA
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?
 

shane1

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 30, 2014
202
389
Connecticut, USA
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?
 
Nov 20, 2022
2,736
27,686
Wisconsin
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.
 
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Searock Fan

Lifer
Oct 22, 2021
2,206
6,047
Southern U.S.A.
If the pipe has a thick enough shank it could be done. However, just drilling it out is one thing, but drilling it out properly is another. The problem is you have to square off the drill bit at exactly 90 degrees from the top of the shank. If you're even a little off the stem won't seat flush. It would also be nice if the drill bit used is exactly the size of the tenon of the stem. You have to know what your doing. If you need a filter pipe I would suggest you just buy one. puffy
 

Hillcrest

Lifer
Dec 3, 2021
3,691
18,864
Connecticut, USA
They have XL90 filter pipes :

They have the smooth dracula:

and the sandblasted:

So they pretty much have what you want or will if you keep checking back. Their stock rotates.
 

shane1

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 30, 2014
202
389
Connecticut, USA
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.
 
Jun 9, 2015
3,970
24,838
42
Mission, Ks
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.
 
Nov 20, 2022
2,736
27,686
Wisconsin
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.
I love the way a Pete smokes as well. Their history and experience shows in the product.
 

shane1

Starting to Get Obsessed
Nov 30, 2014
202
389
Connecticut, USA
Yeah, I have dropped the mod idea. Looking at other models.
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.
 
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vosBghos

Lifer
May 7, 2022
1,633
3,588
Idaho
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.
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.
 
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peteguy

Lifer
Jan 19, 2012
1,531
916
There is a gentleman, Sid Stavros (or close, my apologies if incorrect) who posts on a few forums. He has done more of this type of work than anyone I know of. His might be 6mm conversions, but at least you could get an idea.
 
Nov 20, 2022
2,736
27,686
Wisconsin
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.
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.

On the other side, as I stated I do own some filtered pipes and certainly know about the filters and adaptors. Yes, they smoke fine in general without any filter in place, but it does change the airflow and makes cleaning a tad more difficult. Filters we could talk about all day, but I personally see no good use for them based on my own experience and studies which show they are ineffective for cigarettes as far as health concerns. I know this does not necessarily apply to pipes. I also did not say anything derogatory about using filters. The adaptors do not fit perfect, and leave spaces which is not ideal. Tsuge makes an excellent corkscrew metal 9mm adaptor that may lengthen the stem flow and improve the smoke. Despite this, a good fitting stem and mortise is widely regarded as a good thing for a reason, and using an adaptor almost assures a poor fit. Still, I don't think any of the above is a big deal, but if we are going to get specific and look for an ideal scenario it applies. Just sayin.... This was all recently discussed : The Draw? :: Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions - https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/the-draw.98271/

In the end, I still think that if you want a filtered pipe you are better off buying a pipe designed for a filter rather than trying to modify a new pipe.