Pipe repair recommendations?

[HopHand]

Who all does everybody recommend to get a pipe stem replaced? With one as close to factory as possible.
And on average what does something like that cost? The one Is a "Twin barrel" if that changes anything.
In the few years I've been smoking now I've busted exactly two pipes. My favorite two and both in under 24hrs.
I was so worried I'd break a third I refused to touch anything but a cob for over a week.

 

[sablebrush52]

The best restorer I know of is George Dibos, georged on the forum. He’s the first choice of top collectors. Another good choice is Tim West at J H Lowe. Ryan Alden also does superb work. American Pipe Repair is another option. You could also contact the makers of the pipes to see if they make replacement stems.
Prices vary according to what’s needed and I can’t give an estimate.

 

[georged]

Those pipes don't need new stems, just their tenons replaced.

The good news is that's less work, the bad news is the procedure is deceptively difficult to do exactly right (meaning with perfect alignment).

 

[peteguy]

Don't forget to mention the time the repairman needs to fix the pipe. Lots of thought and planning, or so I am told. Cost and quality of the repair is also important as they go hand in hand.

 

[sablebrush52]

Don't forget to mention the time the repairman needs to fix the pipe. Lots of thought and planning, or so I am told. Cost and quality of the repair is also important as they go hand in hand.

Ultimately it depends on what the client wants. You want a seamless repair that leaves the pipe structurally stronger than it was before, you go to George, or Tim, or possibly Ryan if he's taking on repairs generally. And there may be a couple of others out there, working at that level, that I don't know.
You want competent, good enough, there are other options.

Just keep in mind the holy trinity of quality: Cheap good fast - pick two.

 

[Papamique]

Just keep in mind the holy trinity of quality: Cheap good fast - pick two.

This reminds me of Rich Lewis. He was one of the best and priced better than anyone else. (I don’t think he raised his prices on repairs since the 1970’s) BUT it could take months to get a pipe back.

I lived close enough that I could go visit with him often and get my pipe done quicker and hear all the stories of when he went to Ser Jacopo, how the owner of Mastro de Paja would come see him when he was in the states, his communication with Ken Barnes, some of the older well known pipe smokers in the Metro area, etc

He was a generous, knowledgeable and kind man. I miss that guy.