Pipe Restoring Tips

[chlogeo3]

Just purchased a Yello Bole Imperial. I am going to clean it but it has what seems to be a non removable Stinger. I do not want the Stinger but am afraid I will break the stem. Any suggestions?

 

[chuckw]

Here is a trick I learned from Tim West. Believe it or not, it works. For the cracks in the bottom of the bowl or a pipe that you want to build a quick cake in, Completely dry some of the tobacco you intend to smoke in the pipe. I mean get it tinder dry. Mix the tobacco with a quality grape jelly (we use Welches or Knotts) and smear a thin coat in the bowl. Set the bowl aside and let the jelly/tobacco dry completely. When it is completely dry, load the pipe to the top tamping only in the center and smoke it ALL THE WAY down.

Some people recommed using honey in the same way. The problem with that is the honey melts and form a puddle in the botton of the pipe that turns rock hard. The jelly won't do that. I saved a pair of high grade, high dollar Celius' using that method.
Clogeo3, I haven't owned a Yellow Bole for 40 or 45 years so I can't advise you.

 

[duncan]

OK, big question I snagged that pioneer meershaum and it had a varnish or paint of some type on it. about 25% is missing and the rest looks like crap. What would be a good way to restore it or remove it without any damage to the Meershaum. I am tempted to use alchohol and a soft toothbrush, but not sure if I will destroy it.

 

[excav8tor]

Some excellent advice in this thread, but I have a question. Are there any differences in renovating the exterior of a rustic (or similar) finish, to that of a smooth finished bowl??

 

[chuckw]

Not for me with the exception of more hand work to get the wax to polish with a soft rag and/or soft bristle tooth brush in the deporessions. The same holds true for plateau tops.

 

[excav8tor]

Thx for that Chuck. Having steered clear of rustic pipes I was not sure, but since I have just bought a job lot of pipes (some rustic) I guess I'll get the chance to find out.

 

[wallbright]

Chuck, you mentioned

Here is a trick I learned from Tim West. Believe it or not, it works. For the cracks in the bottom of the bowl or a pipe that you want to build a quick cake in, Completely dry some of the tobacco you intend to smoke in the pipe. I mean get it tinder dry. Mix the tobacco with a quality grape jelly (we use Welches or Knotts) and smear a thin coat in the bowl. Set the bowl aside and let the jelly/tobacco dry completely. When it is completely dry, load the pipe to the top tamping only in the center and smoke it ALL THE WAY down.

Some people recommed using honey in the same way. The problem with that is the honey melts and form a puddle in the botton of the pipe that turns rock hard. The jelly won't do that. I saved a pair of high grade, high dollar Celius' using that method.

What ratio of jelly to dried tobacco do you use? I have the tobacco dried out and some welches jelly ready but I don't know how much of each to mix.

 

[pstlpkr]

Duncan you might PM Fred for some assistance on your problem.

Just in case he doesn't see the thread.