I apologize four giving the URL to my album instead of a picture but, so far, my Mac and I have been unable.
Pipe retorts are the absolute best way to sterilize and do final cleaning of a pipe. The salt method is messy, takes a long time and can damage the finish. The retorts are hard to find and while old hands can make their own beginners may not know. As far as I know they are not available for sale (see warnings) They used to be on Ebay at about $20. I think potential liability got them removed. If you do this be careful and you are on your own.
Check this picture http://pipesmagazine.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/album/10847/p1000119-150x112.jpg in my album. You will need the following parts all from Amazon unless indicated.:
Latex rubber bulbs $8.75 for 12 you need one for each retort ($.72 each)
Alcohol burner $8.85 or stern can.
91% isopropyl alcohol from drug or grocery store. this will be used for the burner and to clean (Isoproply at 91% lis OK as it all evaporates if you allow drying time. If worried use PGHA (Everclear) or i51 Rum)). These are much more expensive. If you don't believe me try the isopropyl out on a cheap pipe. It works.
Homewerks worldwide llc cu04010 1/4" O.D. x 10', Utility Grade, Copper Tube $10.47 Each retort will only use less than 6 inches ( about $.50)
SEOH Boiling Flask Long Neck Round Bottom 50ml $3.95 An alternative is a test tube with a i6mm opening.
American Educational 7-G12 Stoddard Type Test Tube Clamp, 5" Length, Nickel-Plated Steel $2.39 (or just use a rag to hold the tube.
The following is available on the net but not from Amazon:
A stopper to fit the tube or boiling flask drilled for .25 inch. You nay have to drill yourself, easy.( about $.75)
Many of the items come with enough for multiple retorts and why not make a bunch for friends. Total cost per unit is about $8.45 if you make several. I have not included the alcohol or the burner.
Drill the cork .s5" (if undrilled). Cut about 6" of tubing and smooth the ends. Put one end in the cork and put the latex bulb on the other. Slit the end of the build to allow slipping over the pipe stem. Place the cork into the boiling flask or the test tube.
[WARNINGS !!!! Do this at your own risk. Glasses and gloves and a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep the alcohol bottle capped and well away from the flame.
Put about half a tube or 20cc of alcohol in the retort, holding it with the clamp. Put a cotton ball into the top of the pipe to stop leakage. Attach the pipe and hold the bowl level or slightly down. Heat the alcohol until boiling and it will go into the pipe. Take it from the flame and tilt to allow to drain back. Redo until you need fresh alcohol or you are finished. Let the pipe dry.
Remember!!!! alcohol flame is invisible and you may not recognize a burning spill until you are burned. Be careful. I have been doing this for a long time (carefully) and never had a single problem.
Pipe retorts are the absolute best way to sterilize and do final cleaning of a pipe. The salt method is messy, takes a long time and can damage the finish. The retorts are hard to find and while old hands can make their own beginners may not know. As far as I know they are not available for sale (see warnings) They used to be on Ebay at about $20. I think potential liability got them removed. If you do this be careful and you are on your own.
Check this picture http://pipesmagazine.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/album/10847/p1000119-150x112.jpg in my album. You will need the following parts all from Amazon unless indicated.:
Latex rubber bulbs $8.75 for 12 you need one for each retort ($.72 each)
Alcohol burner $8.85 or stern can.
91% isopropyl alcohol from drug or grocery store. this will be used for the burner and to clean (Isoproply at 91% lis OK as it all evaporates if you allow drying time. If worried use PGHA (Everclear) or i51 Rum)). These are much more expensive. If you don't believe me try the isopropyl out on a cheap pipe. It works.
Homewerks worldwide llc cu04010 1/4" O.D. x 10', Utility Grade, Copper Tube $10.47 Each retort will only use less than 6 inches ( about $.50)
SEOH Boiling Flask Long Neck Round Bottom 50ml $3.95 An alternative is a test tube with a i6mm opening.
American Educational 7-G12 Stoddard Type Test Tube Clamp, 5" Length, Nickel-Plated Steel $2.39 (or just use a rag to hold the tube.
The following is available on the net but not from Amazon:
A stopper to fit the tube or boiling flask drilled for .25 inch. You nay have to drill yourself, easy.( about $.75)
Many of the items come with enough for multiple retorts and why not make a bunch for friends. Total cost per unit is about $8.45 if you make several. I have not included the alcohol or the burner.
Drill the cork .s5" (if undrilled). Cut about 6" of tubing and smooth the ends. Put one end in the cork and put the latex bulb on the other. Slit the end of the build to allow slipping over the pipe stem. Place the cork into the boiling flask or the test tube.
[WARNINGS !!!! Do this at your own risk. Glasses and gloves and a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep the alcohol bottle capped and well away from the flame.
Put about half a tube or 20cc of alcohol in the retort, holding it with the clamp. Put a cotton ball into the top of the pipe to stop leakage. Attach the pipe and hold the bowl level or slightly down. Heat the alcohol until boiling and it will go into the pipe. Take it from the flame and tilt to allow to drain back. Redo until you need fresh alcohol or you are finished. Let the pipe dry.
Remember!!!! alcohol flame is invisible and you may not recognize a burning spill until you are burned. Be careful. I have been doing this for a long time (carefully) and never had a single problem.
