And learn to dry the tobacco more before loading. (You really have to bear down to overpack when the tobacco isn't too moist)
Please Help, Very Frustrated
- Thread starter jason64
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
- Status
I cube cut flakes, let dry overnight then gravity fill. Light tamp, one good charring light and I’m good to go. Never really got too worked up over Cake. It just happens.
Just keep adjusting your technique and soon you’ll start experiencing those magical “perfect” bowls. It takes awhile and you will certainly develop your own methods with practice. I’m still fairly new and it seems like just yesterday I was experiencing the same frustrations. It’s the path we all take in the beginning.
This is probably the reason a lot of folks who try the pipe give up when they struggle through this stage. So much easier to light a cigarette and keep on going. Me, I like the methodology, the fiddling, packing etc. Experimenting with different techniques is always fun especially when the outcome is positive given the infinite variables.
As far as packing goes, I too got wrapped around the axle with all the different methods but now, I just fill the bowl and press on it with a finger until it just “feels right”. Again, that comes with practice and experience. Best advice was given above as the OTC blends are the most forgiving and makes things much easier. You’re definitely in the right place for great info and I certainly believe this forum has shaved years off the learning curve for me personally.
Welcome and enjoy.
This is probably the reason a lot of folks who try the pipe give up when they struggle through this stage. So much easier to light a cigarette and keep on going. Me, I like the methodology, the fiddling, packing etc. Experimenting with different techniques is always fun especially when the outcome is positive given the infinite variables.
As far as packing goes, I too got wrapped around the axle with all the different methods but now, I just fill the bowl and press on it with a finger until it just “feels right”. Again, that comes with practice and experience. Best advice was given above as the OTC blends are the most forgiving and makes things much easier. You’re definitely in the right place for great info and I certainly believe this forum has shaved years off the learning curve for me personally.
Welcome and enjoy.
The funny thing about packing is it sounds so simple, but then turns out to be so perplexingly difficult. Then after a time, it seems like it’s the easiest thing in the world and you can’t imagine why you found it so difficult to start. Have patience and stay determined.
When properly packed, ribbon-cut tobacco should feel spongy — something like a marshmallow. Aromatics can prove difficult to pack because of their tendency to stick together tightly. To start, easy burning tobaccos will prove less frustrating. In general, the cross-cut codger burley blends are easy to pack, so the Carter Hall suggestions are sound. Half and Half isn’t half bad either. They also have a reputation for being good tobaccos for building cake. Honestly, I don’t worry much about it. Most new briars have bowl coatings to protect the briar from the start anyway.
If the draw is hard, try sticking a pipecleaner all the way down the stem and into the bottom of the bowl to clear the draft hole. That can happen during your initial packing or during the smoke when tamping. Some pipers routinely insert a pipecleaner while packing.
Finally, try lighting with wooden matches. I find it easier to get a good light than with butane or a zippo. Hold the match above, not touching the tobacco. You want to get a good ember going, but be careful not to puff too hard when lighting; otherwise, your tongue will pay a heavy price.
When properly packed, ribbon-cut tobacco should feel spongy — something like a marshmallow. Aromatics can prove difficult to pack because of their tendency to stick together tightly. To start, easy burning tobaccos will prove less frustrating. In general, the cross-cut codger burley blends are easy to pack, so the Carter Hall suggestions are sound. Half and Half isn’t half bad either. They also have a reputation for being good tobaccos for building cake. Honestly, I don’t worry much about it. Most new briars have bowl coatings to protect the briar from the start anyway.
If the draw is hard, try sticking a pipecleaner all the way down the stem and into the bottom of the bowl to clear the draft hole. That can happen during your initial packing or during the smoke when tamping. Some pipers routinely insert a pipecleaner while packing.
Finally, try lighting with wooden matches. I find it easier to get a good light than with butane or a zippo. Hold the match above, not touching the tobacco. You want to get a good ember going, but be careful not to puff too hard when lighting; otherwise, your tongue will pay a heavy price.
I tried the 3 step method per youtube when i started few months ago quickly found out how varied peoples takes on how hard to pack and such can be. Since im a mechanic with a calibrated arm strength ratio 
i have found you get the feel for how your particular blends and pipes pack there are helpful tips but no set guidlines as everyone is diffrent keep trying till you get what works for you.
i have found you get the feel for how your particular blends and pipes pack there are helpful tips but no set guidlines as everyone is diffrent keep trying till you get what works for you.
I'm still struggling with keeping my pipe(s) lit, but then 95% of my (gifted) tobacco consists of plug, twist and flake which according to the guys here has a much steeper learning curve when it comes to preparation and keeping it lit.
That said I still struggle - although not as much - with the ribbon (is that the right term?) stuff.
That said I still struggle - although not as much - with the ribbon (is that the right term?) stuff.
Yes, ribbon and shag are two types of cuts. Many of the plugs, ropes and flakes retain moisture longer than the former. So, cutting up or rubbing out and then drying may be a good plan.
Me too. That's why I dry a boat load of tobacco well in advance. I have maybe 20 ounces in 6-7 blends that are ready to go. Using a hygrometer is the only way I can do it; others may be able to better sense the level of moisture.
One option is to not build cake. To do this, or not do it, scoop out the ash and then wipe out the bowl with a paper towel or napkin, then use a pipe cleaner and buff off the pipe. Wiping out the bowl will leave a thin carbon layer but no cake. This eliminates the need to ream a pipe and the possible damage a beginner can do with a reamer, and it also maintains the diameter of the chamber of the pipe for the life of the pipe, and maybe your lifetime as well. It works for me, and my 40-plus and thirty something year old pipes seem to like it too. Don't over-think breaking in your pipes. Pack 'em, smoke 'em, and learn as you go. Sip at the pipe, don't puff like a steam locomotive, and you will mostly do fine. Welcome aboard.
Where in CT? If you are able, we'd (New York Pipe Club) be more than happy to meet you and help in any way. We meet on the second Tues. of every month at SoHo Cigar Bar 32 Watts Street in SoHo NYC. All the info you need can be found here:
https://newyorkpipeclub.clubexpress.com/
If you are available, another opportunity to met up would be at the NY Pipe Show, in Newark, NJ on March 9th - all of the info about it can be found at the link provided.
I also found this thread here on the forum: http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/connecticut-pipe-smokers
We'd be more than happy to help you in any way if you are able to get to one of our meetings or events.
Stick with it and be patient, your perseverance will pay dividends in pleasure and relaxation!
Lou
- Status