Polishing Smooth Pipes

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

I have a Savinelli smooth 320KS that is looking quite dull. I have tried the Decatur No-Buff Wax, but it isn't helping much. What do you pipe smokers recommend to bring that shine back?

 

[Cotton1]

Interested in this as well.

 

[mikestanley]

A buffing wheel of soft flannel with Carnuba wax. You can mount one on a drill or a drill press. a lathe or other items.

Mike S.

 

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

A buffing wheel of soft flannel with Carnuba wax. You can mount one on a drill or a drill press. a lathe or other items.

Mike S.

Will a Dremel with a buffing wheel work as well?

 

[Cotton1]

I'm wondering about in between cleaning and waxing. Maybe wipe it with a Pledge rag? I have seen that suggested for daily cleaning.

Off to find a buffing wheel for my drill. I hope it will work with Paragon too?

 

[Cotton1]

Will a Dremel with a buffing wheel work as well?

They might run at too high speed.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Paragon wax

 

[kcghost]

Keep the buffing wheel away from any nomenclature on the pipe or you will lose it.

 

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

Paragon wax

I've also heard Carnauba wax

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've also heard Carnauba wax

You have to use a buffer with carnauba. You can use Paragon by hand.

 

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

You have to use a buffer with carnauba. You can use Paragon by hand.

And it will restore that factory shine?

 

[Chasing Embers]

And it will restore that factory shine?

And less likely to throw a pipe to the floor or across the room with a buffer.

 

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

And less likely to throw a pipe to the floor or across the room with a buffer.

Yes! As I would cry.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Yes! As I would cry.

I've heard good things about Renaissance Wax as well.

 

[northeastohiopipesmoker]

I've heard good things about Renaissance Wax as well.

Thank you for your help.

 

[stokesdale]

Here's an alternative...don't worry about it because whatever you do any shine will be gone in a week anyway.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Here's an alternative...don't worry about it because whatever you do any shine will be gone in a week anyway.

This is true. After handling and a couple of smokes, even carnauba will dull.

 

[stokesdale]

This is true. After handling and a couple of smokes, even carnauba will dull.

Probably the only shine that would last any length of time is the Grabow 'shine'...a sort of lacquer, and even that goes away after about 6 months.

 

[mikestanley]

Will a Dremel with a buffing wheel work as well?

You can generate a lot of heat with the small wheels on a Dremel, especially on a stem. The adjustable speed one is better.

Mike S.

 

[mso489]

I buff my pipes by hand only, and I rarely use any kind of wax or product. I just don't want the residue, though of course if you use wax sparingly, you can control that mostly. I don't mind the wear shown by a hand-buffed pipe. I don't intend to keep them all looking new, just sharp. I also wipe out the bowl after scooping out the ash, so I have just the carbon layer and no cake build-up. A number of Forums members do this. I don't even own a reamer, and the chambers stay about original size. Of course, if you restore pipes regularly, you will need a reamer.