Problems Smoking Makes Me Want to Quit

[tarak]

That's frustrating. Just want to say "hang in there".

 

[numbersix]

I have not checked out the lighting problem. Come to think of it I always feel lighting my pipe is far more difficult than it should be. No way I can light me pipe with less than 4 matches and seems like I am cooking it pretty good when I use a lighter. I must evaluate this.

Overall, 4 matches doesn't sound too bad, but maybe the initial light isn't really catching or the tobacco isn't tamped tight enough.
Also, Harris brought up a good point. I smoke mostly ribbon cut, so packing tight is a must (IMHO), but flakes and other cuts are sometimes packed more loosely - so you will have to decide what's best.
Don't give up!

 

[mgolfd]

Eastern I am in the same boat as you. The reason why I don't give it up is when you do have that bowl that nails it, that's the one that keeps me coming back. I do still have more bad then good, but they are getting better.

 

[daytonsean]

Everything you're doing is by the books. But it's not working for you, so it's wrong. Try something else.

 

[prophecies]

I've been having quite similar issues. To be honest, I'm a little stumped as well. Moisture levels through the roof, constant relighting. When I'm finished with my bowl (to be honest, it rarely makes it there), and I let it cool down a bit, I'll remove my stem only to find it dripping. Not sure what's up. I own a curved pipe, and I thought that might be the issue at first, but even after being very careful, moisture still occurs.
Do you smoke outside? I do, and I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps the wind may be what's causing me issues.
I've always packed on the light side, so perhaps giving a tighter packing a try might help. We'll see.

 

[keith929]

While all the advice and comments here are great guidelines to follow you are going to have to discover what works for you.

Some of the techniques I use many may frown upon as not being the "proper" way to pack or smoke a pipe but key is to enjoy your pipe.

When I first started I was so busy listening to advice from the old-timers on how to do this and that, I forgot this was supposed to be a relaxing pursuit.

Trial and error are the best teacher.

 

[bogie]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but, it reads like you are battling the moisture build up during the smoking of the bowl.
I ALWAYS carry pipe cleaners with me. I run that pipe cleaner down to the bowl every so often during the smoke and find I always have a pleasant smoke!
Maybe that would be an idea for you to try!

 

[zekest]

The problem with quitting makes me want to smoke.

 

[drwatson]

I used to have some of the same problems years ago. The meers have very small draft holes, and so do many briars. And not to pick or anything, but I see it alot in the basket pipes. There is a simple fix that worked for me. If you are able and good with tools open the draft hole in pipe and stem to 5/32, alittle less if you have to. If not handy send it out to be done. There is a nice read at Walker Briar Works (online)about opening them up.

Next, the best smokes I've ever had were packed alittle looser then most would do. And I also tamp less then most do also. Good luck

 

[Perique]

Since several more chimed in about wet smoking issues, the reason I asked if Eastern clenched is that often new pipe smokers unconsciously salivate through the stem. This is also true of those who hold the pipe, but is exacerbated by clenching. There's no real cure for this problem other than time and patience. Don't give up! A world of fine tobacco bliss is waiting for you. Take comfort at least in the fact that this is a very common problem that DOES go away with time. While many advocate drinking certain liquids while smoking, I would advice against this for new smokers suffering from the wet pipe problem. In the meantime, don't be shy about frequent use of pipe cleaners down the stem as you smoke (as needed).