Question about finishing a bowl....

[redbeard]

I feel like I am at the end of the bowl, I take my tool and feel down in the bowl and my first pack is always in there still with ash on top. By first pack I mean the first time I load the bowl and pack it down. It seems like this portion is more wet and doesn't keep lit. I dry my tobacco about 20 mins and still get this. Thank you for any help

 

[irishsmoker]

May need to dry it longer or smoke slower lad!

 

[irishsmoker]

And you may be packing the bowls a little too hard.

 

[ghost]

I'll second what Irish said. Sometimes even if you think you're going slow, you can probably go slower. Takes awhile to get the rhythm. Is it an aromatic?

 

[misterzombie]

When you guys mention going "slow" what does that mean exactly? Slow long sips or slow long pauses?

 

[redbeard]

Yes it is an aromatic, and smoke slower.... I feel like I am already going too slow and always worried the bowl is going to go out. Expecially when I am low on matches!! Lol

 

[redbeard]

And I don't think I'm packing too hard but who knows. I have no air restriction after its packed

 

[philip]

Be careful of tamping too hard. That will end up packing the bottom of the bowl tighter each time you tamp.

 

[cajundad]

Expirament with packing , and smoking longer slower puffs . Every blend packs a bit different .

 

[cigrmaster]

When you say aromatics, what type are you smoking? Many aromatics are loaded with PG and will leave a wet gunky mess in the bottom of your bowl. Drying them for an hour or 2 before smoking might help a lot. In regards to slow smoking, everyone has their own cadence and methods, you will find yours with practice.

 

[gray4lines]

Be careful of tamping too hard. That will end up packing the bottom of the bowl tighter each time you tamp.

This was my problem for a while. I think i just now am understanding how and when to tamp. Very light touch, and less often works for me, just enough to knock down the fluffy ashes.

 

[redbeard]

Thanks everyone, tons of good advice I will keep in mind. I beleive it is the tamping that is the problem.... Just too hard mid way through bowl. Thanks again :puffpipe:

 

[cortezattic]

Like Philip suggested, tamping is the probable source of the problem.

Draft hole drilled too high could create this kind of problem too.

Fix by raising the bottom of the bowl with pipe mud.
Of course, you could find yourself a Bianchino upside-down pipe. :rofl:

 

[redbeard]

Oh and I'm smoking a blend from my local shop. David's Coventry... It was my first purchase. I'm thinking of looking for a Virginia tobacco next time, what do you guys think?

 

[cortezattic]

From a B&M? McClelland #27, or #22 if you smoke outdoors. For comparison to a more bread-like Va try #25.

If your B&M carries Newminster's bulk blends, then #701 Straight Virginia is a must try.

 

[redbeard]

Yes a B&M, and a bread-like va? What do you mean bread like?

 

[cortezattic]

Not sharp and grassy, nor particularly citrus-like; more on the dark, sweet side.

Once you expose your palate to a variety of Virginias you'll say, "Oh yah, definitely bready!"
You might try putting together a sampler from Hearth & Home (PipesandCigars.com)
In fact, you can make big advances in your appreciation of Virginias by calling Russ Ouellette and asking him

to put together a package of Virginia blends that will give you the full range of the genre. 800.494.9144

 

[redbeard]

I am looking forward to it. And wow, 6 samples, how to choose what 6!!! Lol

 

[redbeard]

When you finish the bowl is it ALL supposed to be ash?

 

[captainprophesy]

When you finish the bowl is it ALL supposed to be ash?

Yes... very rarely do I leave a small amount in the bowl. But if I do its no biggie, just empty clean and move on :D