Question On Pipe Tenons

[elessar]

I am trying to build knowledge on pipe construction. Often I see mention of a delrin tenon or some other material. What is the reason the tenon is a separate component of the stem? Why not just turn the tenon out the primary stem material? Could it be a matter of strength or material properties?

 

[tokerpipes]

I have wondered this from time to time also. Clay pipes are all one piece and just put them in a fire to clean them. Easy to clean is all I can think of.

 

[jhowell]

Delrin is dimensionally stable and self-lubricating

 

[sablebrush52]

There is a pipe makers forum that addresses questions like this. That would be a good place to go to get info about making pipes.

 

[Casual]

I don’t know how pipe makers arrived at this decision, but you can read the properties of different plastics from the manufacturers.

Delrin keeps its dimensions under heat better than acrylic, but doesn’t polish up very well. I’m not sure if that’s the reason, but it does certainly make sense.

 

[Chasing Embers]

"That's it in a nutshell. Sounds like a lot of work, but it goes rather quickly for me as I tend to batch most of that by doing 3-4 stems at a time. Way less time than trying to hand turn tenons on a wood lathe. I also prefer the buttery feel of delrin as a tenon over vulcanite - but that's primarily a personal preference."
-Kurt Huhn

Using Delrin Tenons - Pipedia

pipedia.org

 

[ssjones]

I don't make pipes, but I like the fitment of my Delrin-tenon equipped pipes. (Chris Askwith)

 

[elessar]

I appreciate the responses. None of my pipes have a delrin tenon that I know of so it is interesting to hear the preferences for its feel. UHMWPE would probably be a good choice also but very difficult to glue in place. I agree a plastic with lower friction would be a good choice. It seems that is the reason, as well as efficiency.

 

[anantaandroscoggin]

I've always had the impression that delrin tenons were used to replace the broken tenon on an original stem, when possible and the person sending the pipe in for repair doesn't want a new replacement pipe-stem made.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've always had the impression that delrin tenons were used to replace the broken tenon on an original stem, when possible and the person sending the pipe in for repair doesn't want a new replacement pipe-stem made.

Some are. Many artisans use them too. All of these have delrin tenons.

 

[Chasing Embers]

None of my pipes have a delrin tenon that I know of so it is interesting to hear the preferences for its feel.

No real preference here. As long as the stem is snug and the airway is drilled well I'm happy.

 

[Sonorisis]

Nylon is hell for strong, dimensionally stable, and 'slippery.'