Questions on Clay and Meer Pipes...

[cthulhu]

I just got my pipes back from being cleaned (Thanks Lonestar), and started smoking my clay and meer. I know cake isn't wanted on a meer, is that also true for clay pipes? Also, what is the best way to clean the bowls after each use? I read that alcohol shouldnt be used...
Thanks
[Edited by Kevin to for capitalization on thread title. Please do so in the future.]

 

[uberam3rica]

I know cake isn't wanted on a meer, is that also true for clay pipes?

I would assume so, since too much cake would crack the bowl. As For cleaning, I can't help you with the clay. With the meer let it cool off. Then wipe out the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep cake from forming. Then use a pipe cleaner moistened with water to clean the shank of it. Then use a pipe cleaner with moistened with alcohol to clean the stem. Try not to get alcohol on the meerschaum as it will soften it.

 

[nemrod]

It's also true for clay pipes. The main purpose of cake is to protect the wood in a briar pipe from getting scorched, so in the case of clay or meerschaum it mostly just hinders the heat and moisture from dissipating into the material.
I just scrape out my clays with a knife occasionally, since the material is so hard it won't get damaged (never hurts to be careful though). You obviously do not want to do that with a meer though, but as I don't have one I can't give you any tips on that front.
edit: might as well mention that you can re-fire a clay pipe to get it back to brand new condition - if your oven gets hot enough that works, or if you have access to a kiln or similar that's even better. I've only done it once and probably won't do it again, I like the way the pipe smells and looks after being smoked a lot, kind of like colouring a meer but on a budget.

 

[nsfisher]

Just use a pipe cleaner on the Clay mate. Wipe the bowl out with a doubled up cleaner after use. It probable wont cake anyway. After months of use, when it gets crappy and tarry, put it in a fire for a few minutes and the heat will clean her out just like brand new.

 

[grizzly86]

I just use a pipe cleaner in the bowl on my meerschaum every couple of smokes. Never had a problem with cake forming. A couple seconds of scrubbing and you are good to go.

 

[tokerpipes]

Yeah with clays fire is the best way to clean it. I will clean mine when we have a bon fire in the back yard, maybe 2-3 times a year.

 

[cthulhu]

Thanks for all the input. I cant do the fire thing unfortunately because it has a military mortise. I like the taste the clay gives the smoke, kind of earthy.

 

[tokerpipes]

Can you put some pics up?

 

[jimbo]

A military bit on a clay? Yes, I'd like to see pics too. Mine are all one piece "traditional".
But yes, I did try the fire thing once and was amazed at the result. I let my fireplace burn down and then lay the clay on the hot coals and lay more hot coals on the top. The next morning, i took it out of the ashes and it was snowy white... looked brand new! The wax tip on the bit end was gone, but that could be replaced easily if you wanted to put wax back on.

 

[cthulhu]

Here's the old post of the bowl when I got it.

http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/interesting-pipecan-you-help-me-out