Removing Corn Cob Stem Protruding Into Bowl

[proteus]

I wanted to post the method I use to remove the protruding part of the stem in a corn con pipe.

Subject pipe: MM Dublin

Tools used:

DAP Plaster of Paris red box food grade by 21 cfr 184.1230 definition.
Ice cold water from fridge
Activated charcoal capsules
3/8" mason drill with a hammerhead style tip
11/64" black oxide stained drill
Drill handle
3/16" diameter gouge shaving sharp and polished mirror smooth.
1/4" round bastard file
Wooden coffee stirrers
Narrow tamper like the rounded end of a small screwdriver

Using the gouge remove the protrusion a sliver at a time from the end furthest from the hole. Takes about 10 mins or so. Go slow.

Mix up 2 tablespoons PoP and empty 2 capsules activated charcoal.

Put 1 tablespoon water in a mixing container. I used a paper cup meant for hot liquids.

Add the powder to the water slowly and stir well with coffee stirrers. Let sit a minute to absorb when done mixing. The consistency will be like paste.

Within 5 minutes using a couple stirrers add the paste to the pipe just to the top of the draw hole or slightly above. You can make a small marble of the mixture and drop in the hol. Then tamp down the mixture in a concave fashion.

Let dry 20 to 30 minutes. I waited about 25 mins.

Using the mason drill in a drill handle remove material until the hole can be seen. Using the 11/64 drill just with fingers keep the draw hole clean. You could use a second drill handle for this. Do not use a powered drill.

Continue removing material with the mason drill until the 11/64 drill leaves no channel in the material.

Let dry 24 hours preferably 48 before smoking. I have a series of pics but didn't think I should post them all so I posted before and after only.

 

[kcghost]

Was this something you wanted to try?? I only ask because corn cobs are very inexpensive.

 

[ashdigger]

Why?

 

[warren]

Yes, why?

 

[proteus]

I do this to my cobs because I don't like the nooks and crannys that the stem creates as compared to the briars and meers. Done about a dozen so far out of my collection. Smokes a bit better without what I feel are flavors from the past; not outright ghosts but just past flavors. I think the pipe stays cleaner for me. Less stale. Just my own experience.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’ve cut back and pipe mudded a couple, but for me the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.

 

[proteus]

I’ve cut back and pipe mudded a couple, but for me the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.

Took me 90 mins. But I understand. It's not for everyone.

 

[solideogloria86]

I usually smoke until they burn down and the tamp ash around the gaps on the sides. It eventually sets up and creates a nice smooth carbon cake bottom. Usually only takes about 2 or 3 bowls.

I will add that I intentionally smoke the last 1/4 of each bowl hot.

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

I'm too lazy to remove the stem that protrudes into the chamber, especially when smoking it away does the trick without much fuss. Just smoking the pipe works for me.

However, I'm glad this information is out there for those interested (seriously) since my preferences are not for everyone.

 

[JSPiper71]

Personally I’m on board… but I can be a bit OCD. Have seen a few iterations, one using ash from a cigar as the paste ingredient. Good choice as it gives me a reason to smoke a cigar! As much as I like smoking a cob, I don’t like the fidgety bottom requirement due to this design flaw. Worst is when you go to relight and you get a mouth full of hot flame as all of the tobacco near the hole has gone to ash. While I think it’s worth the effort, I have yet to actually do it.

 

[markophonic]

I use a forstner bit to drill out the protrusion in the bowl. I use Canerodpiper's pipe mortar recipe...you can find it on youtube. 1 gram plaster, .5 gram salt, .6 gram activated charcoal. add drops of water until you get the right consistency.

I've done 6 MM cobs and several briar estate pipes Works great.

 

[PipeIT]

@proteus

Missouri Meerschaum Explains Shank In Bowl Bottom :: Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

Hello Pipers! Just like myself, and for those that wondered about the shank at the bottom of the bowl you might see in a Missouri Meerschaum, they explained it to me, because I know some people like to burn it out over time. ——————————— We assemble our pipes so the spoon on the shank goes all...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[proteus]

@PipeIT that is an interesting read. One MM I bought the stem came out entirely when I picked it out of the shipping box which gave me an opportunity to see the construction. The stem will sometimes contact the hardwood bottom on the pipes I've altered and some not. On many pipes I have, the amount of surface area for the glue is always the bowl and stem contact and sometimes the floor but not always. I reglued the stem in with FDA glue and it's been great. MM uses some kind of translucent rubbery glue. Maybe a food grade silicone of some sort. Since I use a plaster mix which is highly heat resistant and heat insulating the bottom is still protected well. This article is good information. For the price of a MM pipe and the fact they often come out with new designs, when the pipe is toast I'll buy another and remember the great experience. Thanks for the intel.

 

[Sigmund]

A little off topic but for pipe moarter, if you have a pellet stove, the ash is super fine and makes a great moartar just mixed with a few drops of water.

I dont have cobs...am I missing something?

 

[ashdigger]

I'm too lazy to remove the stem that protrudes into the chamber, especially when smoking it away does the trick without much fuss. Just smoking the pipe works for me.

However, I'm glad this information is out there for those interested (seriously) since my preferences are not for everyone.

This sounds like a reasonable response.

We’ll now have to revoke your membership as we can’t have your type here any longer.

 

[Andriko]

I've only the one Cob pipe, but the protuberance disappeared after just a few smokes, so this seems a bit excessive to me, but if that's your bag then go for it.

 

[proteus]

@Andriko I've smoked cobs for years and the protrusion never disappeared. Guess my technique doesn't lend itself to creating enough heat to burn it away.

@Sigmund I've not had much luck with the ash method using only ash and water. The plaster seems more rugged than ash to me.

Thanks for the read...

 

[Old Millwright]

I know it's way overkill on such a cheap pipe as a cob, but when I have spare time at work I head to the machine shop and chuck the cob in the smallest lathe and with an end mill that fits the chamber I remove the extension. I then turn a hardwood disc and press it into the chamber to take up the space at the bottom!!

 

[georged]

There's no "there" there...

If you cut away the protruding "shank tray", the material underneath it is basically just an air blocker. A barrier designed to seal the bottom of the chamber, not be structural.

Once the tray-thing is gone you'll need to install a solid bottom in the pipe, in other words.

 

[didimauw]

There's no "there" there...

If you cut away the protruding "shank tray", the material underneath it is basically just an air blocker. A barrier designed to seal the bottom of the chamber, not be structural.

Once the tray-thing is gone you'll need to install a solid bottom in the pipe, in other words.

Leaving the stem in the bowl, they get coated with cake, smooth out and harden.