Replacing the stem on an exceptional Camelia… mid smoke!

[Wesley pipes]

Was in the middle of smoking this pipe, and was so annoyed at how the stem fits in my mouth that I stopped! mid bowl! just doesn’t feel right, like the briar bowl feels to heavy, I can’t get a good/comfortable clench. Also kinda ugly looking in my opinion. I don’t actually care for this style of stem. I had to remind myself why I never use this pipe, cuz I love the grain on it, just not how it feels between the teeth. So I was about to empty and put it away. Then I got to thinkin, “why not switch out the stem” putting it back in the cabinet is not going to fix the problem. It’s like that vintage car in your garage that you think will somehow restore itself if you drink beer and stare at it! So I’m gonna get to work on this replacement. It’s a little longer and has a nice wide bit. The new stems going to need a lot of work, will have to be carved and drilled to fit.

 

[Wesley pipes]

Not perfect but I like it. Had to take a very tiny bit off the shank to smooth it out. then a good cleaning. a little graphite to ease the stem in place.

 

[Wesley pipes]

Now! Let’s tamp and finish that bowl .

 

[Byrd]

Well done! I've been thinking about trying to replace a stem but don't have the tools to do it. It'd have to be sand away! I do have a churchwarden stem to fill into a bowl but I'm chicken!

 

[Wesley pipes]

If the stem is vulcanite, sanding it is very similar to sanding wood. I definitely get being nervous about trying to do a stem replacement. I have ruined a stem/pipe or two. The only advice I can give is practicing on pipes you don’t care that much about. I buy and sell pipes as a hobby, and over the years of doing repairs on them, i Finally feel confident enough to tackle jobs like this, but that has -not- always bin the case. A set of needle files and some assorted grit sandpaper is a great place to start. To bad pipe Repair is no longer a common or cheap thing to have done. At one time you could just go to your local tobacco shop for a stem replacement or repair, was not too expensive, good luck finding that these days!

 

[Byrd]

Appreciate the input! Like I said I do have a churchwarden stem I'm wanting to fit into a small bowl. I guess the only thing is to give it a shot. The bowl is from a small unmarked estate pipe so it'll be a good one to start on. If I mess up I'm not out much!

 

[Wesley pipes]

If the stem is vulcanite, sanding it is very similar to sanding wood. I definitely get being nervous about trying to do a stem replacement. I have ruined a stem/pipe or two. The only advice I can give is practicing on pipes you don’t care that much about. I buy and sell pipes as a hobby, and over the years of doing repairs on them, i Finally feel confident enough to tackle jobs like this, but that has -not- always bin the case. A set of needle files and some assorted grit sandpaper is a great place to start. To bad pipe Repair is no longer a common or cheap thing to have done. At one time you could just go to your local tobacco shop for a stem replacement or repair, was not too expensive, good luck finding that these days!

Also it should be noted. I’m not a professional. I only use hand tools and a common electric drill, so my work is not perfect or precise.

 

[Byrd]

We must've been typing at the same time! I've been restoring pipes for a bit and my other hobby is restoring pocket knives so I've got the tools. Just need to tackle it!

 

[Wesley pipes]

Appreciate the input! Like I said I do have a churchwarden stem I'm wanting to fit into a small bowl. I guess the only thing is to give it a shot. The bowl is from a small unmarked estate pipe so it'll be a good one to start on. If I mess up I'm not out much!

Just take it nice and slow. It’s fun to do while smoking your pipe, keeps the hands busy. maybe check out YouTube for inspiration.

 

[Wesley pipes]

We must've been typing at the same time! I've been restoring pipes for a bit and my other hobby is restoring pocket knives so I've got the tools. Just need to tackle it!

Yeah. We are typing at the same time .

 

[Byrd]

Thanks for the input! I'm thinking it's simply detailed work so slow is good. Actually my wife has been looking at my pipe projects and suggested I make a churchwarden for her!

 

[Wesley pipes]

We must've been typing at the same time! I've been restoring pipes for a bit and my other hobby is restoring pocket knives so I've got the tools. Just need to tackle it!

Restoring pocketknives sounds like a much harder skill.

 

[Byrd]

It's fun. I buy old pocket knives and cut them in half, remove or replace broken blades and pin them back together with new scales. I like to get old TL29 electrician knives and remove the screwdriver blade and old handles and replace them with stained elk horn. It makes for a slim handy knife.
I guess if I can do that I can replace a stem!