Resto, The More Wretched the More Glory

[mso489]

I'm a total sucker for the before and after pictures on some of these pipe restorations. I mean, many of the before photos are actually repulsive, nasty icky gray oxidized stems with various colors at the bit end, tortured brims and clotted bowls with cake that looks like a bat cave. Dumpster ready. Then here comes the salt, alcohol, Oxiclean, and micro-grain sandpaper, buffer, reamer and etc. plus intensive labor, and wow. Many are prettier than new pipes. Who can resist the romance of these transformations?

 

[Cliff_K]

1+ MSO
I love seeing these processes. There are some truly talented makers and restorers here. I get inspired looking at their work.

 

[didimauw]

Mso those are my favorite. Looking at pictures of well worn pipes smoked hard and put away wet. Then magically they are new again.

 

[alexnorth]

Yes it's really cool to see an old battered pipe spring to new life! Very impressive work done here by the skilled resto guys,

 

[stvalentine]

The More Wretched the More Glory

You´ve said it! The bigger the challenge the more fun it is.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Restoring old pipes is one of my favorite parts of this hobby/lifestyle, and I'll admit to trying to restore some of the biggest train wrecks I've come across. I just like the challenge. One of the great things about this forum is all the things you learn about restoring pipes from others. I may not do the best job, but I enjoy what I do, and always look forward to seeing more before and after pics from everyone.

 

[disinformatique]

That's what makes me admire estate pipes, sometimes we even pay more for them than a new pipe. :puffpipe:

 

[mso489]

Seeing all these pipes revived from junk to splendor makes me feel like all of my pipes are on the verge of brand new.