Restored Dr Grabow Freehand

[gmwolford]

I picked this up about a month ago and haven't had time to work on it. Between the rigors of life and arthritis, it has more or less just been waiting on me. Well, tonight I finished it up; I'd worked on it a bit earlier this week but only a bit. Anyway, for now, here's the before and after photos; there may be a story with it later as to how I got it here. Until then, know that tomorrow it will take its maiden voyage in its new life!

 

[ejames]

Nice job Greg! You can buy replacement freehand stems direct from the DG factory.

 

[tbradsim1]

How did you fix the hole in the stem? The old cajun

 

[fnord]

"How did you fix the hole in the stem?"
No kidding. That's the million dollar question tonight.
Looking forward to hearing your report on the smokeability of a rock solid scrub down.
Fnord

 

[papipeguy]

Nice turn-around. The world wants to know about the hole repair.

 

[cortezattic]

I'm guessing that the stem was shortened and re-fashioned -- and expertly done too! :clap:

Beautiful rescue job, Greg. I also love the basket weave on that pipe rest.

 

[gmwolford]

Good morning, gents. Ed, I didn't know you could buy freehand replacement stems but am glad to know it now. I'll have to look up their contact info in case I decide to do that.
How did I fix the hole? Easy: I used a coping saw! After cutting off the stem below the hole, I then scored a line with a cut off wheel with my Dremel where I wanted the new button and broke out the needle files. I reshaped the air hole, button, the whole 9-yards. And the small crack that was left, that was too far down to cut off, I used Super Glue to "heal" that one; it's barely noticeable now.
This afternoon I'll see if I can get some clear photos of the the button end.

 

[colorduke]

Great job on saving another Grabow.

 

[gmwolford]

Thank you, Cortez; I was writing my reply as you posted your answer. The shorter stem has a good, balanced feel to it. And if you're interested, that pipe stand is on Briar Bid. 8)

 

[gray4lines]

I honestly thought that was a brand new stem, and Bradley was just pullin' your leg asking how you fixed it. Lol!! great job!

 

[ejames]

Here's the contact info for DG-- http://www.drgrabow.net/pipecleaner.aspx

I might add that the factory will re-stem just about any Grabow,even many of the pipes made 30-40 years ago. Runs about $10.50 per pipe + a couple of bucks for shipping.

 

[jah76]

Holy Cow. That's awesome Greg.
*clap clap*

 

[gmwolford]

Thank you folks for the kind words. They are appreciated.
Ed, thanks for the info. I have made a file to start keeping this kind of stuff, as well as hints and whatnot, and am adding it to that. That's not a bad price at all to get one restemmed, IMO.

 

[cmkiefer]

Love it. I had an identical one I bought in my younger days. In my smoking ignorance I burned it out. These are much classier than what they put out now. Glad to see one being put back into service.

 

[gmwolford]

Thought I'd link to the fuller article and more photos:

http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/dr-grabow-restoration-and-stem-repair/

 

[yadan]

Superb restoration - congratulations!

I wonder how the former owner managed to make a hole like that; perhaps he lent the pipe to his pet walrus...

 

[ghost]

Great job Greg! I just read the blog post at Reborn Pipes as well. There are so many pipes sitting out there waiting for a fresh start, I hope more of us get into restorations.

 

[gmwolford]

Tha is guys. It was a challenge but a rewarding one. I can't imagine how one would chew through a stem like that guy did!

 

[eibhir]

That is a nice pipe! You did a great job fixing and cleaning her!