Restoring a “wasted” briar pipe with plaster.

[RedAndy]

Hello. I have a question for experienced pipe restorers and hobby enthusiast. I bought through EBay a beautiful used Apple Red Killarney Peterson pipe that on the sale image looked fine.
When I received it I noticed that the bowl looked different from seller’s pictures. It was way too reamed, way too thin walls. Now, I was thinking of restoring it for personal use. The question is: can I use plaster of Paris to plaster the inside walls of the bowl? I mean, I don’t want to do any too foolish, smoking a pipe once in a while is enough of a health concern for me. I don’t know if it is safe to use, as like meerschaum is or if will be worth it, otherwise I will send it back for a refund.
Thanks, your answers are well appreciated.

 

[bullet08]

Use ash mixed with water. There are other mixes. Other will chime in. You could return it, if it's really bad.

 

[OzPiper]

I bought an estate pipe sometime ago that was over-reamed (walls and base)


I decided to keep it as I liked the pipe and the return postage would almost be the cost of the pipe.

I applied JB Weld to reinforce the walls and base
Then applied 2-3 coats of pipe mud.
Allowed 7-10 drying time

Pipe smokes fine now

 

[Sigmund]

Ask @RustiePyles CPG if this is a place to use waterglass instead of mud. Nevermind I see you have done it already. Nice pipe.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I bought an estate pipe sometime ago that was over-reamed (walls and base)
View attachment 326361

I decided to keep it as I liked the pipe and the return postage would almost be the cost of the pipe.

I applied JB Weld to reinforce the walls and base
Then applied 2-3 coats of pipe mud.
Allowed 7-10 drying time

Pipe smokes fine now

I'm not being a smartass, I'm just curious. I'm all for fixing a pipe.

You dont mind smoking an ember laid that closely to the JB weld?

 

[OzPiper]

I'm not being a smartass, I'm just curious. I'm all for fixing a pipe.

You dont mind smoking an ember laid that closely to the JB weld?

No.
Made sure it was coated with 2-3 layers of pipe mud
It has built up a nice layer of thin hard cake since

 

[proteus]

I've restored many pipes using Plaster of Paris (PoP) mixed with charcoal for filler to make walls thicker, fill in bases of corn cobs and fix burn outs. Ash and water isn't my choice. Not strong enough. Make a base. Let dry. Make paste and spread on walls smoothing with a large round dowel just smaller than the hole. I'd use a 5/8 diameter. I would sand the inside to base wood and leave it a bit rough say 80 grit finish. Helps to promote adhesion.

 

[craig61a]

I use sodium silicate (waterglass) and activated charcoal. Works great.

 

[AroEnglish]

I use sodium silicate (waterglass) and activated charcoal. Works great.

Who is this self proclaimed "high grade pipe repair"? I don't know if I could trust that guy

 

[greeneyes]

I bought an estate pipe sometime ago that was over-reamed (walls and base)
View attachment 326361

Wow, a French Carrington! Any idea the date? Nice silverwork!

 

[kcghost]

I think your last idea was best. Send it back for a refund.

 

[OzPiper]

Wow, a French Carrington! Any idea the date? Nice silverwork!

It’s a cased, horn-stemmed bulldog. Hence the reluctance to return it.
Unfortunately no date letters.