Retort Question

[captainsousie]

I just put together a retort setup and I was wondering if I should clean up the pipe mortise and airway a bit before using the retort or just put it on and change the alcohol as necessary until it comes back clean. I can find lots of info about retorts, just not that bit.
Thanks,

Sou

 

[rd02sir]

I would clean it as best as possible before doing the retort.

 

[mp31guitar]

I think you can clean the mortise before using the retort. But, if you do clean it after using the retort wait until the pipe cools down. Thanks for bringing this up. I never considered doing this. I always just used to retort.

 

[johnnyxpipe]

I always clean it as best I can with out the retort first. It cuts down on the number of times you have to change the alcohol and makes the whole process faster.