Salt and ̶a̶l̶c̶o̶h̶o̶l̶ benzine?

[itsnotuitsme]

Why not just use a low boiling benzine for cleaning out the last residues of cake? in theory it should be much more effective, as ethanol is relatively polar, while all that carbon stuff should solve better in more unpolar solvents. Drying afterwards should work about the same.

 

[stevecourtright]

Benzine and benzene are both carcinogenic. Not work it for me to have around the house or use.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

Benzene is carcinogenic, according to the NCI. Not worth it to me.

There are formulas available for household use, which are relatively safe in that regard. Lets assume proper ventilation or outdoor use, gloves, and of course a proper drying out before using that pipes again.

 

[georged]

If your house faces west, the best way to cross the street is not to walk 25,000 miles to the east.

 

[ThermionicScott]

Why not just use a low boiling benzine for cleaning out the last residues of cake? in theory it should be much more effective, as ethanol is relatively polar, while all that carbon stuff should solve better in more unpolar solvents. Drying afterwards should work about the same.

That's undoubtedly true -- I find mineral spirits to work much better than alcohol when cleaning bike or engine parts, and it dries relatively quickly -- but most people aren't going to like the idea of smoking a pipe with any amount of that residue present.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

That's undoubtedly true -- I find mineral spirits to work much better than alcohol when cleaning bike or engine parts, and it dries relatively quickly -- but most people aren't going to like the idea of smoking a pipe with any amount of that residue present.

That's one part of the question - would there even be any residue left after drying it properly? Also, there are many nasty compounds found in smoke (of any organic origin, not specifically tobacco of course) - i think to be rational about this, one would have to compare if there would be a significant difference to "normal" smoke.
The other part would be, if a treatment like that may have detrimental effects on the material itself.

 

[ThermionicScott]

That's one part of the question - would there even be any residue left after drying it properly? Also, there are many nasty compounds found in smoke (of any organic origin, not specifically tobacco of course) - i think to be rational about this, one would have to compare if there would be a significant difference to "normal" smoke.
The other part would be, if a treatment like that may have detrimental effects on the material itself.

When I clean a bike part in mineral spirits, it will seem dry to the touch the next day, but will still smell faintly of the solvent for a while after. I suspect the solvent dries asymptotically. So it's a matter of what you're comfortable with.

The usual alcohol (or hot water) treatments work so well, and have enough evidence as to their safety, that there isn't much need to do anything else. Perhaps nonpolar solvents might have a use in exorcising the most stubborn ghosts. It would probably be wise to follow that with courses of alcohol and then water, and an extended drying time, before smoking.

 

[OzPiper]

Speaking only for myself - I only use something I would willingly drink.
I use an eau de vie - a clear peach brandy. It leaves a lovely aroma which dissipates after the 1st smoke.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

I suspect the solvent dries asymptotically.

...most stubborn ghosts...

i think that would be exactly the case for every drying process - including diffusion from and to the surface into the material.

that's what led me to this question.

 

[greeneyes]

Lignin (below), one of the main structural components of wood, contains aromatic benzene rings within its structure.



You're likely going to get chemical "stacking" (interactions between the benzene rings) to some extent and possible retention of the benzene and even destabilization of the lignin structure which relies internally on benzene stacking.

 

[Puffaluffaguss]

Lignin (below), one of the main structural components of wood, contains aromatic benzene rings within its structure.

View attachment 279390

You're likely going to get chemical "stacking" (interactions between the benzene rings) to some extent and possible retention of the benzene and even destabilization of the lignin structure which relies internally on benzene stacking.

See that's the type of answer to a question the O.P. can be satisfied with. Very few thread questions don't get half as good as an answer as this, bravo

 

[itsnotuitsme]

Lignin (below), one of the main structural components of wood, contains aromatic benzene rings within its structure.

View attachment 279390

You're likely going to get chemical "stacking" (interactions between the benzene rings) to some extent and possible retention of the benzene and even destabilization of the lignin structure which relies internally on benzene stacking.

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of info i was looking for.

Still wondering, if a mixture of only aliphates could have its merits.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Why complicate pipe cleaning?

Unless badly ghosted, or in horrible shape, no need for anything than hot water to clean the chamber and airway,

Many will stick to commercial pipe "sweeteners" or Everclear, etc. but that's a preference, not a must.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

Im still struggling with this.

Initially i thought i had solved it all, as my efforts led to a much better experience than before this thread, but now that i've tried smoking those pipes a few more times, i still get a noticeable (although in the background, but still annoying and hard to ignore) taste and a affinity to tongue burn i just don't have in any of my other pipes.

Edit: and yes, when i got them, they were indeed in a kind of horrible shape - i wonder if he ever reamed them...

 

[Chasing Embers]

Im still struggling with this.

Initially i thought i had solved it all, as my efforts led to a much better experience than before this thread, but now that i've tried smoking those pipes a few more times, i still get a noticeable (although in the background, but still annoying and hard to ignore) taste and a affinity to tongue burn i just don't have in any of my other pipes.

Fill the chamber with wet coffee grounds and thoroughly clean the mortise. The tongue burn is still technique, the pipe won't cause it.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

Fill the chamber with wet coffee grounds and thoroughly clean the mortise. The tongue burn is still technique, the pipe won't cause it.

thanks, will try with the coffee.

but i really doubt that the tongue burn is on my technique - i really don't ever have any problems with that - except when smoking those pipes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

thanks, will try with the coffee.

but i really doubt that the tongue burn is on my technique - i really don't ever have any problems with that - except when smoking those pipes.

The airflow is likely slightly different in those pipes and you're unconsciously adjusting your draw.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

The airflow is likely slightly different in that pipe and you're unconsciously adjusting your draw.

doubt it - its 3 pipes with the same taste and the same problem.

also, those pipes are different. a really small reading pipe, a full bent with a big bowl and a billiard.

 

[Chasing Embers]

doubt it - its 3 pipes with the same taste and the same problem.

Never mind then. If a pipe causes me any sort of displeasure aesthetically or functionally, I just throw them in the trash. Pipes just aren't important enough for me to spend much time worrying about and if I can't find enjoyment with them, out they go.

 

[itsnotuitsme]

Never mind then. If a pipe causes me any sort of displeasure aesthetically or functionally, I just throw them in the trash. Pipes just aren't important enough for me to spend much time worrying about and if I can't find enjoyment with them, out they go.

in principle i agree with you. it's just that i like the idea of enjoying the same pipes my father did back in his days - thats why i spent so much effort. for any other gifted pipe, i'd just have given up a while ago.