Save money on filters

[Searock Fan]

I have several Savinelli filter pipes I use to smoke an occasional aromatic. Here's how to save money on the filters. Instead of buying the actual filters. I go on ebay and buy a pack of balsa wood rods in the right size (3/16x1/8"). I cut them to length and that's it. Cost is about 10% the cost of filters and they work just as well. A tip: if you cut the ends on a slight angle the pipe draws better.

 

[Es0teric]

Hobby Lobby sells 36" sections of triangle balsa wood in various sizes that work too.

 

[didimauw]

I've heard this before. Good way to make your own.

I save my money by buying cheap tobaccos and pipes.

Then splurge on the good filters. Hahahaha

 

[Chasing Embers]

You can fold up pipe cleaners and use them as filters as well.

 

[solideogloria86]

One package of Savinelli filters that came with a new pipe has lasted me over two years. What I did is, tried one, didn't like it, and never used one again. Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

Seriously though, that's a great tip for filter users! Much like @frozenchurchwarden tip to buy melamine sponges instead of magic erasers.

 

[didimauw]

I've also flipped the filters around, to get two uses out of em. That's about 8 smokes per filter.

 

[kschatey]

Cutting about 1/8" off the dirty end after each smoke helps make them go a bit further as well.

 

[Searock Fan]

Interesting replys. And I thought I was cheap!!!

 

[karam]

Or be even cheaper like me, i still have a few balsa filters that cane with my very first pipe, a Savinelli 106 billiard bought over 10 years ago.
Can’t smoke with a filter, and don’t feel the benefit of balsa.

 

[warren]

If your time isn't worth much and you get satisfaction by scrimping, perhaps contriving your own filters may be a satisfying way to spend your time. I'd rather use my time for other things. It's all in what turns your crank I suppose.

 

[shanez]

I save money on filters by not using them.

 

[mingc]

I save money on Savinelli filters by not buying Savinelli pipes.

 

[fireground_piper]

I replace after every bowl. The main benefit for me is moisture wicking and a used filter won’t be as efficient. At 9 cents per filter that I have paid, if I can’t afford that I should probably give up smoking for a while until I am in a better financial situation.

 

[mso489]

The balsa trick is an old one, but a good one. I pretty much don't use filters, but I'd do that if I did. It takes little time. For Falcon pipe smokers, instead of buying the moisture ring, you can just clip short sections of pipe cleaner and make them into little circles for the same use.

 

[Searock Fan]

Actually I've always felt the word "filter" was a misnomer when applied to the balsa. It's really more of an absorber. From what I can tell it does not affect the taste other than smoothing it when the blend is overly wet.... such as some aromatics.

 

[shanez]

I save money on Savinelli filters by not buying Savinelli pipes.

Boooooo....

 

[Searock Fan]

Balsa rods

 

[Searock Fan]

Boooooo....

I guess that's one way to do it. However, I do find they smoke aromatics quite well.