Screens

[PipeGarGuy]

Screens seem to be a "thing" for pot smokers.

In 55 years of pipe smoking, I've never used one. I think it's important to build a cake in the heel of the bowl and I would assume a screen would interfere with that process.

I thought the cake was from the smoke which would still get below the screen. Is it instead from the actual tobacco?

 

[PipeGarGuy]

When you pack the pipe, couple of things can prevent or at least help with sucking bits and pieces out of chamber. While you're prepping the tobacco, grab a big pinch and drop it on wherever you were drying it. Do it few more times. You will notice finer bits will drop to the bottom, and bigger pieces on top. Pack bigger pieces first. Bigger pieces will help smaller bits from getting sucked out. Other thing to think about when you are packing is air pocket. You can pack loosely, but you can also pack tight with good size air pocket at the bottom. Both give good draw.

Screen is not used in tobacco pipe. It's just the way it is. We don't draw hard enough to suck anything out most of the time. Screen is mostly used by those who indulge in "weed".

I think I’m creating that pocket below the screen which is why I get a better draw even though I’m packing tighter.

 

[tklee]

I know, now, that some frown upon it but I think I’ll keep using it till my technique improves.

Why frown bro? Slowly..... don't worry..... pipe smoking is fun, is for pleasure

 

[PipeGarGuy]

Why frown bro? Slowly..... don't worry..... pipe smoking is fun, is for pleasure

Thanks tklee! I do enjoy it immensely!

 

[Chaukisch]

What is it that you use the Meerschaum for?

I don't use it myself, it's usually used by those that like to smoke moist aromatics, to prevent excessive moisture that leads to a gurgling pipe.

 

[bullet08]

I think I’m creating that pocket below the screen which is why I get a better draw even though I’m packing tighter.

There are number of ways to pack a pipe. There is one method called Frank Method. Don't ask who Frank is. I have no clue who he is. But the idea is to get a big pinch of tobacco, big enough to plug the chamber, and shove it in the chamber with twist motion. The friction from the twist motion prevent the tobacco from reaching the bottom of chamber and create large air pocket. No I don't use this method or any specific method. Like most pipe smokers, sooner or later you won't even notice you are doing anything but putting tobacco in the chamber and it will all work out. It just take some time and experimenting different approaches until you find your own unique way.

 

[PipeGarGuy]

I don't use it myself, it's usually used by those that like to smoke moist aromatics, to prevent excessive moisture that leads to a gurgling pipe.

What do you do with it? I smoke moist blends.

 

[judcole]

So do you think I should do away with the screen even though I’m getting good results?

I do, and the comments below are why.

I think it's important to build a cake in the heel of the bowl and I would assume a screen would interfere with that process.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I’ve never used a screen. But, if a screen improves your enjoyment for now, then use it. But, I think that in time you’ll find that a caked over screen that you have to clean or replace will become a hassle, and you’ll look to start improving your packing and cadence. But, if it keeps you in the game, then use it. It’s a natural process.

 

[woodsroad]

I know, now, that some frown upon it but I think I’ll keep using it till my technique improves.

Care not what people frown upon. Do what works for you.

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

In the many decades I have smoked a pipe, I never used screens and actually never new about them until reading about them here. They seem they would be a pain in the posterior to clean or even just to deal with if disposable. I would also wonder what coatings may be on them….. not sure what metals they are made of, but to keep many metals from oxidizing they get coated with “something” that I would not want added to my smoking. I imagine they also get hot from the ember and that would increase the likelihood of release of any coating or even potentially some of the metal would even oxidize.

For the above reasons I would personally continue to NOT use them. But, of course, YMMV and if you are finding them helpful and not worrisome, I would suggest using them until you no longer find them of value.

 

[Chaukisch]

What do you do with it? I smoke moist blends.

You basically use them instead of a screen, placing some pieces in the bowl before you pack the tobacco.