I use had an idea that a sewing thimble on my pinky might make a very convenient tamper. There are sites that offer antique silver thimbles and others that deal with sizing. Could be a fascinating concept. Anyone else thought of this?
Sewing Thimble As Tamper
- Thread starter edger
- Start date
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
I have a purpose built thimble tamper, forty years old so the above isn't an innovation. I have no idea if they are still available smoke shops. Still, I use the tampers God gave me, my fingers. The purpose built is designed to not wick the heat to the finger. Fingers are designed to callus after a few tamps. Both work as designed.
The purpose built is flat as opposed to most of the sewing thimbles you'll find in your wife/mother's sewing kit.
I could see this being used, but aren't they .... Convex on the exterior? Creating an annoying ridge of untamped tobacco?
I think I saw another post about this not too long ago with picture of thimble some pipe company used to sell. Thought it was a good idea, and kinda neat. Nice silver thimble from Victorian era would be lovely.
Here's the link.
Classic Pipe Accessories :: Pipes Accessories
Good evening! I think most of us are familiar with the Czech tools, Baccyflaps, Brebbia nail tampers, Corona Oldboys, and those formerly abundant plaid or tartan tobacco pouches, but are there any other iconic pipe smoking accessories that a cultured and discerning pipe smoker ought to know...
pipesmagazine.com
I've seen little silicone finger protectors that I assume are essentially the same thing and would probably work - not something I'd use whether those or a thimble, but sure sounds like a good idea.
I just use a tamper but at this point my finger because by the time i tamp there isa nice protective layer of ash.
I think that would work. I just don't want to set around with a thimble on my pinky... but I guess it would help remind you to keep your pinky sticking out in an elegant way. 
Just checked out thimbles at flea bay. All of them have that dome shape. Not sure if that would be plus or not while relight. Most tobacco that gets relight is around the edge, so might not matter? But the dome will push the center pushing ember in center down but leaving side without or less contact with ember?
The pipe tamper of champions:
I tend to misplace them, so I order 880 at a time. They come in a nice wooden case.
I tend to misplace them, so I order 880 at a time. They come in a nice wooden case.
Yes, thought of it, but don't want yet another gizmo. Fingers as well as tampers are widely available in most places.
Falcon came up with the idea 5 or so decades ago.
I've got a couple of branded finger tampers in the collection. I got them both on eBay.
I like the Falcon version, carefully labeled so people don't spend years trying to figure out what it is, and with a squared off tamping surface. It's hard to beat a pipe nail, though I love my other tools.
I’m working on that idea too. One issue is the sizing. This brand has different sizes, but figuring out which one fits best will probably be a matter of trial and error. The convexity is another issue, but I’m hoping that with the right caliber metal rod and a kitchen butane torch I can hammer the end flat without destroying it 
.
.Attachments
Sounds like a great plan! Let us know how it works out.I’m working on that idea too. One issue is the sizing. This brand has different sizes, but figuring out which one fits best will probably be a matter of trial and error. The convexity is another issue, but I’m hoping that with the right caliber metal rod and a kitchen butane torch I can hammer the end flat without destroying it