Shiny Vulcanite Stems?
- Thread starter whsergent
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If a video of the "bic" method for stems gets made, please share a link. I tried it on a slightly bent stem once, and all I succeeded in doing was slightly unbending it LOL
I will got busy over the weekend and didn't get to work on it.?
I also use flame to remove oxidation, only I use a candle flame instead of a Bic. It seems to burn a little less hot, and is easier to control because it leaves both hands free. I was taught this by another individual - basically you pass the oxidized area through the flame, back and forth, not lingering long enough to allow the vulcanite to bubble(which is pretty fast, just long enough to see the flame dip). I had to use a couple estates I didn't care much for the first time I tried this to figure out the speed I needed to move. After about 10 or 15 passes through the flame, wipe with a damp paper towel to remove the soot. Keep doing this until the stem is black. It really cut a lot of time off of my restores that I had previously spent sanding with micromesh.
It is worth noting that this method will lift out any chatter or impressions in vulcanite. This includes stamped logos/nomenclature, and pressed in dots, spades, clovers. etc. You should take care around these, as I have accidentally removed some stamped in logos on stems, to a point where after passing them through the flame they look like they were never there.
Also, don't do this in your kitchen. It smells like someone did a burnout, and my wife nearly killed me one day for doing a whole batch of estates while she was out.
It is worth noting that this method will lift out any chatter or impressions in vulcanite. This includes stamped logos/nomenclature, and pressed in dots, spades, clovers. etc. You should take care around these, as I have accidentally removed some stamped in logos on stems, to a point where after passing them through the flame they look like they were never there.
Also, don't do this in your kitchen. It smells like someone did a burnout, and my wife nearly killed me one day for doing a whole batch of estates while she was out.
Exactly. I only use the tip of the flake though. Saw someone years ago cleaning brass the same way and when I saw the reborn pipes article, it just clicked.?
Exactly. That's why I use 800>1500>2000 standard paper (and occasionally 400, but that can remove too much material if you are not careful), then move to the 8,000 and 12,000 grade micromesh. The lower grade micromesh has the same grit equivalency, and standard paper is cheaper than micromesh
I just sanded this stem with 600 grit, buffed with white diamond and finished with miracle polishing cloth. Then halcyon 2 wax. Has no visible scratches and all oxidation is gone.
yeah they pretty much work on a standard of well someone complained. Then it's up to you to proof you are not doing something "bad". As you can imagine it's a system that gets abused. Just as likely an anti or someone who just wish more people watched their stuff about the same subject.
This is wise advise. I thought I'd give this flame polishing a try so knowing @diamondback was out of town, I decided to surprise him with a nice gesture and popped over to his house to shine up some of his pipes for him and learned some valuable lessons.
- Take the stem off the pipe. Briar is flame resistant. Resistant, not flame proof. It's easy to scorch the wood around the end of the stem.
- Use a candle as mentioned above. I tried using a kitchen torch since he had one for searing steaks. You would be tempted to think more flame, faster work right? Bad move. Way too hot. No matter how much I tried, I melted 4 of his stems before realizing it just wouldn't work. Thank goodness Jess Chonowitsch is still alive and can remake them.
- Never ever do this on an antique coffee table while you are drinking whiskey. One slip and that whole old wood table will go up in flames. I so hope that Chippendale table was just a cheap knock off and not a family heirloom.
- Keep your fire extinguishers where they are easily findable so someone doesn't have to break your 50 gallon fish tank to try and dose the flames.
That’s awesome Cap’n! Thank you! ?
Soon’z Mister Nichols sez I’m done rearranging’ tha powder barrels ter’iz satisfaction I mightin’ try it! He’s mighty particular so I may be down here fer a spell! “Do ‘em again boy!” he’s always hollerin’!
Soon’z Mister Nichols sez I’m done rearranging’ tha powder barrels ter’iz satisfaction I mightin’ try it! He’s mighty particular so I may be down here fer a spell! “Do ‘em again boy!” he’s always hollerin’!
Full restoration thread will be up soon. Had a recent family medical emergency and I've been behind on things.
Prayers for you and family!
Much thanks my friend.
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