Should I return this newly purchased pipe?

[ssjones]

I'm with Mike, return it and request one that will pass a cleaner. I don't use a cleaner when smoking, but like to run one thru after (and do a paper-towel bowl wipe). Pipes that won't pass a cleaner into the bowl are deal breakers for me. (I can fix most)

 

[rcstan]

Send it back. That is sloppy slot work, and by the time you do all that DYI, well, it might be a poor smoker. From another point of view, it would be a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cut and finish stem slots, clean up airways, and do a proper bend without partially pinching the airway......

 

[necron99]

Cry havoc, and slip the dogs of war.
or use a small drill bit and reem the bit so the pipe cleaner passes through.

 

[olewaylon]

thats stem looks like shit. they must have been rushing them out of the factory for a big order on IPSD.

 

[fnord]

Threads like this one delight me. There are so many varied opinions from people I admire that I always bookmark them.
East, you've got some swell ideas for fixes if you ever veer off into the realm of estate pipes but, like Cosmic and Bob, I've got several burners that won't pass a cleaner and it really doesn't bother me that much.
On the other hand, a new pipe should pass a cleaner and the blade marks on the Big Ben button would really annoy me. That's sloppy workmanship and inexcusable.
Sam, thanks for the Bay listing. I just ordered a set of those files.
Fnord

 

[11fb]

TBH sending a decent pipe back over something trivial like this is anal (no offence)! As suggested needle files are the way to go. Just take your time and open it up slowly, then smooth over with wet/dry paper.
Thin pipecleaners are good for bents too.
I own all sorts of pipes mainly higher ends and modifiy them all the time to my liking. Refinishing, staining, waxing and sorting out tight buttons.
The button finish is exaggerated by the light surely? If not some wet and dry will tidy that up in seconds (dry to start with then finish under running water), a quick buff will return the shine. I've done this more times than I care to remember.
I think there is too much over thinking pipe purchases and expecting flawless creations when they are few and far between. I can find faults on high ends but where will it all end??? lol

 

[layinpipe]

I recently had a fairly similar experience with a big ben cambridge i won off of cigarbid.com. The drilling from the shank to the bowl was so far off center, it started at the top of the inside of the shank. Basically, the circle with the dot which marks where the drill is SUPPOSED to go at the end of the inside of the shank was completely untouched, as the drilling started well above that. It also had more than a couple little dings in it, the finish on it was crap, and there were a couple fills. Now, any of these things by themselves barring the drilling, i wouldn't have a problem and would have kept the pipe bc i got it for an absolute steal, but i didn't want to take the risk and have a crappy smoking pipe.
Being the third different pipe I have received from them and consequently returned because of fault with the pipe, i just told them to refund my money and i would refrain from ever ordering from them again. To their credit, the first two i had issues with were both stanwells that they replaced with no shipping charges and the replacements they sent are fine smokers.
I have another big ben (silhouette) i bought from my local b&m, and have no issues with that pipe and it smokes and looks great. If I were you, i'd return it and just get another pipe that passes a cleaner through easily. You paid your hard earned dollars for it, now they need to hold up there end and not give you a faulty product.

 

[eastwoodaudio]

11fb, I purchased some needle files online.
Yes, the lighting exaggerated the finish on the button a bit, but it isn't the best.. I will definitely get some fine grit sandpaper and smooth it out a bit. Thanks for everyone's opinions again!

 

[foggymountain]

Very sloppy finishing of the button end. I would return it.

 

[11fb]

@ eastwoodaudio good for you, they will come in handy with numerous future pipe purchases believe me
Should you have to mod up a new pipe? No, but it looks a decent briar for the money and it really is a quick fix, just take your time and open it up slowly and keep testing with a pipe cleaner to get the right size and shape.
Good luck and happy smoking!

 

[rmbittner]

eastwood:
It sounds like you've decided to fix this yourself. But if you do that, the manufacturer -- and the retailer -- will have no idea that there were problems with this pipe. Which means they won't know to take steps to fix them or that customers are dissatisfied with their product. Sure, you might end up with a fine pipe if you do the work yourself, but I have to assume you'll be less likely to buy a Big Ben in the future because of this experience. I think you'd be helping out everyone -- including yourself -- by returning it and explaining the problem.
Bob

 

[halfy]

So was my dunhill bent apple, even a limited edition. PC might go through only twisted hard. I had no intention to buy it but my lucky number pushed me...
I worked on one side of the draft hole on the shank with a file, and the opposite side of the opening in the tenon. Just a few tenth of a mm. So the two opening would match better. After that the PC might enter the bowl with no resistance and the draw became very smooth. It is now my best VaPer smoker.
Your new acquisition looks quite ok to me, both the shape and the wood. Just work it a bit it'll be ok.

 

[allan]

I agree with Mike and Bob. If you don't return it, and others respond the same way, the retailer and the company will not know that anyone cared about that obviosly sloppy workmanship.
I think many of us would agree that the stem creation is an extremely important part of the pipe smoking experience and if it is off, smoking will not be as pleasurable as it should be.
On the other hand, I don't know how much the pipe cost, and possibly it was very inexpensive and that is what the current market will produce?

 

[lawmax3]

If I was not happy with it I would try to return it.

It wouldn't hurt to at least ask.

 

[onepyrotec]

I don't blame you a bit for wanting to keep the pipe only needing a simple fix. I would have and have done the same. I do urge you to contact P&C and talk with someone other than an order taker...i.e. management...and fully explain your concerns with the pipe and that you hope they would look into the issue.

 

[eastwoodaudio]

You all raise a valid point about letting P&C know about my issues with it, I certainly wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else. I'll shoot them an email addressing my concerns, and I'll write a review on the site as well.
Allan: The pipe itself was part of the "build your own" deal around IPSD: 1 pipe, 3 tins, 1 tool, 1 pipe bag, 1 bag of pipe cleaners for $75. The retail price of the pipe alone was $150, they are currently selling for about $125.
Thanks again for everyone contributing to the discussion, great opinions all around.