Title edited for caps and brevity. Please see Rule 9. -jpm. Original:
What is your process for stem bite through repairs - glue type and color matching?
Hello friends!
I've done a few stem chew mark repairs and I'm not quite happy with them - I can do better, based on examples I've seen here.
My process has been to sand an old donor pipe stem to get the colored dust, then apply the dust into a generic shape onto the wear point (as dry dust), and then drip a very viscous version of CA glue onto it (like the consistency of water). I'm not getting great color (comes out more brown than the surrounding stem) and an overall lack of control, especially when it comes to avoiding the airway.
I've seen some pictures from Reborn Pipes and others here that 'mix' a powder (usually stem dust or charcoal) with some type of glue that ends up looking VERY smooth and ink black, and then applying to the damaged area of the stem. I've tried using a gel type CA glue for mixing, but the stuff just instantly hardens, smokes, and cures before I can even mix with a color. What glue to you all use specifically for this repair that gives you enough time to apply it?
Also, do you use the stem dust or charcoal? I'm not happy with the stem dust I've used, it comes out too brown. As far as charcoal goes, do you literally just go out to your grill/fire and grab/grind up some charcoal? or do you smash up a briquette from a bag?
Last question, I promise! (okay maybe not) - what do you use to block the airway of the stem from getting glue in it? I need something that the super glue won't stick to, but that I can easily form into the right shape and still be able to get out. For the one time I did it on a 'bite through' damaged stem, I used aluminum foil (uhh, a mistake haha) and spent a while digging it out.
Thank you for your thoughts and feedback from your experience! Your information is saving pipe lives!
What is your process for stem bite through repairs - glue type and color matching?
Hello friends!
I've done a few stem chew mark repairs and I'm not quite happy with them - I can do better, based on examples I've seen here.
My process has been to sand an old donor pipe stem to get the colored dust, then apply the dust into a generic shape onto the wear point (as dry dust), and then drip a very viscous version of CA glue onto it (like the consistency of water). I'm not getting great color (comes out more brown than the surrounding stem) and an overall lack of control, especially when it comes to avoiding the airway.
I've seen some pictures from Reborn Pipes and others here that 'mix' a powder (usually stem dust or charcoal) with some type of glue that ends up looking VERY smooth and ink black, and then applying to the damaged area of the stem. I've tried using a gel type CA glue for mixing, but the stuff just instantly hardens, smokes, and cures before I can even mix with a color. What glue to you all use specifically for this repair that gives you enough time to apply it?
Also, do you use the stem dust or charcoal? I'm not happy with the stem dust I've used, it comes out too brown. As far as charcoal goes, do you literally just go out to your grill/fire and grab/grind up some charcoal? or do you smash up a briquette from a bag?
Last question, I promise! (okay maybe not) - what do you use to block the airway of the stem from getting glue in it? I need something that the super glue won't stick to, but that I can easily form into the right shape and still be able to get out. For the one time I did it on a 'bite through' damaged stem, I used aluminum foil (uhh, a mistake haha) and spent a while digging it out.
Thank you for your thoughts and feedback from your experience! Your information is saving pipe lives!
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