I use the Jay method.
I fret over tobacco selection for 2-4 minutes.
I open the container and curse bitterly because it is too wet or too dry.
I spread the 12x12 tarp to catch the majority that I spill all over the place.
I load the smallest pinches in order to almost gravity fill, loosely.
When filled in that fashion, I grab a big pinch and finally put some pressure on, leaving strings and trailers hanging out all over the place, which produce burn marks on my pants, the chair, the tarp and sometimes the carpet.
After sifting through the pile of lighters, I eventually find the one with both flint and gas. I then extinguish my eyebrows, since the regulator was left wide open by SOMEONE...
I grab the tamper and ram on the load like a civil war re-enactor with a rusty cannon. More bits and dottle launch for my genitals.
I drop everything on the desk to see who is calling or texting me during this delicate operation. If it's not Mrs. jaytex or Ed McMahon's ghost, I curse bitterly and crawl around looking for everything again.
I take a break, enjoying a long sip of
Beekeeper's Friend iced tea.
Adjusting the flame, I get my char on. More embers find my open fly and into the tops of my shoes. I mentally note that the burning smell of cotton/wool blend military surplus socks is kind of nice.
My wife needs a hand. I throw it all back on the desk. The damned cat got in my room. There's regurgitated kibble and grass on my tarp now.
I turn the phone ringer off and re-secure the implements for having my peaceful pipe smoke.
I google the blend I have lit and enjoy the soothing soliloquy of whatever illiterate ass-hat has a review of it up on YouTube.
Hope that helps... :mrgreen: