Tight fitting tenons

[matchstickman]

I have recently been restoring some pipes and I have two old Medicos that are fully done. I left the pipes apart for a couple of days to fully day, and when I went to go put them back together, the one reassembled just fine, but on the other one, the tenon doesnt want to go into the shank. I dont want to force the tenon in too hard as I am afraid I am going to break it. Is there any way that I can remedy this problem and help the tenon go in a little more smoothly?

 

[docrx]

You can try a lead pencil....paint the tenon with the pencil and it should make it slide in easier . Or place both pieces in te freezer for 15 minutes and give it another try.May also try a light sanding as well.

 

[pstlpkr]

I second Docrx's recommendations...

However; I would reserve the sanding as a last resort.

We had 88% humidity here yesterday, (I don't know about your area) but that could cause the briar to swell... Possibly...

IF the briar has swollen... be careful and mindful of the possibility of splitting/cracking/fracturing.
IMHO

 

[unclearthur]

The pencil idea is what I recommend for the time being. As humid as it has been here I have had to give a couple stems a good scribble.

 

[danno]

I am no pipe expert but, I think I would refrain from putting any stem in the freezer.

I do have a considerable amount of plastics research/development/design and under my belt,

and I think that the cold would make the stem more susceptable to breaking while applying any force.
This is one of my pet peeves about stems.

A generous radius where the tenon bottoms out to the stem would increase the strength many times.

This is not a difficult thing to do.

 

[ejames]

Beeswax makes a good lubricant also.

 

[martiniman]

@ejames.....
you just cured my ills, thanks ::