To Ream Or Not To Ream...

[Mountainman Sam]

So, I have a couple of pipes that seem to be building up a bit more cake than seems useful. What are your thoughts on reaming: Do you do it? Do you use a reaming tool, a jackknife, or some other random thing? Is this one of those"ask two pipers a question and get three different opinions" kind of a thing, lol. Your thoughts/advice are appreciated.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I use 320 grit sandpaper but am not a piper. Do I still apply?

 

[Mountainman Sam]

I use 320 grit sandpaper but am not a piper. Do I still apply?

I would say so do you just kind of make a twist of it or wrap it around something like a dowl?

 

[fireground_piper]

I probably knife my chamber every dozen bowls or so. I don't let anything build up as my preference.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I use both. If I've waited too long and need to take quite a bit off, I use a reaming tool. If it just needs touched up, I use a knife.

 

[instymp]

Like the 2 replies above.

 

[bullet08]

My knives don't fits the chambers. Usually use reaming tools on pipe tools or if I really feel like it, that light sabre looking reaming tool.. Senior tool or something?

 

[hawky454]

I use an old Swiss Army knife, I dulled the point so it doesn’t cut into the bottom of the chamber. I’ve spent a lot of coin on different reamers, I always go back to the knife. When I ream, I ream it back down to the wood.

I have one other knife I use for larger chambers.

 

[craig61a]

Matter of personal preference...

However, it's my opinion that the practice is way overdone. Wiping out the chamber after a smoke is the better way to go. Over time the chamber gets an orange peel looking cake on it, and I will lightly sand it so it becomes even.

Sanding requires some finesse; you don't want to radius the inner rim of the bowl.

Seen plenty of estate pipes dicked up by over-reaming. Save yourself the trouble and buy a new Peterson; the draft hole comes on the side of the chamber wall...

 

[Coreios]

I also use a Swiss army knife.

 

[ray47]

I use a Butner reaming tool when it's time.

 

[rmbittner]

I ream, using a Pipnet reamer.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I would say so do you just kind of make a twist of it or wrap it around something like a dowl?

Really though, not a piper.

 

[warren]

I don't play the pipes either so ... not a piper. It's a misnomer at best. I ream with what ever is handy, pocket knife, steak knife, reamer, or what have you, as required. I like a bit of cake in my briars but, not in my meers. Meerschaum for you piper types.

 

[condorlover1]

@Chasing Embers : Does that reamer come in different sizes or does one size fit all?

 

[craig61a]

@Chasing Embers : Does that reamer come in different sizes or does one size fit all?

With a side of Latex Solar Beef…

 

[FurCoat]

I use 320 grit sandpaper but am not a piper. Do I still apply?

^^This. Reamers are no bueno.

 

[Chasing Embers]

With a side of Latex Solar Beef…

Really going back with that one.

 

[craig61a]

Really going back with that one.

STEAMROLLER!

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

I ream if it feels warranted….. if the pipe starts to not be “up to snuff” in some way. If the pipe is performing as desired, I do not ream even if the “cake” is noticeably large.

When I ream, I use what is handy…. often it has been a kitchen knife that my use brings out the ire in my wife… or I have used my pocket knife when I know where the damn thing is…. or I have had pretty good luck with the blade of an open pair of scissors as well.