Have vulcanite stems. First batch. Why do I buy pipes with vulcanite stems? 
Too Many of My Pipes
- Thread starter bobpnm
- Start date
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They're comfortable to clench and if kept oiled little maintenance is needed.
Besides greater comfort due to the bit of "give" in the material, Vulcanite holds up quite well over the long term, provided it isn't exposed to sunlight, you don't chomp on it, and it is kept clean. The Vulcanite stem on this pipe is 143 years old.
Acrylic stems have their own issues. If cleaned with alcohol they will form micro fractures. Their rigidity makes them more susceptible to breaking if dropped. I have both acrylic and Vulcanite stems and treat them with care.
Acrylic stems have their own issues. If cleaned with alcohol they will form micro fractures. Their rigidity makes them more susceptible to breaking if dropped. I have both acrylic and Vulcanite stems and treat them with care.
Most of my pipes are in sleeves and boxed, put away.
I’m basically lazy, and there is a pile of pipes on my desk. They are never in direct sunlight. But some do oxidize slightly from sunlight.
Occasionally I’ll deoxidize stems when needed. But It’s all part of the experience.
I’m basically lazy, and there is a pile of pipes on my desk. They are never in direct sunlight. But some do oxidize slightly from sunlight.
Occasionally I’ll deoxidize stems when needed. But It’s all part of the experience.
The pipes I like usually have Vulcanite stems (old British). Its a love hate thing with me. I love Vulcanite stems, but hate when they oxidize. But the love outweighs the hate, so most of my pipes are Vulcanite.
If you catch the oxidation before you need to remove material, its not bad.
I have 100+ year old firearms so im kinda used to oiling and inspecting things often.
If you catch the oxidation before you need to remove material, its not bad.
I have 100+ year old firearms so im kinda used to oiling and inspecting things often.
But all it takes to clean up oxidation is some sandpaper, steel wool and mineral oil…
100 year old firearms require custom bullet and case dies, cast bullets, etc… but once you get things right it’s a thrill to put rounds down range and print great groups.
I know. I like smoking pipes with vulcanite stems too. I just get cranky when I’ve been too lazy and the one I want to smoke had a nasty green stem. And then I see that all of them do! I’m an old man. I’m allowed a little crankiness. 