What Tools May I Need to Restore a Decent Pipe Condition

[cosgringo]

Not the most handy person but I can do some woodwork. Pathetically my hands lock when working with small objects- spine/cervical- u tell me as my docs cannot.
Anyways- what may I need to restore a pipe that needs some work but not pointless?
I have a Dremel that I am sure needs more toys to make it complete. I have most things but I don't have a lathe and higher end stuff.
The tobacconist down the road restores but I am sure it's crazy pricey which I suspect would kill the point of buying used lest it is a classic.
Thoughts anyone?
I know I am a pipe addict at this point and there's no going back.
Nicotine- I don't think so. There's a charm to it and even my wife has allowed it to happen, lol. I set up my HEPA candles and such. Normally though, I smoke after her bedtime. Too cold in CO this time o' year.
Thanks to you experts. Where would I be?

 

[buzkirk]

Pipe cleaners, magic eraser, shank brushes, micro mesh pads, fingernail files, salt and everclear.

 

[tokerpipes]

A little bees wax couldn’t hurt either.

 

[mikethompson]

A dremel? Good golly no. There are lots of good restoration threads on here, and I would say most use very few tools and a lot of patience.

For stems you need generally, oxy clean, magic erasers, micromesh pads, mineral oil, wax, and a lot of pipe cleaners. You may also need some fine grit sandpaper (like 600 grit).

For the bowl I use warm water, Murphy's oil soap, a toothbrush, mineral oil, and wax.

This is assuming the bowl has been cleaned off any cake. If not, you need to ream that out with a reamer or knife. Then you need salt and alcohol. I use an added stem of soaking the bowl with coffee grounds just because.

Pick up a cheap pipe to learn on first. Good luck!

 

[acidpox]

Basically what everyone else said. I have however used a dremel for the final buff/polish but it's not necessary. I need to get some buffing wheels for my grinder.

 

[diamondback]

Hi @cosgringo, check this thread out:

Putting Together A Pipe Restoration Kit. What Are Some Recommended Tools I’ll Need? :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

Hello all, So as the title says, I’m getting some tools together to start down the road on my new pipe restoration hobby. Please add or take away / give advice on some tools I’ll likely need if you have a minute and don’t mind throwing me a bone :) • Variable speed hand drill, fitted into a...

pipesmagazine.com

I had that exact question and got some great answers and links to rebornpipes, etc Plus it’s fairly recent so I feel like it’s current advice.

Currently I’m cash-poor (Christmas, birthdays, etc. this time of year), but I’m buying a couple needle files here, some sandpaper there, etc.

Not meant to “brush you off” with ‘oh just read this old thread’ but rather it was really helpful to me and I thought you might benefit from it too

I’ve got a literal box full of pipes that are ‘toss in the garbage’ beaters which I’m going to practice on. If I mess one up it’s no big deal so no stress like “Gotta restore grandad’s Dunhills!”

Good luck to you and ask questions. I know I will be - lol

 

[Chasing Embers]

I just use a lighter, wet paper towels, pipe cleaners, cotton balls, alcohol, a jeweler's cloth, and toothpaste.

 

[cosgringo]

Hi @cosgringo, check this thread out:

Putting Together A Pipe Restoration Kit. What Are Some Recommended Tools I’ll Need? :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

Hello all, So as the title says, I’m getting some tools together to start down the road on my new pipe restoration hobby. Please add or take away / give advice on some tools I’ll likely need if you have a minute and don’t mind throwing me a bone :) • Variable speed hand drill, fitted into a...

pipesmagazine.com

I had that exact question and got some great answers and links to rebornpipes, etc Plus it’s fairly recent so I feel like it’s current advice.

Currently I’m cash-poor (Christmas, birthdays, etc. this time of year), but I’m buying a couple needle files here, some sandpaper there, etc.

Not meant to “brush you off” with ‘oh just read this old thread’ but rather it was really helpful to me and I thought you might benefit from it too

I’ve got a literal box full of pipes that are ‘toss in the garbage’ beaters which I’m going to practice on. If I mess one up it’s no big deal so no stress like “Gotta restore grandad’s Dunhills!”

Good luck to you and ask questions. I know I will be - lol

That rocks- thanks buddy! Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

 

[cosgringo]

A little bees wax couldn’t hurt either.

I slathered that on my Rossi after a drop to my cement patio- it is fairly new- ouch.
I guess I should look into filling the grooves/damage it got. I love that pipe though it smokes a tad hot.

 

[cosgringo]

Pipe cleaners, magic eraser, shank brushes, micro mesh pads, fingernail files, salt and everclear.

Everclear? For drinking? I'll end up in the e.r.- kidding

 

[saintpeter]

A dremel? Good golly no

I agree and disagree. I use a dremel a lot on pipes. Thing is it took about five years and a dozen destroyed pipes to get proficient with it. They are both the handiest tool around and the most unforgiving! If for physical reasons you have to use one feel free. Trouble has been everyone thinks the learning curve will not apply to them. because "I'll be careful."

 

[cosgringo]

Been doing it slow and by hand with the basics. I have used booze to flavor it and salt, etc. Polished the heck out of it with a the "spit" mentioned. I need to thank him when I go back through the posts.
I am happy with the $15 pretty old (still figuring that out) named Rossi I came upon and I admit I started using it before I feel it has been perfected. It looks like a different pipe now but still need a lot more love.
Have the fine sanding papers now and other items to take it where it should be. It is odd as the bowl is not 100% straight if you take the time to really look at it. I can't help but think it's cool as I know someone- perhaps imperfect though, really did build this thing up.
Smokes well and it's one of my coolest smokers so far.

 

[AlabamaDan]

 

[ssjones]

A recent similar thread/replies:

Putting Together A Pipe Restoration Kit. What Are Some Recommended Tools I’ll Need? :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

Hello all, So as the title says, I’m getting some tools together to start down the road on my new pipe restoration hobby. Please add or take away / give advice on some tools I’ll likely need if you have a minute and don’t mind throwing me a bone :) • Variable speed hand drill, fitted into a...

pipesmagazine.com