When Does Hot Become TOO HOT!

[Seeker81]

I am able put my hand in a fire and move around stuff from time to time, a thing I watched my Grandmother do. Although I would also be the first to jump out of a hot bath or yell when I pour boiling water on my hand while making tea... Though I am having trouble discerning when my pipe bowl is too hot. What are your thoughts on this? 8/

 

[diamondback]

The “cheek test”: if the bowl is too hot to be placed comfortably against your bare cheek, too hot.

That’s what I was taught at least. Hope this helps!

 

[olkofri]

Put it against your cheek. If you can't stand it, it's too hot.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

The cheek thing is probably reasonable. However, if it is feeling too warm at all, give it a rest.

 

[craig61a]

I used to do that... people came all unsoldered when I dropped my drawers. ?

 

[Seeker81]

I've heard of the cheek method. Although, there is room for interpretation, especially when you say comfortably...

What if you got tough cheeks? haha

 

[olkofri]

Another one is the tongue test: if you're not burning it, you're probably OK.

I trust my tongue more than anything. I don't sweat it if the bowl feels 'too hot', as some pipes have thinner walls and can feel hotter than those with thicker walls with the same temperatures. In sub-zero temperatures, my pipe can make a neat handwarmer.

 

[diamondback]

The cheek thing is probably reasonable. However, if it is feeling too warm at all, give it a rest.

That’s the right answer in a nutshell ;-) Go slooooowwwww. On the verge of going out. You’ll just get a feel for it.

I never had an “epiphany moment” when learning how to smoke a pipe. It just fell into place as I went. It took me a solid year plus a couple months before I felt like I knew what I was doing. I’m still working on ‘the slow’ and I’m at 12 years.

 

[Seeker81]

That’s the right answer in a nutshell ;-) Go slooooowwwww. On the verge of going out. You’ll just get a feel for it.

I never had an “epiphany moment” when learning how to smoke a pipe. It just fell into place as I went. It took me a solid year plus a couple months before I felt like I knew what I was doing. I’m still working on ‘the slow’ and I’m at 12 years.

I think it's time to put theory into practice haha... thanks all

 

[diamondback]

I think it's time to put theory into practice haha... thanks all

You’ll have it down in no time! I’m likely the exception in that it took me over a year. I’ve read where some folks have it down in under a year. If I can do it anyone can, not joking

 

[hauntedmyst]

Don't be afraid to sneak up behind your wife and use her cheek. Sometimes a third party is more objective. Although maybe that's why she locks me out of the house...

 

[diamondback]

Don't be afraid to sneak up behind your wife and use her cheek. Sometimes a third party is more objective. Although maybe that's why she locks me out of the house...

I (true story) did something similar. Wife bent over moving laundry from washer to dryer. Me with an open coke. A piece of ice. A plumber’s crack...

Truly learned the meaning of “madder than a wet hen” on that day.

 

[olkofri]

^^
Haha!

When I read hauntedmyst's posts I was gonna reply with: "just watch out for the reflex roundhouse whack!"

 

[diamondback]

^^
Haha!

When I read hauntedmyst's posts I was gonna reply with: "just watch out for the reflex roundhouse whack!"

The harder I laughed, the harder I got punched.

 

[tbradsim1]

Forget about the cheek, Tongue, take it from me 31.5 yrs checking pump bearings at Exxon Refinery and Chem plant, if you can hold it and count to 5 it’s about 150 degs, can’t count to 5 it’s too hot. I Garronte!

 

[mso489]

When I move my hand from the bowl to the stem, it is probably too hot. However, a few briar pipes and all clay pipes, must be smoked this way. With briar, the chamber wall is just too thin and heats up. brad, ouch!

 

[bnichols23]

When it blisters. Ow. Damn. Ow. DamnDamn.

OK, yeah, more seriously/usefully (?), when it's uncomfortable or makes it hard to hold the pipe while digging for lighter/pouch/nail.

 

[anotherbob]

When I move my hand from the bowl to the stem, it is probably too hot. However, a few briar pipes and all clay pipes, must be smoked this way. With briar, the chamber wall is just too thin and heats up. brad, ouch!

yeah the cheek test isn't going to work with clay. That first time you're enjoying a clay pipe and then boom your hand is engulfed in flames cause you got distracted by how cool and smooth the smoke is and you let your hand instinctively touch the darn bowl.
To the original point now! I find if you handle the pipe by the bowl it will help you gauge how hot your smoking and if you should cool down a bit and let the pipe rest. Sadly you have to figure it out your self but happily it's not hard to do after a while. For one like people said this will change from pipe to pipe.

 

[sandollars]

I know this is opening a cavern full of new jokes but I use my lips.

Kiss yer pipe. You will know right away if it's too hot. Besides, your pipe needs love too...

 

[lawdawg]

I am able put my hand in a fire and move around stuff from time to time, a thing I watched my Grandmother do. Although I would also be the first to jump out of a hot bath or yell when I pour boiling water on my hand while making tea... Though I am having trouble discerning when my pipe bowl is too hot. What are your thoughts on this? 8/

When the pipe feels hotter than "warm" then it's starting to get too hot, IMO. The cooler the smoke, the better.