Stem repair step by step
 

This relates to a couple of questions. This is my method.
I used to teach young surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support, and our standard saying was "this is not the only way, it may not be the most correct way, but it works"

This method is crititisized by those who preserve logos and stamping a at all costs. Personally I like a nice clean shiny pipe that I can enjoy smoking.

You will need:

0xyclean - the gizmo alongside is an ultrasonic bath. About $30 on Amazon.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...ps61xul4r6.jpg

Sandpaper. Several grades. I start with 220, 330, 400, 600.
magic eraser

Usually 600 paper scratches are buffable, but I also use micromesh pads.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psa26f8r0t.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psagb0zdcl.jpg

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

Starting point - yucky stem. I protect the stummel with tape...

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psf0h4dvii.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psu059w5uo.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psgiovmicd.jpg

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

Stem takes a bath. I run two or three 3 minute cycles. Comes out with white fuzz sometimes, occasionally still diffuse brown...
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...pslz371vkz.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...pssns1he5f.jpg

Now - just time and pressure.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...ps10yzb3pk.jpg

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

Sand, sand, and sand some more. I run longitudinally along stem. The magic eraser across. The reasoning is the buffing wheel is used cross ways. Transverse scratches are very difficult to move, and buffing gouges them deeper if you don't take care.

I also try keep the stem attached to the stummel, so as not to round he edges...


http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...pssttytrav.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psaonlcnjr.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/...psz52vnyth.jpg

Looks better already.

More tomorrow. Must go watch hockey - the Jets seem to be in the game still.....

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

How much more oxidation does the sonic bath raise up compared to just soaking in oxy?

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

Dunno.
But it cleans all the crap out of the airway too. You can see the stinger in the picture above came out clean...

Re: Stem repair step by step
 

Yeah doing just an Oxy soak doesn't clean the airways great. I'm still using everclear and Briar Fresh and a ton of pipe cleaners to clean mine. I haven't done the sanding like that. I use automotive sandpaper around 3000. I have never had any pipes that are just super trashed. Most of mine have light chatter or you can tell the stem doesn't have enough material to work with to sand deeply.