opening up a pipe
 

I've got a pipe that smokes like crap and I'm considering having it opened up to see if that helps the problem. has anyone had this done before and if so did it help? I'm going to have the stem and the pipe both opened up more, I figure less resistance could help the problem, even if it doesn't work whats the worst that can happen a pipe that smokes like crap? we'll I've got that already so i don't see a problem

Re: opening up a pipe
 

I know some people use a drill with a small bit to bore it out... but I can't atest to the safety or efficacy of this

Re: opening up a pipe
 

I believe he said the problem was that his pipe was smoking hot if that helps get an answer :D

Re: opening up a pipe
 

I have done this to a few of my pipes with good results. You can pretty much do it yourself unless you aren't comfortable with that. I usually use a 5/32 bit on the stummel into the bowl and a 9/64 on the stem. Idealy if it is a bent stem you would want to straighten it out the re bend it once you have drilled it. Also using a file on the stem instead of a drill is probably a bit safer and harder to F up.

Re: opening up a pipe
 

I had an estate pipe that was a mediocre smoker. I sent it out to be cleaned and opened.

The pipe smokes better (fewer relights, more smoke etc.) but I still wouldn't consider it a great smoking pipe. The pipe tobacco still doesn't taste right.

IMHO opening the pipe helps alot with the mechanical aspects of smoking but not as much if the problem is more in the flavor (though I think it helps some).

You're right when you say that you have nothing to loose. Regardles of what happens it will be a learning experience. Keep us posted if you decide to do it.

Re: opening up a pipe
 

i talked to the pipe guy at the shop yesterday and he said this pipe is open about as much as it can be

Re: opening up a pipe
 

Can you describe what "smokes like crap" means with a little more precision? Won't stay lit? Bowl gets hot? Wet smoker? Gurgles? Has a "whistle" when you blow through it? Bear down - what is it (or they), exactly?

Does it have a stinger on it, Lokes?

Also, does the pipe shop guy have good pipe credentials? Many who sell pipes know practically nothing about them except $MSRP.

Re: opening up a pipe
 

:tpd: Your problem could be with the way you smoke your pipe rather then a problem with the pipe build.

But maybe you are experienced pipe smoker and have covered all the basics first? I think more info would help...

Re: opening up a pipe
 

smokes hot and kinda felt a little restricted to me and the shape is a cobra the pipe came out of Italy. The smoking hot and feeling restricted where the reasons I was going to have it opened up a bit. No stinger, passes a cleaner, just not happy with how it smokes. Maybe a cake build up will help guess I just have to smoke it.

The pipe guy at the shop is a long time smoker and he's cleaned a few pipes for me. I'm a regular at the shop so he's not going to try and screw me

Re: opening up a pipe
 

i've been smoking pipes for a few years now and have a humble rotation of pipes ranging from 4 digit woodies to a stanwell horn that I picked up new last year. and yes the problem could be my smoking trust me I've thought about that but when it's only one pipe out of three I smoked that day that was giving me a problem I can assume that the pipe is more of the cuase then I am

Re: opening up a pipe
 

I'd try Kid Pipes advice first - hand turn a 5/32" bit thru the shank and airhole. Done that? It can resolve problems.

Having drilled it out does the pipe whistle when you blow thru it? Tweet?