opening up a pipe

Nick · 07-11-2009, 09:40 PM

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.

07-12-2009, 03:46 PM

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.

07-11-2009, 09:40 PM	#1
Nick Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: That's confidential Location: Cali Posts: 623 Trading: (4)	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. __________________ "Kid Pipe" -Thanks Moo "A wise woman never separates a man from his pipe", Laurette Taylor

07-12-2009, 03:46 PM	#2
xapa97 Guest Posts: n/a	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.