Loading ...Cleaning a pipe is, for the most part, a fairly simple task, but it can also get rather involved if more intensive cleaning is required.
After finishing a bowl, simply remove the dottle from the chamber by using the spoon-like part of a pipe tools, being careful not to gouge the cake or the wood. Then, feed a pipe cleaner through the stem and shank. If a cleaner will pass all the way through to the bowl without disassembling the pipe, there is no reason to take it apart. If the cleaner gets tied up due to a severe bend, or just because of the design of the pipe, you will need to remove the stem from the shank. PLEASE, do not remove the stem while the pipe is still warm. If you do so repeatedly, it will stretch out the tenon and it will eventually become loose. In most cases, the above is all the cleaning routinely required. From time to time, more involved cleaning is desirable. As far as dull stems go, the simplest solution is to use a mild abrasive to remove any dull or grey spots. While there are some excellent commercial items available (like Denicare or Brebbia polishes), if the stem is not too badly stained, try hand-buffing with a bit of toothpaste.
If you want to polish up the briar, the best bet will be to use Briar Pipe Wipe, which comes in a spray can. All you need to do is spray a soft cloth with the polish and let it dry. Then just rub the wood with the cloth (the dried residue is all that’s needed to shine up the pipe). The shine will not be a high-gloss type. If you want a mirror shine, a low-speed buffer and carnauba wax are required, but this is something best left to a professional, as it takes very little to damage or burn a pipe with a buffer. Don’t use furniture polish to shine your pipes as the odor will become very noticeable when the pipe gets hot.
Reaming a pipe should be done when the cake becomes about the same as the thickness of a nickel. Using the correct type and size of reamer, slowly cut the carbon back until it’s about the thickness of a dime. Choosing a reamer will depend on how many pipes you will ream in a year. If you only need to do so once or twice a year, a decent pipe knife blade will do fine (but it does require a steady hand), but a simple self-adjusting reamer like the British Buttner would be best. For more frequent use, the interchangeable blade Pipnet reamer or the heavy-duty Senior reamer are preferable. In any case, if you are doing your own reaming, go slow and work gradually to avoid doing damage.
Russ Ouellette, blender
Resources
- New Pipes Pipes, pipes and more pipes. Here we have one of the premier selections of briar pipes in the world. From Peterson pipes to Savinelli pipes and everything in between, the briar pipes you want at prices you can afford!
- Estate/Used pipes Estate pipes or Used pipes have been offered by tobacconists for years. This is a great way to buy a high grade and or beef up a collection with out maximum outlay.
- Pipe Gift Sets Packs Need a gift for the pipe smoker in your life? This page will direct you to an assortmant of gift packs. Some featuring a pipe with tobaccos and some just featuring tobaccos. Either way there is something for every pipe smoker!
- Filters and Inserts Pipe filters have long been a standard for a drier smoke as well as having the benefit of removing some unwanted ingredients found in pipe tobacco. Nicotine and irritants are trapped in the absorbent filters.
- Pipe Tools This section is devoted to pipe hardware or pipe tools. Keeping your pipe clean is part of the ritual. These tools enhance your experience and allows you the honor of taking care of a prized possesion. You’ll see it all here from the very expensive to the really inexpensive.
- Tobacco & Pipe Pouches From the inexpensive to the outrageous (not really it just sounded good)! However, we have some terrific deals on pipe tobacco pouches. Whether for everyday or weekend use, you can find something for the pipesmoker you love! NEW LaRocca Nappa leather tobacco pouches just in!
- Pipe Cleaners Standard, bristled, churchwarden, fluffy and tapered pipe cleaners from – BJ Long’s, Comoy’s, Dill’s and Ream & Klean. A pipe cleaner for every need!
- Polishes & Wipes Sweetener, Buffing Cloths, Polishes and Wipes for both pipe and stem. All the goodies you need to keep your puffer looking good and in perfect working order.
- Pipe Lighters When it comes to putting the heat to the briar there is no substitution for a great pipe lighter. Convenient and always at the ready. We have tried to include lighters in all ranges for the brothers of the pipe.
- Stands & Racks Looking for a great way to display your pipes? Here you can select from an assortment of makes, styles, and colors that are sure to please the eye and grab attention to those you hold dear.
- Pipe Literature Love the hobby? Want to learn more? The best place to start is Pipes and Tobaccos Magazine. Richard Carleton Hacker has written several books on Scotch, Cigars and Pipes and his pipe books are required reading by any hobbyist.
