Bent estate stem

[LAEarl]

I acquired an early Dr Grabow and while looking at it and cleaning it a bit I noticed that the stem is bent like it had been sitting in the rack and something had been pressed onto the side. It has formed a light bow that I can straighten but once the pressure is released the stem returns to its bent shape.

Is there a method to straighten the stem permanently? I am guessing it is vulcanite as it seems pretty soft.

Thanks!

It had a small adhesive sticker on one side of the bowl that was facing the light and once removed it is much darker tahn the rest of the wood. Would this have to be sanded out and restained/finished? Or is there an alternative method I may try.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Anonymous]

Yes this can be rectified quite easily if you know what you are doing.
LL will be of help to you.
It involves heating the stem bending it and cooing it rapidly!
Try a hot gun or hairdryer first.
Warning it is not as easy as it seems, you could melt the stem if you are not careful, go slow!!!

Not sure about the adhesive sticker, you will need to post up some pics!!!
You can always PM LL.
Am willing to help you out but live in Africa!
LL is around the corner in comparison!!

 

[Hunter5117]

You can also use a pan of water that has boiled and then off the heat for a short while. This actually takes a while to heat the stem to the point of bending without snapping back. A pan of sand will do the same thing and can be heated to a higher temperature if you want faster action. YMMV experiment on something less valuable first.

Sounds like the sticker has prevented the finish underneath from fading from UV, sunlight, etc. A complete refinish might be expensive but the fastest way to resolve the issue. Otherwise, natural process will fade the dark spot eventually like the rest did.

 

[LAEarl]

The pipe while old doesn't have much value above what I paid for it ($8.00) so I am not really inclined to put much into it. I was going to clean it up and give it to my stepson. The stem problem is my main concern. I'll take some pics tonight and post them.

I might try the boiling water thing. The bend isn't too bad and I only noticed it while scrutinizing the finish.

Thanks for the ideas!