Bore Diameter Question

[Keltic Cherokee]

Hello again To All : I'd like to ask a question. What part if any
in the smoking qualities of any given pipe are determined by
the inside diameter of the bowl?

What prompted my question is that I have 3 pipes, all similar in
shape and size, except that two have an inside Dia. of 3/4"
the other one is 7/8". The two 3/4 pipes are ok but nothing
special. The one with the larger bore smokes SO MUCH
Better. stays lit better and is just overall a much better
pipe.

Any responses welcome

Ron H

 

[loneredtree]

I do not think 1/8 inch in diameter would make any difference. The area of the 7/8 bowl is 19% greater. Are all the pipe the same depth and is the drill hole construction the same? Are they the same maker?

Some people like a specific shape pipe for one type of tobacco. Interesting.

 

[CACooper]

Hello again To All : I'd like to ask a question. What part if any
in the smoking qualities of any given pipe are determined by
the inside diameter of the bowl?

What prompted my question is that I have 3 pipes, all similar in
shape and size, except that two have an inside Dia. of 3/4"
the other one is 7/8". The two 3/4 pipes are ok but nothing
special. The one with the larger bore smokes SO MUCH
Better. stays lit better and is just overall a much better
pipe.

Any responses welcome

Ron H

Hi Ron,

I've experimented with various bowl diameters when making pipes, and I've found 3/4" to be about ideal for most medium sized pipes. 13/16" is a large as I'll go because I've found that any larger and the tobacco tends to burn down the center and not as completely. This condition requires a lot of tamping and attention to burn all the tobacco.

I also use a 2:1 ratio as far as depth is concerned. For example: 3/4" dia. X 1 1/2" deep, 13/16" X 1 5/8", etc. When I sand the interior of the bowl it ends up slightly larger. The ratios are approximate because of varying pipe designs (stacks, freehands, etc.). I've also found a 5/32" drafthole is adaquate for both bowl diameters.

Interior bowl shape can greatly affect smoking qualities. A straight sided bowl tends to smoke drier and more completely. Tapered bowls tend to concentrate more heat and moisture as you smoke closer to the bottom. Or so I've experienced.

Your pipe with the 7/8" bowl dia. may have a slightly larger drafthole and straighter sides that allow for more airflow and thus a cooler burn. You might try opening up the other pipes draftholes to 5/32". If they are already that size, it just might be the briar itself. Tough to tell. :scratch:

Of course, everyone has a different preference. YMMV.

CACooper

 

[docwatson]

Enjoyed your response CA.
I smoke a lot of Charatan pipes and they are mostly tapered/conical bowls and do concentrate more heat and moisture towards the bottom, also give a fuller smoke as you get down to the bottom which I enjoy. I guess like you say, YMMV.

 

[jlong]

I think it has some to do with what you stuff in it. I get the best puff out of a 5/8" bowl when smoking flakes or ropes. How I dry, fold, and rub those out probably has an affect as well. Crimp and ribbon cuts seem to smoke better in a 3/4" or larger bowl.

As others say, the depth and draw hole have a lot to do with it too I'm sure. Next time you run a cleaner through your shanks and stems, feel which has the least resistance.