Broken Stem Question

[BuryMeInSmoke]

Long story short, I broke a quarter inch off the stem while trying to re-insert it in the shank. I retrieved the broken piece that was stuck in the shank with no problems, and the remaining tenon on the stem is long enough still to give a good fit and seal in the shank. I will be getting it repaired, but was wondering if it is possible to continue to smoke it up until I send it to be repaired? Would having an air-space in the shank accumulate enough crud to hinder a repair? Thanks.

 

[Hermit]

I've broken two tenons.
The first, I was able to fix with Superglue.
The other one, I sent to Mark Tinsky.
as he made the pipe and I thought it
might need a new stem. He made a
tenon for it and I was smoking it six
days after I mailed it to him.

If the pieces fit well together, you might be able to fix it.
If you can't fix it, it's an inexpensive repair.

 

[BuryMeInSmoke]

Thanks for the advice! I tried the super glue repair, but I didn't have much luck. I will be sending it for repairs to the maker. But out of curiosity, would it damage the inside of the shank (i.e. warp the briar?) to smoke it with a stem missing some tenon? I suppose this will teach me not to leave home without a back-up pipe. :lol:

Edit: A wise man once said to me: "Son, don't force it. Get a bigger hammer." I can't help but think that this applies all too well to my situation.

 

[Hermit]

I can't see how you could do any damage.
If it's still smokable, the worst that could
happen might be some gurgle, due to the void.

 

[BuryMeInSmoke]

Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated.