Gourd Calabash question

[Brewdude]

I've been minded to get in a gourd Calabash for some time now. In fact there was just one up on bro Mattia's site that I was considering, but it sold today.

So my question to all you who have one is this - the opening on the bottom of the meer bowl seems a bit too open to me, at least based on Nate's pics. Is this typical, and if so does this pose a problem for packing, smoking, and drawing 'baccy into the gourd chamber?

Here's the relevant pic from bro Nathan's site-

Cheers,

RR

 

[huffelpuff]

Rande, looks right to me. Mine is drilled in such a way that it's kind of tapered going up from the bottom. That results in a rather large looking hole that really isn't. If however you find the draw too open just pack it a little tighter like you would with a cob. As to tobacco falling into the chamber....I've never had that happen. I always load the cup then push a toothpick up the hole to make sure it's nice and open then place the cup into the gourd. Probably unnecessary but it makes me feel better knowing I'm fully set.

Jim

 

[DrT999]

I generally have the toothpick in first and then pack around it, insuring a good airflow. I've never heard of tobacco falling into the gourd.

 

[Idlefellow]

I've always packed my calabashes the same as any other pipe and never had any problems. Hard to tell from that photo, but the hole looks OK to me, especially when you consider that the meerschaum bowl is rather thick.

 

[ftrplt]

Had to go take a quick look at my meer bowls! No taper on mine, just a 2-3 mm. hole in the bottom. Never had an issue with 'baccy in the gourd chamber. Enjoy that Calabash!! :cheers: FTRPLT

 

[Brewdude]

Very much appreciate the feedback gents. Never heard of the toothpick method before but I can picture how it works. At least now I'll be more comfortable when I see the size of the opening at the bottom of the meer bowl. That did have me concerned, but you folks say you've had no problem with 'baccy getting into the gourd area.

So then, does one remove the meer bowl from the gourd to pack, insert it and smoke, and then remove it again to remove the ash? Or does it stay on the gourd the whole time?

And then how does the seal work- if the meer bowl is removable how well does it seal on the rim of the gourd so as to prevent air leakage?? And is this where the bees wax or cork grease come in???

Ya, this is a horse of a different color to me so please excuse the newbie questions....

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



Cheers,

RR

 

[RDPipes]

Can't really tell much by your photo sir but, there shouldn't be a hole any bigger then a normal draft hole (9/64"-5/32" or there abouts).

 

[Ozark Wizard]

Sorry to bust in............

So, a gourd is really a gourd with a combustion bowl sitting in the gourd?

Well spank me and send me home, that doesn't sound too hard!

 

[huffelpuff]

Rande, I personally remove the meer cup to pack and to clean up afterwards. The seal should be rather tight necessitating the cork grease to lube things up. You don't want to use big gobs of the stuff just a very thin layer. After all too much will likely cause the cork to eventually come unglued and that gets to be a real PIA to fix. I'm sure that some leave the cup in place and do little after cleaning with no issues but I'd say it's personal preference. Try it out and see how it goes for you. I'm sure you'll develop a method that suits you fine.

Jim

Oh and don't worry about the questions. If you don't ask you're really just asking for trouble lol

 

[huffelpuff]

Wiz, yes indeed it really is just a gourd with a cup fitted. Really does tame those flame thrower blends and allows you to actually get some flavor other than misery. Works wonders with WO Larsons Old Tradition.

 

[Idlefellow]

Personally I don't remove the bowl to pack the pipe, figuring that the more often you do so the more likely you are to affect the seal. I have never found the necessity for grease, etc. with any of my calabashes, and one of 'em is a big honker. But whatever works for you.

 

[Brewdude]

Rande, I personally remove the meer cup to pack and to clean up afterwards. The seal should be rather tight necessitating the cork grease to lube things up. You don't want to use big gobs of the stuff just a very thin layer. After all too much will likely cause the cork to eventually come unglued and that gets to be a real PIA to fix. I'm sure that some leave the cup in place and do little after cleaning with no issues but I'd say it's personal preference. Try it out and see how it goes for you. I'm sure you'll develop a method that suits you fine.

Jim

Oh and don't worry about the questions. If you don't ask you're really just asking for trouble lol

All good info Jim, thanks. But it'll have to wait until I get one to put this into practice.


Cheers,

RR

 

[Brewdude]

Personally I don't remove the bowl to pack the pipe, figuring that the more often you do so the more likely you are to affect the seal.  I have never found the necessity for grease, etc. with any of my calabashes, and one of 'em is a big honker. But whatever works for you.

Always great to have another POV. Thanks.


Cheers,

RR