Pre-carbonizing

[user 3779]

A fair number of commercial pipe manufacturers use some form of pre-carbonizing in their pipes. I have tried a few times to replicate this. Experiencing limited success, certain areas of the bowl seem harder to get a nice even coat on than others. Is anyone else doing this? Any insight as to what methods or treatments you have used with more or less success? Thanks for any input.

 

[Hermit]

Just say no. :evil:

 

[Richard Burley]

Just say no.  :evil:

+1...unless you've got some green wood there.

 

[user 3779]

So does this mean you guys have tried it with poor results, or do not like it even when the mass production pipes come that way and are against it all together??

 

[Richard Burley]

I, personally, am against it altogether, so mea culpa--I didn't mean to derail your thread. This subject is a perennial here, and probably elsewhere.  I'm sure someone will come along with a great waterglass recipe or something that works like a charm. My only experience is in removing the coating, with varying degrees of success, so I will now bow out and exit stage right.

 

[user 3779]

No worries, I know some stuff isn't for everyone. I like to experiment with my pipe making a bit, different shapes, alternative woods etc. The pre-carb thing has been a curiosity for bit, I know some like it. If I can figure out a good reliable method would be something I could offer to those who are interested.

 

[Dutch]

I remember Al explaining one of the popular methods being used nowdays. Something like coating the interior of the bowl with molasses or honey, and then taking crushed charcoal and filling the bowl, and allowing to sit overnight. Next morning, simply pour the loose charcoal out of the bowl, and viola.

I may have the process incorrect. Hopefully Al will come along and reiterate it for us.

 

[user 3779]

Thanks Dutch, that's a bit different than what I have been doing. May do some digging and see if I can find any more info on this approach.

 

[Sid.Stavros]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aDAgaz5VLGE" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen ></iframe>

Is anyone else doing this? Any insight as to what methods or treatments you have used with more or less success?

I have done it, not in the way above but with other methods.No problem at all.

 

[user 3779]

Thanks Sid S. , I have seen this vid. technique before. Some of my current method borrows from this idea. I can't imagine leaving the stem on for this part, but clearly they must have done so before without issue.

 

[Sid.Stavros]

Some use "ready" material and some pipe-mud etc.

http://pipe-smoke.blogspot.gr/2010/02/blog-post_3960.html

I have done my own experiments, i use fluid honey+tobacco ash or a specific liqueur+corn flour or caster sugar.
Here is the result:

 

[ontariopiper]

I remember Al explaining one of the popular methods being used nowdays. Something like coating the interior of the bowl with molasses or honey, and then taking crushed charcoal and filling the bowl, and allowing to sit overnight. Next morning, simply pour the loose charcoal out of the bowl, and viola.

I may have the process incorrect. Hopefully Al will come along and reiterate it for us.

I have used this bowl coating method a few times with maple syrup and powdered charcoal. It's not really carbonising the wood, as you've already pointed out. It's a simple coating meant to encourage cake (or hide bowl repairs).