Problems with Peterson Kinsale smooth finishes?

[Brewdude]

Gents

Anyone here had a problem with the finish on the Peterson Kinsale smooth line bubbling?

I just read a thread on the IPPC board that reported problems with the XL26, which is a shape that I've been interested in. In fact Sandpiper stated that he'd never own another one because of this, and his experience is without question.

I hasten to add that the thread is several years old.

My question is this - has Peterson corrected the issue?

I have a new Pete XL21 Kinsale that I have yet to break in, so can't speak to its performance yet. I don't own any others in the Kinsale line. And my other Petes are all fine smokers.

Here's the thread if you're interested-





http://btheinternationalpetersonpipeclub.runboard.com/t14


Cheers,

RR

 

[George Kaplan]

Ah, man! I've heard that before about Petes in that price range. Can't speak from experience, so I can't help you there, though. No idea if it's still an issue. That XL26 is a sweet looking pipe, though. I've been outbid on 2 of those before. One was a spigot.

 

[SpeedyPete]

I ecountered this problem with a Savinelli Dry System. I took all the "cutex" off and continued until I could only see raw briar. Then I used denicare briar polish to bring it back to life.

I'm more than happy with the outcome because I eliminated a repeat of the problem AND I've got a BEAUTIFUL pipe now. Looks 100% better than original.

 

[Sasquatch]

A lot of low-end pipes are now being treated with an acrylic coating. I think it's fine under most conditions, but if you really heat a pipe up it sounds like it can blister/flake. On one hand, it sucks, but on the other, I tend to think that if used under "normal" conditions, it should be fine.

 

[Ocelot55]

I've got a Kinsale XL11 I've been smoking gooey aromatics out of for several years and have had no problems. I tend to agree with Sas on this one.

 

[LIPIPE]

I have a Pete Kinsale XL20. I've smoked it a lot and the lacquer finish remains absolutely perfect. I had problems with a lacquered Jobey Band estate pipe and ultimately had all the lacquer removed before the pipe was restored and waxed. I also had a Stanwell Silke Brun pipe that was purchased new. The finish immediately blistered and the pipe was replaced by Stanwell. The same event is now happening with the replacement pipe. I surmise that this is the inferior matte finish that does not last. Needless to say that I have purchased my first and last Stanwell.

 

[monbla256]

I have a Pete Kinsale XL20. I've smoked it a lot and the lacquer finish remains absolutely perfect. I had problems with a lacquered Jobey Band estate pipe and ultimately had all the lacquer removed before the pipe was restored and waxed. I also had a Stanwell Silke Brun pipe that was purchased new. The finish immediately blistered and the pipe was replaced by Stanwell. The same event is now happening with the replacement pipe. I surmise that this is the inferior matte finish that does not last. Needless to say that I have purchased my first and last Stanwell.

I've NEVER had a finish problem with a Stanwell though mine were all from the Danish factory production. I have not bought a new one since they moved production to Italy. hmmmm :twisted:

 

[Brewdude]

First, thanks for the replies gents. I also had the thought that allowing the bowl to get unduly hot might contribute to the blistering. Yet the nagging question remains - why would Peterson use a finish that could become problematic? One would think that with all their experience they would have this sorted out by now!

So with all this on my mind I finally decided to break in the Kinsale XL21 I got several months ago. Why I haven't already done this is anyones guess, but there you are!

Loaded it with a full bowl of PA and off we went. Yes, I do like codger blends from time to time and anyway a pretty neutral burley blend like PA is supposed to be good for pipe break-ins. I've always broken in pipes with a full bowl and have never had a problem building cake.

Anyway, I paid particular attention to the burn rate and temp of the bowl. It got pleasantly warm but never hot. Burned all the way down too.

No sign of blistering/bubbling, but there again I was careful not to let it get too hot - not that I ever do - but still...

I'll plan to try and smoke this pipe daily for a week and see what happens as far as the finish is concerned. Building the cake should also help in insulating the bowl so that's a plus.

The Kinsale finish is really very attractive - nice and shiny. If everything goes OK with this then the XL26 will be a consideration after all.

Here's a pic of the XL21 - but this is a fishtail where mine is a P-lip.

Cheers,

RR

 

[Brewdude]

I have a Pete Kinsale XL20. I've smoked it a lot and the lacquer finish remains absolutely perfect. I had problems with a lacquered Jobey Band estate pipe and ultimately had all the lacquer removed before the pipe was restored and waxed. I also had a Stanwell Silke Brun pipe that was purchased new. The finish immediately blistered and the pipe was replaced by Stanwell. The same event is now happening with the replacement pipe. I surmise that this is the inferior matte finish that does not last. Needless to say that I have purchased my first and last Stanwell.

I've NEVER had a finish problem with a Stanwell though mine were all from the Danish factory production. I have not bought a new one since they moved production to Italy. hmmmm :twisted:

My one and only Stanny is Danish and have never had any problems with the matte finish. And it's one of my best smokers. Been considering a second one but will be careful to note the origin.


Cheers,

RR

 

[Ocelot55]

I have 10 stanwells all danish made and have had no problem with the finish. In fact I'm prett sure the smooth Stanwells aren't lacquered.

As far as the Kinsales are concerned, the XL26 might have so many problems because of the shape. The bowl narrows at the bottom so there might be less material between the hot coal and the lacquer...just a thought.

 

[Brewdude]

I have 10 stanwells all danish made and have had no problem with the finish. In fact I'm prett sure the smooth Stanwells aren't lacquered.

As far as the Kinsales are concerned, the XL26 might have so many problems because of the shape. The bowl narrows at the bottom so there might be less material between the hot coal and the lacquer...just a thought.

Very valid point. Thanks for pointing this out!


Cherrs,

RR

 

[Blackhorse]

Ocelot...it the bowl narrows...doesn't that put MORE wood between the open bowl and the outside surface rather than less...as you go lower?

I gotta say, re: the thickness "issue"...I've got several B-5 Pete's, a Rosslare, a Harp and the bigger version, the Kinsale (numbered differently there but the same shape). And to me they are all 'heavy' pipes...lots of wood...thick walls, etc. I've got LOTS of other pipes and I would count them among the 'heaviest walled' items I have...except for the ones I've made...against which a 16 lb. cannon ball would likely bounce off. I mean, re: this issue, I've got what I would consider thin walled pipes that smoke pretty cool...depending on the blend.

But be that as it may, this is the first I've heard about Peterson finishes bubbling due to heat. With any mass produced items there are going to be the small statistically minor 'issues' where something might have gotten on the briar and prevented a good bond between the wood and the finish. Or there could have been some pockets of moisture or something that might have 'steamed' out and taken the finish with it. But that's just a wild-ass guess and I've never heard of that either. It's just that Peterson makes a WHOLE lot of pipes, standard grade, midgrade and high grade...and out of all those pipes there's going to be the odd one that developes an issue...that's the way it is with organic materials.

The only 'across the board' issue that I know of with Pete's is the 'fading of the green' which is an actual problem. (Personally I think it is caused by some kind of magical influence perpetrated by leprechauns after a tiff with one of the workers, a Mr. Cyril Turnip, who shorted their crocks of Whiskey by pouring off a few drams. And even though they turned him into an actual turnip they still laid a bold magik on Pete and any green pipe he made. It seems that it still persists to this day.)

 

[Ocelot55]

Terminology difference, my dear BH. I refer to bowl as the shape of that portion of the pipe. The tobacco chamber is the empty space within.

Someone needs to create a book of pipe jargon.

 

[Blackhorse]

Hmmm. Someone should take a caliper to that part (and I understand the terminology...it was late) I'd be interested to see what it specs out to be. But then, there are so many things to be concerned with...this isn't very high on the list. Until, of course, it happens to me!!!

 

[Brewdude]

Hmmm. Someone should take a caliper to that part (and I understand the terminology...it was late) I'd be interested to see what it specs out to be. But then, there are so many things to be concerned with...this isn't very high on the list. Until, of course, it happens to me!!!

Well, the bowl does taper pretty significantly towards the bottom. So that could be problematic. Yet, it doesn't seem like it's really any more narrow than my Wiley Rhody which is a workhorse and one of my favorite smokers. But there again the Wiley doesn't have the acrylic finish either so what do I know.....

Here's a pic of the XL26 Kinsale-

See any problems here?



Cheers,

RR

 

[Blackhorse]

Oh yeah! That's gonna bubble up fer sure! :roll:



Rande...

<<standard BoB offer #4 - ON>>

Just order the pipe, have it shipped to me, I'll smoke the **** out of it for a few years and if there's any problems I'll be sure to let you know. In that case I know you'd do the right thing and replace the pipe. If there aren't any problems, I won't charge you for my efforts, and just keep the pipe instead, you know...as a favor, since we're Bro's and all.

<<standard BoB offer #4 - OFF>>

 

[Brewdude]

Oh yeah! That's gonna bubble up fer sure! :roll:



Rande...

<<standard BoB offer #4 - ON>>

Just order the pipe, have it shipped to me, I'll smoke the **** out of it for a few years and if there's any problems I'll be sure to let you know. In that case I know you'd do the right thing and replace the pipe. If there aren't any problems, I won't charge you for my efforts, and just keep the pipe instead, you know...as a favor, since we're Bro's and all.

<<standard BoB offer #4 - OFF>>

Thanks Dave. I know I can count on you brother....

:joker:


Cheers,

RR

 

[Sasquatch]

That's a nice offer. Next pipe I buy I'm sending to Blackhorse. Can't lose.

 

[Brewdude]

Well so far, I've had 6 pipe loads in my Kinsale XL21 and no sign of blistering. In fact it stands to be one of my favorite pipes.

Love the weight and the way it feels in the hand. No problems with the P-lip either, although I've never had any problems with these. Sometimes have to stick a pipe cleaner down the stem, as the draft hole does tend to get a bit plugged with certain cuts. I can live with that.



Cheers,

RR

 

[hobie1dog]

Mine is still in excellent condition, no problems here.