Stem/Shank hole alignment

[TCnBham]

I have several pipes, and most of them smoke well. However, there are a couple that I cannot run a pipe cleaner down without taking the stem out, so obviously something is out of alignment. It aggravates the devil out of me because I know it's a bad idea to pull the stem out of a warm pipe, but I'm a "wet" smoker for some reason, so find the need to run a pipe cleaner (regular kind) down the stem at least once during the bowl to remove a bit of moisture. Part of this is due to me drinking a lot of iced tea all day long, and while I'm smoking too. And part of it is just that I think I produce more saliva than some.

So, my question and advice sought is because something is out of alignment, and it's typically going to be that the hole in the shank of the pipe is not dead center relative to the stem (is that called the tenon joint?), would it be possible to take a Dremel tool and carefully do a bit of "tapering" of the hole so that the pipe cleaner would have a better chance of making it's way into the shank with the stem in place? Not only for removing moisture while smoking, but for a quick clean after I'm finished with the bowl and leave the cleaner in for a while to soak up any additional moisture that might be in the shank or bottom of the bowl.

I have several tapered stone type bits for the Dremel, so it seems this would be a good approach, but other suggestions are welcomed. Would it be better to enlarge the hole all the way into the bowl with a slightly larger drill bit?

 

[taharris]

Yes, that should work just fine. Try to form a little ramp to guide the pipe cleaner fron one hole to the next.

Good luck.

Todd

 

[monbla256]

You can also give a short "kink" at the end of the cleaner that you are pushing down the stem and when it comes to a stop short of the bowl, pull out slightly and a small twist right or left and push in again . Usually for me, a few times doing this get's it to the position where it can pass through to the bowl. I've several pipes that I have learned over the years that I have to do this "kink" thing and which direction to direct it to get 'em to pass thru so that I don't even think about it that much

 

[KevinM]

That is annoying and more common in bents. Agree with the comment that simply making incremental adjustments in inserting the cleaner can find a point without any drilling. But other times not. I've read that the "best" air channel bore is 5/32. If your bore is smaller, opening it up might help. I'd do it with a hand drill, however, just to be on the side of first, do no harm. I'd be reluctant to take the mouthpiece out of a hot briar. Usually, the problem you've described is that the tenon is too deep for the mouthpiece, leaving just enough room for the cleaner to get out of alignment. So opening the tenon into a < shape might work. Good luck.

 

[Blackhorse]

I agree that approaching this with significant caution would be well advised. There are several outfits out there that specialize in re-ferb-ing this problem and you might think of having a pro do it if your pipes are of significant value to you or in general.

I have a ba-zillion dremel bits and all...and I can't think of one stone tipped bit that I would want to stuff into the shank of a pipe of mine and start zippin' away at it. If you do...set your speed SLOW.

Also - without knowing what shape the pipe is, there are some that are just very prone to needing that 'bent tipped cleaner' approach mentioned above. Often the drill into the bowl is a two stage affair and just won't take a straight cleaner, no matter what. I've got numberous pipes that don't, but a slight curve in the tip of the cleaner, inserting it til you hit resistance, and then something like a half twist with the cleaner, will allow the cleaner to pass.

I also have several, full bents and a couple of Oom Pauls, that won't take a cleaner no matter what. I have often wondered if this was the reason that the Peterson 'system' was developed. Be that as it may...be slow and prudent.

Oh...and the airway specialist I mentioned is Walker's. You can find them easily via a google.

 

[ejames]

That is annoying and more common in bents. Agree with the comment that simply making incremental adjustments in inserting the cleaner can find a point without any drilling. But other times not. I've read that the "best" air channel bore is 5/32. If your bore is smaller, opening it up might help. I'd do it with a hand drill, however, just to be on the side of first, do no harm. I'd be reluctant to take the mouthpiece out of a hot briar. Usually, the problem you've described is that the tenon is too deep for the mouthpiece, leaving just enough room for the cleaner to get out of alignment. So opening the tenon into a < shape might work. Good luck.

If you try to drill the airway you have to make darn certain that you get the drill bit in the airway,which can be tricky with bent pipes. If you don't you may end up with an extra hole in your bowl! I know!!

 

[jogilli]

personally I would use a small needle file and create the ramp that way.. the dremel can get away from you if your not careful or don't use it too often... the needle file provides you a little more granularity and makes you work a little slower..