stirring one's wet dottle

[ragged claws]

Thanks Dutch. That's ineed a good read.


Kim

 

[DoverPipes]

Happens every now and then to me.
Re-topping the tobacco in the bowl is always helpful.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

The not-letting-the-tobacco-sit-on-the-bottom-of-the-bowl-thing is and can be helpful, but I find it all matters how one tamps as they smoke: if you're ram-rodding the tobacco like an ape, that little bit of gap can help offset pressure. I tamp just enough to cone the tobacco to the center, angling the tamper head inward toward the bowl, just to improve draft consistency. If I leave too much space at the bottom, I end up sucking ash at the end. I by no means pack the bowl too densely, either.

It's just a matter of practice. There's more techniques and variables out there, this tread alone, to try, I hope there's some solutions in here for those needing it! All have been great contributions, ya just gotta find that "aha!" moment when you experiment with the right technique. Trial-n-error can be very helpful.

Great article, Dutch. Matches don't work for me, as I usually smoke outside, and the winds here in Nevada aren't favorable to them. I manage to get good smokes...

...again, it's all about finding that right combination. There's one out there for everyone.

8)

 

[Dutch]

Great article, Dutch. Matches don't work for me, as I usually smoke outside, and the winds here in Nevada aren't favorable to them. I manage to get good smokes...

...again, it's all about finding that right combination. There's one out there for everyone.

8)

Kyle, I am rarely comfortable using matches, unless I am smoking indoors and not distracted by any other activities. Since the burning temps determine how much moisture or steam is generated, then in theory it should stand to reason that a cooler burning bowl would produce somewhat drier dottle by the time we reach the end of the bowl. Good information to know, but sometimes over dissection of the process, can lead to less enjoyment during the smoking experience.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Kyle, I am rarely comfortable using matches, unless I am smoking indoors and not distracted by any other activities. Since the burning temps determine how much moisture or steam is generated, then in theory it should stand to reason that a cooler burning bowl would produce somewhat drier dottle by the time we reach the end of the bowl. Good information to know, but sometimes over dissection of the process, can lead to less enjoyment during the smoking experience.

Totally. My big thing with the whole "matches only" or other such discussions about ignition is missing a larger point: the match, lighter, torch, sunbeam, coal or whatever lights your pipeweed is never in constant contact with the contents of your pipe throughout the entire bowl being smoked, so, I'm not sure why all the fuss. I mean, get the theory, but once the match/lighter/whatever goes out, the tobacco is on its own, well, with the help of the smoker's draw, and (god forbid me mentioning) tobacco chamber. Can one singe the unburnt contents below and cause flavor issues? Probably. I don't. *shrug*

Without opening up a new age-old can of worms, call me crazy, but I think there's more of a chance of a fella burnin' his tobacco to bits (or his tongue) by having too dry or too heavily puffed-upon 'bacca than mere threat of a butane soft flame over a silly stick of burning wood. Maybe it's just me, but I don't light my pipe with a constant ten second blast of heat. It's lit in less than two seconds. I don't have re-light problems usually, and I get plenty of flavor from just-right moist tobacco.

My only warning I give people in the ignition department is not to use a jet-flame cigar lighter, because it'll eff up your briar. Granted, in a pinch, I've used a jet single flame lighter on a few pipefuls, being terribly careful to aim it where it was supposed to go (in the center) and not for too long. It doesn't work too well, and is too dangerous for me to rely on, I know that much.

So yeah, my conclusion is, use what works. If someone swears they're getting a better smoke off a wooden match, they're probably right, and have plenty of reasons for it. Fact of the matter is, I find a lighter more useful, and haven't necessarily gotten an "oh-wow" moment suddenly from match use. Plus, matches, dry desert with flammable flora, winds, etc--let's just say I'm okay with lighters since I'm an "outdoor guy." :lol:

8)

 

[ragged claws]

Well, I tried a few things yesterday that seemed to help with my wet dottle problem. I spread out a couple of pipefuls of tobacco on a piece of printer paper and let it dry for several hours. I then loaded my pipe by just sprinkling the tobacco in between my fingers and gently tapping the pipe to settle the tobacco (no tamping with thumb or tool). The resulting smokes were drier, easier to light, and seemed to produce less wet dottle. The smoke was a little harsh and seemed to burn a little hotter, especially toward the end of the bowl. I may be drying the tobacco too much and packing too loosely.

I've also been smoking small amounts of Prince Albert throughout the day to help build some cake in the heel of the pipe.

Kim

 

[idbowman]

Great article, Dutch. Matches don't work for me, as I usually smoke outside, and the winds here in Nevada aren't favorable to them. I manage to get good smokes...

...again, it's all about finding that right combination. There's one out there for everyone.

8)

Kyle, I am rarely comfortable using matches, unless I am smoking indoors and not distracted by any other activities. Since the burning temps determine how much moisture or steam is generated, then in theory it should stand to reason that a cooler burning bowl would produce somewhat drier dottle by the time we reach the end of the bowl. Good information to know, but sometimes over dissection of the process, can lead to less enjoyment during the smoking experience.

I prefer matches, but I admit it's purely a matter of aesthetics. I can't say that matches have every given me better lights or better smokes than a lighter...I just like 'em. Then again, they just aren't the best option when in the car or outdoors, and I have no problem reaching for a regular ol' Bic when the situation warrants.

With time, I think most smokers get a pretty good feel for how to long to keep the flame on the tobacco when using a variety of lighting tools. I could see where matches might be a good place for beginners to start though. After all, matches can only burn so long before going out or singeing the fingertips - a sort of cut-off switch to reduce overlighting/overburning.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

With time, I think most smokers get a pretty good feel for how to long to keep the flame on the tobacco when using a variety of lighting tools. I could see where matches might be a good place for beginners to start though. After all, matches can only burn so long before going out or singeing the fingertips - a sort of cut-off switch to reduce overlighting/overburning.

Great point. The idea of don't-puff-when-the-sulphur-is-still-burning makes itself known as a what-not-to-do pretty quickly, too... :lol:

8)

 

[Anonymous]

Stuff that works for me:

* Cobs can control moisture well as do wider bowls.

* Put the pipe down from time to time. Letting it rest a bit helps when I pack the bowl too tight.

* Gently pack the bowl. Only start tamping after the first charring light to get the airflow right.

* I let some tobacco sit out overnight. Or sit in a covered but unsealed tin.

* A 3/4" wide and 1 1/2" deep bowl should last 30-45 minutes at least. If it takes 15-20 minutes, you're going to get moisture and will most likely get tongue bite.

* If I'm in a hurry, I will spike a moist tobacco with a bit of burley (Carter Hall). It's burn properties are just about perfect in any pipe.

 

[Anonymous]

All that, too.

Well, maybe except the Carter Hall part . . . :shock:

The old adage is to fill your bowl with a child's hand first (small amount), followed by a woman's hand (more, with some but not a lot of pressure) and finish with a man's hand.

There are also two strategies that boil down to creating a solid column down the middle with loose edges, and tight edges with a loose center column. Both work well. Especially with ribbon cuts.

:cat: :face: :study:

 

[Kyle Weiss]

The old adage is to fill your bowl with a child's hand first (small amount), followed by a woman's hand (more, with some but not a lot of pressure) and finish with a man's hand.

The three-step/"Frank" method didn't do much for me. Though, on that note, I was talking with an older gent, a visitor from Georgia that was staying in Reno stopped by our local Tinder Box for a smoke. As we chatted, he was reading the Tinder Box pamphlet for pipe beginners that mentions this method. He chuckled and said, "The child's hand and then the woman's hand for loading and packing...the 'man's hand' is what the fire is for, men always get to start the fire...or he'll just smash that tobacco in there and try to fit more in..." :lol: We both had a chuckle. Nice guy.

8)

 

[Anonymous]

Well, maybe except the Carter Hall part . . . :shock:

Well, the burley sprinkles is reserved for absolute emergencies. I like to smoke while grilling and the charcoal doesn't wait once lit.

I also try to only grab a single "pinch" to load the pipe and use my hand (thumb and index finger around the opening to the bowl) as a funnel and a nail to gently pack it. I never go back for more, especially with moist tobacco. It usually renders 3/4 to 4/5 of a bowl once lit. If I add more to top it off it seems to always be too tight. I'm sure this is user error on my part.

Also, if you pack a moist flake too tight, don't try to battle through it. I dump it and reload it back into the pipe a little looser.

SG tobaccos can take a bit of adjustment. C&D and H&H are usually drier and are more "load and go".

Ron Popeil needs to design a pipe loader and pre-charrer.