Tips??

[monbla256]

I get ya Kyle. Just finished a nice 2 1/2 hour "breath" of Virginia Woods in an old Edwards bent bulldog and lost track of how many Re-lights I did but I ENJOYED my smoke for sure But my blood sugar's dropped way low so I'm gonna have me a REAL COKE to drink Back in a bit

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Low blood sugar, then a pipe, then a coke? You're a man after some interesting chemical-body experiences. :lol: I commend you.

 

[monbla256]

Low blood sugar, then a pipe, then a coke? You're a man after some interesting chemical-body experiences. :lol: I commend you.

Finished the pipe, took my blood sugar, was low so THEN I had the Coke Sugars up where it should be now, will take my insulin, and then have my supper THEn about an hour later I'll have my Nightcap to finish off the day

 

[gandalfpc]

A single light is obsession for sure, but our brother's trouble was always needing a dozen lights - an affliction that is surely inconvenient if not unpleasant - and is probably, next to a wet smoke and tongue bite, one of the more common troubles that sit between frustration and relaxation...

Old pipes and few tobaccos may help, but are not required. I have a fair number of pipes old and new, and more baccy blends than you can shake a stick at - a good smoke can be had from them all.

Once you get used to flakes, coins, plugs, etc - perhaps a half dozen or so types of cuts, you will be able to handle any baccy with ease.

The basics of packing (not too tight or loose) tamping (lightly and only when needed) and lighting fully are the most important bits...

 

[Behike54]

Eh, I think everyone is just trying to give out pointers that work for them. I'm fine with my relights, and there are plenty of them. I understand the mechanics of it all, and familiarity and consistency seem to be the keys. I'm kinda all over different tobaks and pipes, so my learning curve for each with each will be steep..oh well, I'm having fun.

+1 and then some. That learning curve is a part of the pleasure and mystery that keeps us coming back for more!

 

[Lesepfeife]

The OP in this thread could have been written by me as it bears a close resemblance to my short experience. In fact I arrived at it in a search for tips as to what I might be doing that cause me so many relights. A couple responses, especially on the first page were very helpful. Not sure if it was in this thread or on another search I did that evening but I went to Greg Pease's site and Youtube and did some searching as well. For any who might be reading this in search of similar answers I would recommend searching there for videos by PipesMagazine.com. Bob has some really good demonstrations of the various loading techniques.

Since that evening and adjusting a few of my practices in drying, packing, and smoking I have seen a significant change in the enjoyment of my various blends. I had always tested my pack for air flow but apparently that isn't the sum total of indication that the density of the load is correct. One benefit is that if I don't have to puff so much to keep the pipe lit I am able to much better taste the subtleties of what I am smoking.

Thanks y'all for your input.