Pipe waxing?

Subject: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:33 am

What type of wax should I have to wax my pipes? Would anything with Carnuba work? Do I need a buffing wheel? How about reconditioning a stem?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Lucky
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Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:10 pm

I've had good luck with two car waxes,Mothers "California Gold" Carnuba wax(solid) and a German car wax made by Zymol(liquid) which is much more expensive.You should find Mothers at any auto parts store.Zymol will be bit harder to find.Look at online auto detail specialty sites for it...

Best,
Dock

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Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:29 pm

Some folks are using Halcyon wax to shine up their pipes. I don't know a bunch about it but you can read up on it here:

www.finepipes.com/Halcyon/halcyon.htm

I've heard varying reports on this. Several fellows on this site have used it and I'm sure they'll chime in with testimonials shortly.

Otherwise, there's a product called Briar Pipe Wipe that some folks use. As I understand it, it works well.

Beyond that, you're going to have to get a buffing motor and buffs, wax, etc. if you want to use pure carnauba. If you have a drill press or even a variable speed electric drill, you're already halfway there. They can both be used as buffers with a bit of outfitting.

Define "reconditioning a stem" a bit more and you might get some suggestions in that general area. If you're simply talking about removing oxidization, there are several processes, all of which seem to end with work on a buffing wheel. Might just have to drop the cash for some wheels, etc. I'm sure you can justify this for the sake of your new hobby Very Happy

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:56 pm

LOL! Hazmat, my wife is already starting to figure out that my little "hobby" is becoming more of an obsession!

I first thought I would just need ONE pipe and maybe a few nice smelling tobaccos...HOly Crap was I wrong! Rolling Eyes

So why not drop a few more pennies and do this thing right?! That's what I say!

As far as reconditioning the stems. I just want to bring back a "showroom shine". Is it possible to do with just rubbing and polishing compound? Or is the wheel a must? Is a wheel a must for the briar as well or will the wax be enough with a cloth and some elbow grease?

THanks for the input so far guys.

Lucky
_________________
“A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes another's”

-Jean Paul Richter

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:37 pm

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:44 pm

I'll have to try that. Hopefully LL will chime in soon. I have a dremel tool that I think I will first try out on my "bargain bin" pipe. See what happens. Suspect

I'll keep you guy supdated with that.

But, I won't do anything until I get more info from you guys.

Thanks a bunch and keep it comin'

Lucky
_________________
“A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes another's”

-Jean Paul Richter

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:45 pm

Also from Fine pipes is a product called Paragon. Its their next offering in hand applied pipe wax. I have this myself and it does a nice job. I would be real careful using a buffer, as stated before you could send your favorite pipe flying or you could inadvertently remove material or nomenclature. Also some of the automotive waxes contain solvents that could again remove existing wax and some of the original finish....
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Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:13 pm

I have used Olive oil becuase i read somewhere that it helps keep oxidation down. I notice however, thwat the sheen does not lasst very long...not really permanent so to speak. I am afraid meself to buff, so I am looking for a way to "buff" without buffing...plus I don't have a grinder.

Subject: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:40 pm

1) Captain Midnight : Do you notice the Paragon penetrasting into and darkening the finish appreciably ?

2) Davey : There is (sadly) no long-term solution to vulcanite deterioration, although you can resist it. The sulfer in it combines with oxygen ; moisture & sunlight accelerate the reaction.

As far as wax goes, it's been my experience that there's enough of it on the average pipe to last just about forever. Rub it with a clean, soft flannel for maintenence.
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Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:49 pm

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:50 pm

Thanks Yak,

I actually just hand buffed out some scratches on one of my stems with 4000 grit sandpaper...nothing left whatsoever in the way of scratches, but its a bit dull now....what to do shine up?

Subject: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:55 pm

All that I know to do (by hand) is keep going down through the increasingly finer grades, then switch over to micromesh (which ultimately goes to 12,000 grit for polishing gold).

You may find that using emory paper "wet" does a lot better job than using it "dry."
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Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:16 pm

Will do...thanks Yak.

Guest

As Yak points out, hand-polishing is a bit labor-intensive, but the best thing I've found for returning a glossy black finish to your vulcanite stems is the Micromesh sculptors kit at The Compleat Sculptor.

From the front page, select "On-line Catalog," then "Sanding products index," then Micromesh. They have a couple of different kits available (14.95 to 21.95) with pads that come in 1500 to 12000 grit. Good stuff, and can be re-used hundreds of times.

http://www.sculpt.com/

Subject: Re: Pipe waxing? Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:01 pm

Awsome...I am there.