pipemaker
Broken Pipe
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2007
- Messages
- 214
- Reaction score
- 0
For anyone wondering if internal stem polishing improves the smokeability of a pipe, or if you just want to polish the internals, here is a quick and easy method.
Although other methods will give you better results, this will definately shine up the plumbing and smooth out those rough edges.
Get hold of a new pair of 1/4" wide shoelaces. If the stem bore is very narrow, a smaller size may be required.
Cut those plastic thingys off of both ends and apply a 1/2" long bead of thick or jel type superglue to the end of the shoelace. Thin s.g. dosen't work.
Firmly press the end of a pipecleaner over the glue and apply presure for about 20 seconds. A plastic baggie over your finger or thumb works well for this.
After the glue has cured, snip away the area of the shoelace outside of the yellow lines.
Clamp the end opposite from the pipecleaner in a vice, or tie it around a door knob, insert the pipecleaner from the tenon end of the stem and pull it through until you can grasp the shoelace. While keeping some tension on the shoelace, load it with tripoli or white buffing compound and slide the stem back and forth on the shoelace. About 20 or so strokes will produce a nice shine and if the airhole is flared at the button end, angle the stem about 45 degrees each way for a few strokes to clean up this area.
The shoelace will load up quickly and it's best to use a new one for each stem.
Mike
Although other methods will give you better results, this will definately shine up the plumbing and smooth out those rough edges.
Get hold of a new pair of 1/4" wide shoelaces. If the stem bore is very narrow, a smaller size may be required.
Cut those plastic thingys off of both ends and apply a 1/2" long bead of thick or jel type superglue to the end of the shoelace. Thin s.g. dosen't work.
Firmly press the end of a pipecleaner over the glue and apply presure for about 20 seconds. A plastic baggie over your finger or thumb works well for this.
After the glue has cured, snip away the area of the shoelace outside of the yellow lines.
Clamp the end opposite from the pipecleaner in a vice, or tie it around a door knob, insert the pipecleaner from the tenon end of the stem and pull it through until you can grasp the shoelace. While keeping some tension on the shoelace, load it with tripoli or white buffing compound and slide the stem back and forth on the shoelace. About 20 or so strokes will produce a nice shine and if the airhole is flared at the button end, angle the stem about 45 degrees each way for a few strokes to clean up this area.
The shoelace will load up quickly and it's best to use a new one for each stem.
Mike