dshpipes
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,787
- Reaction score
- 0
I recently picked up a no-name bash from puros_bran for a comfortably low price. Having always wanted to try out a calabash, this was the perfect opportunity and I seized it.
When I got the pipe, I discovered that, as stated, it had an ok draw, but it was too tight for me. After a little inspection, I ascertained 3 problems.
1. The bowl only had 1 small hole which was off center.
Having done some research, I found that a few high end makers generally put three holes in a triangular configuration in their calabash bowls. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I used my dremel and drilled two more holes in the bowl to create the vortex effect within the calabash which supposedly improves their smoking qualities. Step one done.
2. The airway was pretty narrow at about 2 mm.
Using a 3.5mm gimlet, I opened up the airway to allow less restricted delivery of the smoke. Step two done.
3. The stem also had a narrow passage.
I heated and straightened out the stem so that it could be opened up. Then, using my dremel, I opened up the stem to 3.5 mm at the shank end. Then using a 1.5mm bit, I funneled the airway at the bit. Then I reheated the stem to bend it back. Step three done.
Now the draw is wide open and effortless and I can smoke all the way down to the bottom no problem. This pipe delivers a cool smoke and excellent flavor. I couldn't be more pleased with the results.
I'm pretty fascinated by the success of this project. If anyone has a pipe that's just sitting around because of an overly tight draw and would like it opened for free, minus shipping to me, PM me. I'll even cover return shipping. I am new to this so I can't guarantee I'll get it perfect, but I would love the opportunity to practice some more. I'd do more on my own pipes, but I don't have any more that need to be opened. I'm also looking at lots on e-bay to see if I can get some pipes to practice on.
When I got the pipe, I discovered that, as stated, it had an ok draw, but it was too tight for me. After a little inspection, I ascertained 3 problems.
1. The bowl only had 1 small hole which was off center.
Having done some research, I found that a few high end makers generally put three holes in a triangular configuration in their calabash bowls. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I used my dremel and drilled two more holes in the bowl to create the vortex effect within the calabash which supposedly improves their smoking qualities. Step one done.
2. The airway was pretty narrow at about 2 mm.
Using a 3.5mm gimlet, I opened up the airway to allow less restricted delivery of the smoke. Step two done.
3. The stem also had a narrow passage.
I heated and straightened out the stem so that it could be opened up. Then, using my dremel, I opened up the stem to 3.5 mm at the shank end. Then using a 1.5mm bit, I funneled the airway at the bit. Then I reheated the stem to bend it back. Step three done.
Now the draw is wide open and effortless and I can smoke all the way down to the bottom no problem. This pipe delivers a cool smoke and excellent flavor. I couldn't be more pleased with the results.
I'm pretty fascinated by the success of this project. If anyone has a pipe that's just sitting around because of an overly tight draw and would like it opened for free, minus shipping to me, PM me. I'll even cover return shipping. I am new to this so I can't guarantee I'll get it perfect, but I would love the opportunity to practice some more. I'd do more on my own pipes, but I don't have any more that need to be opened. I'm also looking at lots on e-bay to see if I can get some pipes to practice on.
