What does holding one's fingers over the top of the pipe actually do?

mfresa

I see pipe reviewers and others (Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit) hold their fingers over the opening to the pipe bowl while smoking or trying to revive an ember.  Does this actually work or is it a vain attempt to re-route the airflow through the smoking chamber?  I have tried it a couple of times and sometimes it does work.  Any opinions out there?

Londy3

I have so it as well. It works great. It's my way to avoid a relight.

pwkarch

It works almost every time.....kind of like choking an internal combustion engine I suppose. Another trick when say driving when you can't tamp, is to tap on the bowl  while holding in your hand alternating with your pointer and your middle finger alternately and quickly. Doing that for just 2 or 3 seconds tends to compact the bowl very slightly, moving the burning tobacco into the tobacco below. Almost the same effect as tamping.....that works every time as well and there is no need to take both hands off the wheel (or your drink.....but not while driving).

motie2

i creates a faux venturi effect; your fingers narrow the opening, your draw brings in a "jet" of air/oxygen, which feeds the ember.

mfresa

so it forces air onto the ember at a higher rate then.  OK I get it.  Thanks!

jfreedy

Yep, like others have already said it helps stoke the ember (father the flame if you will). It reminds me of when I build a fire in my chiminea. The smaller opening in the front draws the air right over the flames as it channels the air toward the chimney. The increased velocity of the airflow stokes the fire. I've found this to only be a temporary stop gap. Nothing replaces tamping that ash!

motie2

...or a fast relight. Who's counting?

ghostsofpompeii

It also keep your hands warm when standing outdoor in the winter.

ghostsofpompeii

@mfresa What I really want to know is ... does pulling one's finger actually work?

mfresa

@ghostsofpompeii, yes, it does for me Just keep your ignition source a safe distance away.

motie2

As I have aged, I've found the finger pull increasingly unnecessary.

Woodsman

Isn't it amazing how an innocent request for information can turn into an interesting discussion on self generation of Methane and the dangers of an open flame. 

mfresa

I just put it out there like a slow speed fast ball and let them hit it out of the park.

ghostsofpompeii

@Woodsman I'll never grow-up. Even at 67 I like a good fart joke. I think it started with Mel Brooks "Blazing Saddles".

motie2

What he said.....