Packing the perfect bowl

PipeProfessor

How do you pack your bowls for that perfect smoke?

PipeProfessor

I love the Frank Method. It gives me the best taste and an enjoyable smoke.

drac2485

I don't know if the way I do it has a name but I think of it as a three pinch method.  I take and fill the bowl loosely once and pack it down until I get the draw I want, usually about half the bowl.  Then, I do it a second time and pack it down until I get the draw I want, 2/3 of the bowl.  Finally, I take a nice pinch and push it into the bowl and fold/manipulate it in pulling out loose tobacco keeping my thumb on top, as to not remove the whole pinch of tobacco.  This is what works best for me.  Sometimes, on smaller bowls I only get 2 pinches of tobacco in.

PipeProfessor

@drac2485 the three layer method is the first I learned and what I usually do (because I'm always in a rush). However, check out this YouTube video about the Frank Method (there are 3 short videos total, and yes this guy will annoy you). When I have the time I prefer this as it is an excellent smoke: 

drac2485

@pipeprofessor  Thanks, I will defintely check it out.

drac2485

@pipeprofessor  OMG I looked it up on youtube and I found a 3 parter and OMG I agree he annoys the crap out of me.  Here's the link for anyone interested for the one I found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJP0JaNRw6Q

PipeProfessor

@drac2485 I am guessing this is the second video? That's the one with all the good info!

kraigseder

I used to do the thirds method but over time and after packing hundreds of bowls I usually just pack in two layers. The first loose layer lightly tamped and then the second layer a firmer tamp. I then do my pre-light and then tamp till I get the perfect draw. 

drac2485

@pipeprofessor After loading a few bowls over the past few weeks, I normally only smoke a bowl a week if that, I noticed I'm doing more of the Frank method and what @kraigseder described, I normally only use more than 2 pinches on my monster bowls.

PappyJoe

I do the thirds most often except if I use a pouch and a smaller pipe I do what I call the codger scoop.

PipeProfessor

Interesting name, do explain @pappyjoe

PappyJoe

For the edification of the uninformed, @pipeprofessor, a codger is an old-timer who started smoking a pipe when there were more over-the-counter tobaccos sold in pouches then there were ticks on a hound. A codger scoop is how they would load their pipes. They would open the pouch and holding the pouch in one hand, stick the pipe in with the other hand and scoop tobacco into the bowl with their index finger. 

PipeProfessor

Thanks @pappyjoe! I never heard of the codger scoop before, but I understand now.

pipeman83

The 3 step works for me, although with the size of my pipes , it's 4 steps.