Beeswax can work for either loose or tight though I generally use it for loose fitting stems, in the case of tight stems it all depends on what you call tight,
I generally prefer a bit of light sanding with a fine grit followed by some polishing for a tight stem, just my 2 cents:)
@jacobramsey74 So my first guess was correct🙂. Vaseline might actually make the fit tighter by soaking into the shank and expand it. Go with dry (not liquid or spray) graphite, like what is used for sticky locks.
@jacobramsey74 The shank can sometimes be expanded by dipping a twisted paper towel in distilled water, inserting it in the shank tightly by twisting it as you go. Then let it sit for a day or two. You might be surprised how tightly the tenon will fit. Doesn't work all the time, but cost and time wise, it's worth a try...
Vaseline is made from petroleum and remains in gel/liquid form, meaning that it breaks down easily especially when heated...I'm not sure I would put Vaseline anywhere around or near my pipe or anything that produces heat and/or smoke that goes into my mouth or lungs. I'm also not sure I'd use graphite either for a similar reason. Beeswax is probably the safest as it would be akin to smoking Interlude from C&D, and would likely be safe to consume.
Personally, I use something what @mapletop recommended, only inside the mortise and not on the tenon. I rarely have this issue, but when i do I use a round sanding bit on my drill at a very low speed and simply insert it into the tenon, give it a couple of rotations--i.e., only about 3 or 4 seconds worth, and it's fine after that. I do it so lightly that I don't even get any noticeable saw dust really because usually that's all that's needed.
Ok. I'm blaming @RockyMountainBriar for this reworked pipe. I figure if he can have an ORANGE pipe, I can have a really green one. I initially did my Paronelli Christmas pipe in a very muted green to go along with the red stem, hence, a "Christmas pipe". Anyway, here it was after my stripping and restaining... See how muted the green was?
I have found over the years that colored stains tend to darken and dissipate ever so slightly with use. So I'm expecting the same from this pipe. Even so, it smokes well and it will be a great pipe to enjoy when my kids come to visit for the Christmas holidays...🎅
Well, this isn't so much PIPE REFINISHING as a stem replacement, but I thought this thread was as good as any to post it. Some of you know, this Knute was purchased for me by my wife before we were married. I think the year was 1968 and it was at Jost pipe shop in St. Louis long before it finally went out of business...
Problem is, years of sanding down the chatter 5 or 6 times has left me with a stem that's getting thinner and thinner. And now it's time to shelve the original stem. Here's the shape it's in now... again...
So I turned a new acrylic stem, bent and polished it. Didn't particularly care for the color, but at least I won't have to worry about biting through the stem...
@mfresa Yes, for what it is designed to do. In my personal experience, it will not PREVENT oxidation, but will greatly slow down the process. I, myself, use mineral oil. Does basically the same thing, but a LOT cheaper. After I finish a bowl, I will use my thumb nail to remove any residue without scratching the stem. Then I simply use my thumb and forefinger to apply a medium coating of the oil. I allow it to sit for 15 - 30 minutes, then lightly use a micro cloth to remove the access while still leaving a very thin film to help protect the stem until my next use... Also note, it does not REMOVE oxidation, but rather slows down the process when applied after each use... Hope that helps...
Went to an antique store today for lack of something to do. Usually never buy anything at those places... Usually overpriced. Anyway, I found an old Amphora-Holland 733 for 15 bucks. Definitely needs some tender love and care, but when I've completed working on it, I hope it will be a pipe most would like to have. I don't know when I'll get around to this project with Christmas and all, but here are some "before" pics...
Comments
So my first guess was correct🙂. Vaseline might actually make the fit tighter by soaking into the shank and expand it. Go with dry (not liquid or spray) graphite, like what is used for sticky locks.
The shank can sometimes be expanded by dipping a twisted paper towel in distilled water, inserting it in the shank tightly by twisting it as you go. Then let it sit for a day or two.
You might be surprised how tightly the tenon will fit.
Doesn't work all the time, but cost and time wise, it's worth a try...
haha it's true I did leave it open! What can I say... I have a big stem.
I figure if he can have an ORANGE pipe, I can have a really green one.
I initially did my Paronelli Christmas pipe in a very muted green to go along with the red stem, hence, a "Christmas pipe". Anyway, here it was after my stripping and restaining... See how muted the green was?
Glad to see you are back at refurbishing pipes. It's always educational.
Some of you know, this Knute was purchased for me by my wife before we were married. I think the year was 1968 and it was at Jost pipe shop in St. Louis long before it finally went out of business...
Didn't particularly care for the color, but at least I won't have to worry about biting through the stem...
Beautiful pipe. Your Bride has great taste. That is obvious from not only the pipe she selected, but also the man.
It's the WIFE that's the keeper, not me...🙂
Well played, Brother.
Yes, for what it is designed to do. In my personal experience, it will not PREVENT oxidation, but will greatly slow down the process.
I, myself, use mineral oil. Does basically the same thing, but a LOT cheaper.
After I finish a bowl, I will use my thumb nail to remove any residue without scratching the stem. Then I simply use my thumb and forefinger to apply a medium coating of the oil. I allow it to sit for 15 - 30 minutes, then lightly use a micro cloth to remove the access while still leaving a very thin film to help protect the stem until my next use... Also note, it does not REMOVE oxidation, but rather slows down the process when applied after each use...
Hope that helps...
Anyway, I found an old Amphora-Holland 733 for 15 bucks. Definitely needs some tender love and care, but when I've completed working on it, I hope it will be a pipe most would like to have.
I don't know when I'll get around to this project with Christmas and all, but here are some "before" pics...