Successfully packing cubed tobacco

papafontana52

What is the best way to pack cubed tobacco.  I love the new Ready Rub Sutlif makes, but packing it to keep it lit seems to be a problem.  It's either too loose or too tight.

motie2

@papafontana52

See:   https://www.reddit.com/r/PipeTobacco/comments/4wwvhk/how_to_pack_cube_cut_tobacco/

Bentbrier

@motie2 thanks for the link.  Cubes can be tricky

motie2

@Bentbrier -- The rule is -- and it's an odd one -- if you turn the filled but not as yet lit bowl over, and the tobacco all falls out, you've "packed" it correctly.
Seriously.
One does not "pack" a bowl with cube cut. One fills a bowl. Once lit, the tobacco expands to sort of pack itself. It's weird stuff, physically.

Bentbrier

@motie2 well described.  But, isn't it hard to light it you keep turning upside down to see if it's packed correctly?  Fill, dump, fill, dump... lol
But seriously good advice.

PappyJoe

Was stationed in Seattle with a pipe smoker back in the 70s who would smoke his pipe upside down when it was a light rain. Of course, a light rain in Seattle is called a mist anywhere else.

papafontana52

Thanks for the advise, gentlemen.  I've been scooping my pipe into my tobacco pouch and not packing it.  Once I get to the top I tamp it a little.  That was too much.  Taking your advice now I just fill it and light it.  It works a lot better.
Appreciate the comments!

motie2

@papafontana52 -- You are welcome, sir.