Custom Stems

erivertree

Is there a market for custom fitted pipe stems to replace the stem that came with a pipe? Specifically, I am looking for a new meerschaum pipe, and have seen several that I love the bowl but not the stem. Surely there are artisans “out there” who can craft custom pipe stems? I especially love translucent, colored/swirled stems. Thanks for any recommendations! Happy Puffs ~ Erika

motie2

@erivertree
Talk to our own craftsman extraordinaire @Corey562

RockyMountainBriar

@erivertree
Mike Meyers over at Walker Pipe Repair does great work.  I am not sure if he works with meerschaum.  My guess is he can make a replacement stem though.  I have made a few, but I did not have to worry about matching the stem and shank without sanding the shank.

PappyJoe

@erivertree - Ric Farrah at https://briarville.com/ can make you a new stem. I've had him make several for me. You can contact him to see what he has in stock for stems.

https://briarville.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-pipe-stem-replacement/

motie2

Not exactly what you are looking for, but.....
Meerschaum Pipe Replacement Stem Two screw Pluggable Link Meerschaum Pipe 2Pcs
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Meerschaum-Pipe-Replacement-Stem-Two-screw-Pluggable-Link-Meerschaum-Pipe-2Pcs/392248291395

motie2

KA9FFJ

@motie2 Well it's nice to know that the PROPER name to use is "Evaporator", rather than "Stinger". Still, it will always be stinger to me...
Tnx for the post, as usual...

motie2

@KA9FFJ

1. Me, too. And YUCK, whatever it’s called.

Balisong

A tobacconist advised me to throw the stingers out. After a pipe cleaner got stuck I took his advice!

PappyJoe

@ballsong
The old stingers are not necessarily bad but the process for cleaning the stem and stinger is different. Also, with some of the more collectible old pipes you can lessen the value by removing the stinger. 

KA9FFJ

@PappyJoe is correct, especially for those wanting to maintain the original design and not devalue monetarily the pipe.
However, at my age I'm more concerned about convenience and ease of cleaning. In other words, I'm too old to care much about things I probably should.😏

motie2

@PappyJoe

<<Also, with some of the more collectible old pipes you can lessen the value by removing the stinger. >>

It seems a good trade-off: remove the stinger for a better smoke. In the past -- in my first pipe life -- I've removed them, cut them off, and modified them for a straight-through air passage and in every case removing/modifying (defeating) the stinger made for a drier, better smoke.

Now I only smoke Carey's and the smoke passage is straight through with no steeenkin' stingers, only a papyrate moisture absorber/evaporator.

Balisong

At this point I can't even remember which pipes had stingers. That means they were less than $35 and no name baskets!

RockyMountainBriar

I’m not sure why they would be called evaporators, it seems to me that they are more of a condenser.  They usually end up dripping wet, not dry😳

motie2

Montecristo

The ‘Silver’ Special Story: NAP House Pipe Stems

https://petersonpipenotes.org/2023/04/02/337-the-silver-special-story-paul-combss-two-nap-house-pipes/

KA9FFJ

@Montecristo
Well beyond my capabilities. Beautiful work...

RockyMountainBriar

I am planning on making a NAP stem for my Peterson Premier 312.  I’d like to get a piece of orange w/black, yellow/with black or a grey/tan w/black slate/sandstone ebonite, but I have not been able to determine the right stick to purchase from the online pictured examples…they are dang expensive, I don’t want to get the wrong color.

Zouave

I love that short saddle stem.  @RockyMountainBriar if you end up making one make sure we get to see it!

RockyMountainBriar

@Zouave
Will do, I’m thinking of trying to make a faux flush fit stem “navy?” with a recessed area that fits down on the “army” mount to give it a “navy?” Tapered mount look.  I’m not sure I can do it….if not, I guess I screw up a nice piece of ebonite😖

KA9FFJ

@RockyMountainBriar
If anyone can, you can...