Odd Tampers

PipeProfessor

I have seen tampers made from a variety of materials. What is the most odd material you have seen one made from?

PappyJoe

I've made a couple from deer antler. 

LostMason

I made one from a ratchet handle,and a simple tamper from a piece of silver maple.
I've been known to use a jack-knife (closed) and a wood screw.

PipeProfessor

@pappyjoe, I have one from a deer antler as well, although I cant take credit for making it. It has a lynx claw on it as well so it's pretty gnarley. 

PipeProfessor

@lostmason, sounds like you are very resourceful!

Abreathawayfromglory

I have one made from the brass of a 460 SW Mag pistol and deer antler 

mhajec

I made a tamper once from a piece of rem Inconel, I miss placed it during a move and damned if I can't find it. I'll try to search for it so I can post a pic of it. It's not anything special as far as looks are concerned but I was very proud of it after I had turned it.

LostMason

@pipeprofessor,a lack of funds makes you resourceful.

drac2485

The oddest tamper I have used was picking up a stick from the ground.  However the oddest I have seen used was the finger.  How can you tamp, especially in the beginning of a bowl, with just your finger?  I understand physics and have used my finger later in the bowl, I didn't get burned but it made a heck of a mess. 

Darmon

I used a 1/4" drive ratchet extension this morning.  Only thing I had at hand.

drac2485

Oooh... just remembered seeing a drill bit, wood bit, that someone used.

PipeProfessor

I need to start making some!

Corey562

The one I use the most is made out a 5/16 cotter pin that fits the pivot pin on a rail car coupler. took some flattening out and a little grinding but it works rather well keep it on my keychain.

SuppressedRage

The only tamper that I have ever used is a 5.56 casing. (You know, the shell for a bullet to one of those scary looking black rifles). Haha

Woodsman

Mine is a 45 casing on a stub of Cherry branch.

Inderbib

I have used a golf tee for years. They are cheap and work well.

Mangoandy

I've been making driftwood tampers for friends. The ocean worn grain is very cool looking.

Bphasty

Its not odd, but I have starting making my own from Oak dowels for about $6, I get about 8 tampers

pylorns

I dont necessarily go for the oddest material, but the cool designs:

These Christmas ones I sold with some starter kits. 

My favorite that I had Rik Ruff do for me. 

pipeman83

@pylorns, those are cool!

IndyJG

Those Christmas ones would be great to have on hand at the holidays. That Rik Ruff one is very cool also.

Woodsman

A 30.06 and a 303 Rimless for small pipes and Rimmed for regular,

Woodsman

Still not getting the photo loading right

motie2

RockyMountainBriar

Not all that odd, but a Horseshoe nail, cold forged slightly on the tamper end and the pick end.  It works well for small pipes.

mfresa

Bamboo capped with a 9mm shell.

mapletop

Tamper, you don't need no stinkin tamper, real men use their finger and they enjoy the pain as it reminds them they're alive   as they walk up hill both ways in the snow.

RockyMountainBriar

@mapletop
I have not made it past finger-tamper puberty to finger-tamper manhood yet.  I will say that I have dipped my finger a few times, sort of testing the waters.  Maybe some day, I will jump all in.

motie2

Finger and tamper thimble style

mapletop

That's cheating, real men don't use thimbles either, except when short of shot glasses.

RockyMountainBriar

Why bother with a thimble, chugging the bottle is the manly way.  Especially if it is a ceramic jug with XXX written in coal on it.