PDA

View Full Version : Tips for Choosing a Pipe (beginners)



NeverBend
06-08-2015, 12:34 AM
Parts of a pipe
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BctTvCWIeaQC_XfjtF0Cj8DKffDfsUFEszOCI9Vj_DsJX-d9pRuxm0YmAvu6ZrdeVYUmVUo6exkGBhDOKrAAQlwM8CDoqYiL 7iJwdZAXELIH6qhZdT_ICXUHCquBzwFZKvNA8bE
Heel is the forward part of the bottom of the bowl.

Technical cuts


Draught hole should enter the chamber centered and flush to the bottom.
Mortise and tenon should fit firmly and flush so that there’s no gap or air leakage.
Chamber should be centered with sufficient bowl wall thickness of >= 3/16”.
Heel thickness equals the bowl height less chamber depth and it should be ~3/16”.


Tests (need one standard pipe cleaner)


Take the pipe apart and look through the stem and then the bowl (towards a light source) and there should be no obstruction,
Run the cleaner through the pipe from the button to the chamber. It should move smoothly and without obstruction.
Measure the bowl height with the pipe cleaner and compare it to the chamber depth to insure that it’s ~3/16” (as above). You can approximate wall thickness in the same manner.


Smoking considerations


If you’re unsure whether you hand hold or clench, default to the latter until you know your habits. For clenching smokers, pipe weight (less) and balance (more) are important considerations..
If you’re just beginning, start with a moderate size pipe.