How do I get this carbon off the rim?

[Haebar]

How do I clean the top of this bowl? Thanks

[Tgs679]

A lot of spit and buffing, seriously.

[Frankenstein]

A lot of spit and buffing, seriously.

another vote for spit.... but you can also smoke a bowl, THEN spit and rub the carbon off... the heat will allow the carbon to release easier without marring the finish.

[NeverBend]

another vote for spit.... but you can also smoke a bowl, THEN spit and rub the carbon off... the heat will allow the carbon to release easier without marring the finish.

I've learned to live with a shadow on the rim but I do work the rim with a cloth while I'm smoking because, as Frankenstein suggests, it softens it up.

I don't buff if the pipe has any value because it smooths and rounds edges. I spit shine any wood portion of the pipe but gently around nomenclature. Work the spit shine off with a very soft cloth like the old handi-wipes.

Sounds like a nice pipe, enjoy!

[Haebar]

I've learned to live with a shadow on the rim but I do work the rim with a cloth while I'm smoking because, as Frankenstein suggests, it softens it up.

I don't buff if the pipe has any value because it smooths and rounds edges. I spit shine any wood portion of the pipe but gently around nomenclature. Work the spit shine off with a very soft cloth like the old handi-wipes.

Sounds like a nice pipe, enjoy!

Thanks for your input; in light of what you and others have said, I won't take that pipe to the buffer. It's too nice to chance ruining it by rounding the edges of the rim.

[Branzig]

If the spit and buff doesn't work, you can VERY lightly use a magic eraser as well. Just be sure not to take the finish off.

[455 Punch]

Could you soak a piece of paper towel with alcohol and lay it on the rim and keep adding alcohol as it evaporates until you get the crud "gooey" and then wipe it off?

[Haebar]

Could you soak a piece of paper towel with alcohol and lay it on the rim and keep adding alcohol as it evaporates until you get the crud "gooey" and then wipe it off?

Scared it might drip on the finish; it's an awesome straight-grain Aldo Velani that I got on Ebay. Thanks for the idea though.

[Upstatemax]

I would wet a towel with HOT water, lay it out on the counter and then press the rim down on the towel for a 10-15 seconds.

Then I would start rubbing with good old spit and cotton.

Repeat as needed. When done, just let it rest for a few days.

[Branzig]

Could you soak a piece of paper towel with alcohol and lay it on the rim and keep adding alcohol as it evaporates until you get the crud "gooey" and then wipe it off?

Scared it might drip on the finish; it's an awesome straight-grain Aldo Velani that I got on Ebay. Thanks for the idea though.

The only time you want to put alcohol on your finished pipe, is if you are looking to take all the stain off and refinish it.

Never get alcohol anywhere near the finish of your pipe. It is instant death to stain and varnish.