Restoring a cob

[BryGuySC]

So, I'm restoring a cob. I know. I know. WHY? I have no idea. It's not even old. It was a cob gifted to me by one of the fine gentlemen on our previous home forum.

I was smoking it a couple weeks ago on my back steps, which are like a tiny deck barely wider than our back door, and I guess I set it on the rail to cool. Apparently, I went inside and forgot about it and it fell over the side. Off and on I'd remember it and look through my pipes wondering where it had gone.

My boys found it yesterday,and it looked rough. It has rained a lot this past month, and it took a toll on the pipe. It had not rained for the past few days, so it was relatively dry, but it was obvious it had swollen and then shrunk back to near original size. The filler was cracked and falling out, the was a dark patch from the dirt, the cob had swollen past the filler, and one side of the cob was now a little taller.

In retrospect, I kick myself for not taking a pic. I know, it is rule #1. (no Fight Club references, please)

I was bored, so I decided to see if I could fix it.
I started by knocking on it pretty hard with the end of a pocket knife to dislodge any loose filler.
I then sanded it with 100 grit sandpaper to try to smooth the sides back out.
I grabbed some wood filler I had laying around and puttied the outside, then let it dry.
Once the putty dried, I sanded it again, reputtied a few spots than sanded it back down until I could see the original filler.
I used some brown shoe polish (I know. Probably not the best choice) and lightly rubbed some into the new putty with my finger.
I then tossed it in the toaster over for a minute to cure/dry/air out.
After it cooled down, the shoe polish smell was gone, and it looked pretty good.
Unfortunately, all of the expanding and contracting warped the shank a bit, and the hole is permanently smaller than original size. The bit will not fit in the cob any longer.
My plan is to drill it out or use a small dremel sanding drum to bore it out to the right size again.
I'll post up a pic when I'm done.

I put way too much effort into such a cheap pipe, but I wanted to see if it could be salvaged; and if it can be, it will be more special. (until I forget it outside again!)

[Emperor Zurg]

My method of restoring a cob is to yank out the forever stem and put a new pipe on the end of it. Costs about 4 bucks but it's worth it. It's a tried and true method too, never fails.

[BryGuySC]

My method of restoring a cob is to yank out the forever stem and put a new pipe on the end of it. Costs about 4 bucks but it's worth it. It's a tried and true method too, never fails.

Agreed!

This was more of a bored "I wonder if I can do this" endeavor. I'll definitely not be doing it again!

Next step, break down and buy a forever stem!

[quo155]

Bryan, I'm intrigued by the idea and yes, a "before" shot would have been nice. But, I am still interested to see what you ended up with. Who cares about the cost, like you said...you were bored! Props to you!

[JustTroItIn]

My method of restoring a cob is to yank out the forever stem and put a new pipe on the end of it. Costs about 4 bucks but it's worth it. It's a tried and true method too, never fails.

Says the inventor of the glass sipper cob.

[Emperor Zurg]

Says the inventor of the glass sipper cob.

Well yes but that was hardly classified as restoring an old pipe, it was modifying a new one. I'm definitely guilty of wasting far more time on a cob than it deserves... but to attempt a restoration on a deteriorated corn cob? No thanks.

[Nature]

This is how we learn. I'm sure you picked up some experience and techniques that will help you know what or what not to do on a more noble cause. If you are able to revive it, the smoking experience will be all that more enjoyable with satisfaction. Kudos to you for trying!

This is why med students practice on cadavers.

[BryGuySC]

[Emperor Zurg]

[Bruck]

Interesting project.