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New (old) pipe questions.

Jacobp

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Ok so since my beginning to grow tobacco I have since moved into cigars and now pipes as it would happen my mother has a collection of pipes that were her grand fathers and one was to be gifted to me one day so I went ahead and got it from her in hopes to maybe use it and see if I like it or not. She said it hasn’t been used since the 70s or 80s and I was wondering if I needed to do anything special to clean it up? And Does it require a filter? Any help would be appreciated
 

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tullius

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Here's what I do with estate pipes that are new to me. Get some pipe cleaners, and a little high test potable alcohol such as overproof rum. Double over a pipe cleaner (I like the bristly ones for this) and get it a little saturated with rum and scrub out the bowl well, might take a few cleaners. Then get another one and run it through the shank from the bit end until you see the end come into the bottom of the bowl. Repeat till it comes out clean, like you're cleaning a rifle barrel. Let the pipe dry well with the stem up, fill her up and give her a go!

I don't use filters: if you can pass the cleaner through from bit to bowl, you should be good to go. If the cleaner won't pass, then take it apart carefully and see what the obstruction is. Pretty sure the tenon is threaded and there's a stinger in these pipes.

willard301.jpg


Hope that helps!
 
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deluxestogie

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Here is an article on refurbishing a Willard pipe, with some cautionary discoveries.


Bob
 

tullius

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Interesting blog post, thanks for finding it Bob.

I've used 100 proof rum or vodka for many years now with no issues so far.

I think the problem was the author used 99% isopropyl alcohol in his work: it has a severe effect on nylon. From CPLabSafety's Nylon Compatibility Chart:
  • AcetoneA-Excellent
  • Alcohols: EthylA1-Excellent
    Alcohols: IsopropylD-Severe Effect
    VinegarA-Excellent
    Whiskey & WinesA1-Excellent
I like his use of cotton swabs instead of salt though, hadn't thought of that.
 
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