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**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-20-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rifraf

Got into pipe smoking a year or so ago (25yrs) because cigars make me nauseous but I do enjoy the camaraderie of a good smoking session from time to time. Good buddy also got into pipes but he has since moved away.

Got a nice, relatively cheap Savinelli churchwarden and a 25 dollar Kaywoodie that is actually my favorite. Still learning my technique etc so the metal stinger in the Kaywoodie helps keep moisture out of my mouth! Very close to springing for a Boswell pipe though as I drool over those every time they go on sale.

Definitely prefer a zippo pipe lighter, but don't mind matches as it's not hard to get a pipe lit!

Any tips for getting a good pack?

Rule of thirds.

First third pack like a child.

Second third pack like a woman.

Third third pack like a man.

**rifraf** · 09-20-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

Rule of thirds.

First third pack like a child.

Second third pack like a woman.

Third third pack like a man.

I've seen that and tried it but I guess I don't understand. Wouldn't packing hard on the top layer compress everything underneath?

**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-20-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rifraf

I've seen that and tried it but I guess I don't understand. Wouldn't packing hard on the top layer compress everything underneath?

Only for this guy.

You want a hard packed crust so it will stay lit. You want it looser down through the bowl so it will draw right.

Too tight and it's like sucking through pumice. Too loose and it just burns hot.

**jeepinjeepin** · 09-20-2012, 04:14 PM

So? As tight as possible without a tight draw? I struggle with pack.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-20-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepinjeepin

So? As tight as possible without a tight draw? I struggle with pack.

Hardest part for me, when learning, was to avoid a "pinch and pack". Packing a pipe should be a relaxed process. Using your fingers only to drizzle the tobacco into the bowl as you pack.

Also, even with the ready rubbed tins. I get a much better pack if I take the time to rub out all the tobacco as soon as I open the tin. Without, I'd often get too many packed clumps that don't draw.

**jeepinjeepin** · 09-20-2012, 04:21 PM

I need to get on YouTube.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-20-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepinjeepin

I need to get on YouTube.

IMO, it's impossible to say there is any one, definitive, way to pack a pipe because every tobacco is different (some very dry, some rather moist, some dry but "gummy", etc...) and every pipe is different. You have to practice with 1 pipe to get the method down and adjust from there between pipes and tobaccos.

**jeepinjeepin** · 09-20-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

IMO, it's impossible to say there is any one, definitive, way to pack a pipe because every tobacco is different (some very dry, some rather moist, some dry but "gummy", etc...) and every pipe is different. You have to practice with 1 pipe to get the method down and adjust from there between pipes and tobaccos.

That's probably the best advice I didn't want to hear.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-20-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepinjeepin

That's probably the best advice I didn't want to hear.

I still struggle with cobb pipes. I worry that if I pack as tight as I do with the briar that the bowl will crack or something. I know I shouldn't worry, but I do.

**cheezydemon3** · 09-20-2012, 04:39 PM

Smoked some of the tobacco I grew last year, last night.

Mild but extremely pleasant. Probably should have shredded it more like spaghetti, but it works.