It's amazing how many pipe guys will say to never use isopropyl alcohol or water on a pipe. I just had the pleasure of cleaning apx a dozen filthy oldies. I used Murphy's on a toothbrush with just a drop of water, regular table salt, vodka, beeswax, oxyclean and a rubbing compound for the stems. I used extra fine steel wool along the edge of the bowls with drops of vodka & the char came off nicely. Extra fine steel wool also took off oxidation from the stems. I used my torch to soften some teeth marks. Overall, compared to the state I received them, they look amazing.
I see on respectable websites with articles about cleaning with alcohol. I get that it is adds fear of moisture removal but . . . and stain can be removed
constructive feedback: improve the water-tight seal you improvised out of a twisted pipe cleaner by also twisting nylon foil from your kitchen around that, then stuffing up the stem. Seals much securer and avoids risk of ruining varnish by alcohol contact.
Nice cleanup job. To get that little mark out of the crown of the one bowl you can us a golf ball with sandpaper and put a tiny bebel on the inside on top of the bowl
Thanks Paul. I've beveled a couple bowls that had a lot of damage, but choose to leave these little marks as reminders of the pipe's previous life. I have *not* tried the golf ball trick, so thanks for that tip. I'll try it next time I bevel a rim.
Jorge 4-1-6 Piper I haven’t waxed a rusticated or blasted pipe, but I’ve seen experts (e.g., the guys at RebornPipes) recommend Halcyon II wax buffed with a shoe brush.
For smoking, yes. But when I'm cleaning up an estate I like to be able to see the briar inside the bowl to know whether I need to use pipe mortar to fill in any gouges or cracks. Then I'll rebuild a thin layer of cake when I smoke it. Thanks very much for asking.
My pipes got a stinger in the stem end of the bowl not sure how I’d get on pushing the cleaner down it… need to find some really long nose pliers might be able to pull it out
Marcus Matzick My best guess is the bowl was over-filled, then tipped upward to be seen during lighting. Over time (it’s a 60-70 year old pipe) the expansion of the tobacco on lighting would char into the rim.
Knocking the pipe to remove ash and any remaining tobacco when finished smoking it. This is why true pipe ash trays have that cork knob in the center. Not everyone is so nice to their pipes, and use what ever is around. The side of a johnboat the railing of the scaffolding they were standing on, etc.. etc...
I just got 2 estate briar pipes off ebay separately from different sellers. they both seem bathed in women's perfume. I mean I get why the lady would want to carry it and not stink but wow. Soaking in alcohol and salt now.
That kind of ghosting is very common with older estates. If the salt and alcohol doesn't do the trick, try smoking a few bowls of Pirate Kake through 'em. That usually scares the ghosts out.
@@ParsimoniousPiper One reminded me of my grand mothers lotion. Is pirate Kake noxious? I am just starting to explore outside of aromatics but willing to try new stuff. I may also try acetone if after a few cycles of alcohol salt dont do it. I am ok with restaining and oiling
excellent. Please, a kind person will give me a used and used wooden pipe as a gift. 🫠😅I love wooden pipes but they are too expensive and out of my reach.🍃
The birds eye on the bottom of that one was fantastic. You did a great job showing the process. Thanks for sharing
It's amazing how many pipe guys will say to never use isopropyl alcohol or water on a pipe.
I just had the pleasure of cleaning apx a dozen filthy oldies. I used Murphy's on a toothbrush with just a drop of water, regular table salt, vodka, beeswax, oxyclean and a rubbing compound for the stems. I used extra fine steel wool along the edge of the bowls with drops of vodka & the char came off nicely.
Extra fine steel wool also took off oxidation from the stems. I used my torch to soften some teeth marks. Overall, compared to the state I received them, they look amazing.
I’ve never had an issue with alcohol or water damaging a pipe.
@@ParsimoniousPiper nice to know!
I see on respectable websites with articles about cleaning with alcohol. I get that it is adds fear of moisture removal but . . . and stain can be removed
You definitely want to take care not to get it outside the bowl unless you’re planning to strip and restain it.
constructive feedback: improve the water-tight seal you improvised out of a twisted pipe cleaner by also twisting nylon foil from your kitchen around that, then stuffing up the stem. Seals much securer and avoids risk of ruining varnish by alcohol contact.
I’ll give that a shot. Thanks.
Very complete video, thanks.
Thanks. Hope it was helpful.
Excellent 👍🏼☘️🧔🏻
Nice cleanup job. To get that little mark out of the crown of the one bowl you can us a golf ball with sandpaper and put a tiny bebel on the inside on top of the bowl
Thanks Paul. I've beveled a couple bowls that had a lot of damage, but choose to leave these little marks as reminders of the pipe's previous life. I have *not* tried the golf ball trick, so thanks for that tip. I'll try it next time I bevel a rim.
Fantastic video! Horse hair shoe brush is brilliant. Would you use same method on rusticated or sandblasted? Thanks so much for sharing 👍👍
Jorge 4-1-6 Piper I haven’t waxed a rusticated or blasted pipe, but I’ve seen experts (e.g., the guys at RebornPipes) recommend Halcyon II wax buffed with a shoe brush.
@@ParsimoniousPiper cool thanks! I'll order that one and paragon wax from smoking pipes
Good morning Ethan, constantly learning love this, Ethan does it matter what type of salt you use? Can you use ordinary table salt?
It needs to be coarse salt, like Kosher or sea.
@@ParsimoniousPiper I shall get on the purchase 😊
@@ParsimoniousPiper I just did a dozen and used regular table salty. It did just find.
Well done. I just clean stems with water, remove dirt and add olive oil, and they look good, but your job is certainly better, cheers🎉
As with so many things pipe related, if you’re happy you’re doing it right. I just happen to enjoy the cleanup process. Thanks for stopping by.
Great video but Don’t you want to keep that carbon cake inside the bowl ?
For smoking, yes. But when I'm cleaning up an estate I like to be able to see the briar inside the bowl to know whether I need to use pipe mortar to fill in any gouges or cracks. Then I'll rebuild a thin layer of cake when I smoke it. Thanks very much for asking.
At 25:36 in the video, what are you dropping the sponge into?
In the small white bowl? Murphy’s Oil Soap.
My pipes got a stinger in the stem end of the bowl not sure how I’d get on pushing the cleaner down it… need to find some really long nose pliers might be able to pull it out
Some stingers are removable, some aren’t. Is the stem a screw in type or push?
@@ParsimoniousPiper it’s like it won’t come out
The stinger or the stem?
@@ParsimoniousPiper stinger
OK, so does the stem screw on or is it a push type?
How would the rim get chewed up like that ??
Marcus Matzick My best guess is the bowl was over-filled, then tipped upward to be seen during lighting. Over time (it’s a 60-70 year old pipe) the expansion of the tobacco on lighting would char into the rim.
@@ParsimoniousPiper yeah that would do it... great video...
Knocking the pipe to remove ash and any remaining tobacco when finished smoking it. This is why true pipe ash trays have that cork knob in the center. Not everyone is so nice to their pipes, and use what ever is around. The side of a johnboat the railing of the scaffolding they were standing on, etc.. etc...
The blackening of the rim is from repeatedly lighting the pipe in the same place over time.
I just got 2 estate briar pipes off ebay separately from different sellers. they both seem bathed in women's perfume. I mean I get why the lady would want to carry it and not stink but wow. Soaking in alcohol and salt now.
That kind of ghosting is very common with older estates. If the salt and alcohol doesn't do the trick, try smoking a few bowls of Pirate Kake through 'em. That usually scares the ghosts out.
@@ParsimoniousPiper One reminded me of my grand mothers lotion. Is pirate Kake noxious? I am just starting to explore outside of aromatics but willing to try new stuff. I may also try acetone if after a few cycles of alcohol salt dont do it. I am ok with restaining and oiling
I have no idea whether acetone helps with ghosts. Haven’t tried it. Pirate Kake is 70 or 75% Latakia, so it’s a pretty bold flavor.
Way too close with the camera.... I saw a lot of running water and not much else...
Yep. Got better with experience 🥴
excellent. Please, a kind person will give me a used and used wooden pipe as a gift. 🫠😅I love wooden pipes but they are too expensive and out of my reach.🍃