I was just wondering if it's as easy as restoring DEs because I'm heading to the antique shops on the square ( I have at minimum five in a two-block radius. So that's bad news) but I think it would be really neat to rehab one from its deathbed.
Has anyone personally restored a pipe?
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I haven't done it personally, but you can check out this great thread from our mod, Jwhite, for tips, tricks and inspiration!
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/196714-Pipe-Restorations-with-Pictures
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/196714-Pipe-Restorations-with-Pictures
I've not done a full restoration, but have cleaned a few grungy estate pipes and my late father's old pipes. The above mentioned thread in the stickies, as well as the one on general maintenance will serve you well. I recommend using Brebbia pipe polish and/or the kit from Walkers Briar works. I use both. If a pipe is actually broken, send it off to Walkers and it will come back looking like new. A couple of my Dad's pipes that looked like they were ready for the trash bin, a Savinelli and a Rossi are now favorite smokers after their trip to Walkers.
I've done several, back in my pipe smoking days. All my pipes were estate. It's not hard really, certainly a lot easier than a rusty straight razor with ruined scales. Give it a try. There are plenty of knowledgeable people here to help if you get stuck.
I have used James' method as outlined in the thread referenced above, with great success considering my very modest skills. Haven't done anything more involved than a few grungy estates, but it's really not that hard and quite rewarding to bring one back to life.
The key is to know what's worth restoring, and what's too far gone. Don't let the grime and cake scare you off, look for cracks on the bowl and the shank, and see if the rim has been charred vs discolored.
+1 I don't claim to be an expert, but I am frugal. After all it's about saving money right?
It's amazing how good a $5 or $6 dollar pipe can look with a bit of work.
I've done a few. It's not that hard and you can do it with a pretty modest set of tools and a healthy helping of elbow grease. This on is probably the most dramatic I've done: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280905-Another-Pipe-Resurrection-Brigham-Sportsman
