Pamplin Pipe Factory

[oc_in_fw]

I would be down for contributing for kiln time

+1

 

[Mike H]

While I don't know the actual temperature I reached, for round 5, I sealed the air leaks, to provide a little more air flow. It was hotter, though I used whole briquettes, so there was a few spots on some pipes that did not get hot enough. If I do it again, I would crush the charcoal first. Over all I think this setup works well enough. Making stems was not a problem, but a little time consuming. A light touch is required.

 

[Luxem]

Wow!!! Those turned out fantastic! They really look good!

 

[Ponycarman]

Awesome!

 

[Mike H]

Found a little more history. The mold was oak, but lined with lead, that is how they got the smooth lines and designs on the pipe.

 

[Mike H]

 

[Mike H]

 

[Kentos]

Interesting.

 

[Mike H]

According to the above article (from Appomattox Virginia Heritage) In 1860, Jonh Hinds and Co. averaged 3 employess, producing 750,000 pipes per year. That means than each person made 800 pipes a day assuming they worked 6 days a week. Seems like a lot. If they worked 12 hour days that would be 66 pipes per hour.
It took me 2 hours to make 12 pipes.

 

[oc_in_fw]

According to the above article (from Appomattox Virginia Heritage) In 1860, Jonh Hinds and Co. averaged 3 employess, producing 750,000 pipes per year. That means than each person made 800 pipes a day assuming they worked 6 days a week. Seems like a lot. If they worked 12 hour days that would be 66 pipes per hour.
It took me 2 hours to make 12 pipes.

Keep at it- you'll be there in no time

 

[Mike H]

Keep at it- you'll be there in no time

Cutting the clay into strips and laying it in is a smart idea. That would speed things up a lot. Probably not 1100%, but a little anyway.

 

[Alacrity59]

Test fire #4. Using a cookie tin and a computer fan I made up a low flow air mover. Black pipe connected to the pail filled with charcoal and sawdust. Seems to be working well. I only put in 4 pipes is case things went south.

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Whoa . . . nifty fabricobbling

 

[Mike H]

FYI - do not microwave bamboo. It will catch fire in less than 90 seconds.

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Seriously it stinks. Thank goodness the wife is asleep and the fire alarm did not go off.

 

[Mike H]

My growing collection of Pamplin Pipes...
Pamplin Pipe Numbers
#33 ,#9
#10, #13

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[Kentos]

My growing collection of Pamplin Pipes...
Pamplin Pipe Numbers
#33 ,#9
#10, #13

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That’s a nice hobby!

 

[oc_in_fw]

My growing collection of Pamplin Pipes...
Pamplin Pipe Numbers
#33 ,#9
#10, #13

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Very nice

 

[Mike H]

Here is a picture of the manufacturing building and the kiln in the background.

 

[Mike H]

Here is a picture of a pipe making machine. This one was from Point Pleasant OH. I see now how they could do 66 pipes an hour.

This mold is cast iron, with a lead center most likely...

 

[Kentos]

You think one person made the 66 an hour using only one mold at a time? Or maybe they pressed several at a time?

 

[Mike H]

You think one person made the 66 an hour using only one mold at a time? Or maybe they pressed several at a time?

This is a single mold press. At the peak, it was reported in 1935 they made a pipes a month. Althought this number may have been inflated because the facility was placed in a public auction in 1938. I would imagine a multiple press would be needed for those numbers. The kiln could fire 200,000 pipes at one time.

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