Going up to CT for the weekend to visit my dad. I've been looking for a Peterson system pipe but there are no retailers near me but there are several in CT. I've heard mention of how difficult it is to break in a new Peterson, can anyone elaborate on that before I go off and take the plunge?
Peterson Pipes
- Thread starter AndrewWiggin
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I have a couple, I would not characterize them as particularly difficult to break in. I think the finishing department @ Peterson can be fast and loose with the products and some ends up in the bowl.
I would suggest a good wash out with some vodka and some pipe cleaners before beginning.
I would suggest a good wash out with some vodka and some pipe cleaners before beginning.
I would also add, that with the system pipes, you really need to clean them out really really good in the (System) part, the extra hole burrowed out for your tobacco juice, and get one iwth a curved stem,
also, always smoke half bowls for the first 10 or so times, and make sure you smoke to the very bottom of the bowl, i find that helps alot,
also, always smoke half bowls for the first 10 or so times, and make sure you smoke to the very bottom of the bowl, i find that helps alot,
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I've attempted that with other pipes but I can't ever seem to get right down to the bottom. I always burn out close to the bottom but cannot relight.
Do you think "systems" contribute anything to a pipe other than inconvenience? K I S (keep it simple). "Stupid" individuals cannot keep things simple because they are not intelligent.
There are better ways of identifying your horses besides measuring their height and ascertaining your black horse is taller than your white horse or vice versa.
Break in with a system pipe is the same as any other. Smoke half-bowls for the first 5-10 bowls. Wet the interior of the bowl the first few times, which helps prevent scorching when the flame from the lighter hits it. It can help to mix a little sugar in your wetting water, but it isn't absolutely necessary and does affect the taste.
Biggest issue with the system pipes is the reservoir must be kept clean or it'll get pretty nasty in a hurry because it doesn't really get hot enough for the steam to kill off the nasties. I used to rinse mine out every day, and clean it with everclear every dozen or so days.
Not much, but if you smoke a lot, use the same pipe, prefer bents, and prefer briar over meerschaum, then they do perform a useful function, because a non-system briar that is smoked multiple times a day will get soggy and gurgle, and you can't just flick it to get rid of the liquid like you can a straight or nearly-straight. So you've got to carry around pipe cleaners and dispose of the smelly @#$@ each time you use one, which can be every few minutes once the pipe gets soggy, especially if you're smoking a cavendish. Or you could just carry a system pipe and pour out the effluescence after each bowl, and do a little extra maintenance each evening.
Biggest issue with the system pipes is the reservoir must be kept clean or it'll get pretty nasty in a hurry because it doesn't really get hot enough for the steam to kill off the nasties. I used to rinse mine out every day, and clean it with everclear every dozen or so days.
Not much, but if you smoke a lot, use the same pipe, prefer bents, and prefer briar over meerschaum, then they do perform a useful function, because a non-system briar that is smoked multiple times a day will get soggy and gurgle, and you can't just flick it to get rid of the liquid like you can a straight or nearly-straight. So you've got to carry around pipe cleaners and dispose of the smelly @#$@ each time you use one, which can be every few minutes once the pipe gets soggy, especially if you're smoking a cavendish. Or you could just carry a system pipe and pour out the effluescence after each bowl, and do a little extra maintenance each evening.
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I have a deep and abiding love for my Pete system pipe. It is a fantastic pipe and it does smoke nice and cool. The Pete system is different from other system pipes in that it doesn't employ a filter or have any odd design characteristics that make cleaning and maintenance difficult. The addition of a military bit in it's design allows it to be broken down hot and it is a tank in terms of reliable function. If I were to be accosted buy a group of pipe stealing ninjas and could only save one pipe the Pete System would be it.
That being said Peterson insists dipping the whole pipe in their finishing process, resulting in getting stain well into the bowl and shank. The S/A treatment for sweetening and removing unwanted odors from pipes will pull most of that out making the breaking in process much more pleasant.
That being said Peterson insists dipping the whole pipe in their finishing process, resulting in getting stain well into the bowl and shank. The S/A treatment for sweetening and removing unwanted odors from pipes will pull most of that out making the breaking in process much more pleasant.
I've used a good t-reamer to remove the finish from inside the bowl before first smoke. Faster and cleaner than many cleaning processes. Just have to get lucky and have the right size pipe.
Whatever you use to remove the finish in the bowl, just make sure the surface is perfectly smooth. Any rough spots increase the likelihood of a burnout in that area.
You can try adding Denicool crystals to the bottom of the bowl. They absorb moisture and make the tobacco burn further down into the dottle.
Good choice on the Peterson. I still have one I got in Ireland nearly thirty years ago.
Good choice on the Peterson. I still have one I got in Ireland nearly thirty years ago.
