Some advice please.

[jwtiger69]

A few years ago my dad gave me my grandfathers old pipes. At that time I went a bought a new one so I didn't have to clean those up.

Anyway I just dug those out of my garage and now I have an urge to clean them up and start smoking. How should I go about cleaning these guys up? More importantly I know nothing about pipe tabaco. I love cigars and will smoke anything depending on my mood. I guess I could start with something mild to medium flavor to start. Any ideas of what I should look at? Thanks and I will try to post pictures of these when I get a chance.

 

[michiganlover]

I am brand new to pipes too. The recommendation seems to be to cut your teeth on a tobacco that is locally available, with Price Albrecht, and Cater Hall getting good recommendations.

To get started, you will need a pipe, pipe tobacco, pipe cleaners, and something to tamp the tobacco with: could be as simple as a nail, or golf tee, although they do make tools (called a pipe tool) for this purpose.

 

[Commander Quan]

For cleaning up those old pipes start here. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/179676-Pipe-Repair-and-Maintenance

For most people an English style tobacco is a good way to transition into pipes. English blends contain a component called latakia which is dried over wood fires and has a prominent smokey flavor, These blends tend to be more forgiving so you don't fry your tongue in the beginning, and should have enough strength and smoke volume to be a good transition from cigars.

Frog Morton is a popular latakia blend.

 

[morganjg]

Cleaning those old pipes will take time but isn't very difficult. If you have some fine sandpaper available, take a small square and using a finger gently begin to sand the "cake" out by slowly working the paper around the bowl. If the cake is very thick, you may need a stick or something to get started until the cake wears down. Continue sanding until the bowl is smooth but still black, as you don't want to work down to the briar. Then you can use the salt/alcohol method of cleaning. Fill the bowl with salt and add a bit of clear alcohol (preferably Everclear, though my local tobacconist will recommend some cheap high proof Vodka.) Let that soak up all of the stank old flavor. Empty the bowl after about 24 hours, clean the remaining salt out with a paper towel and either repeat sanding for a better cake or leave it as is. For the outside of the pipe, you can use a bit of hot water on a towel to get the old residue off or some goo gone, and then polish with a bit of wax. Get a pipe cleaner from the stem to the bowl and you're good to smoke. If the draft hole is plugged, remove the stem from the shank, take a small drill bit (I forget the size) and by hand slowly and carefully work it back and forth until you clear the blockage. Best of luck.

 

[nortac]

I would suggest getting a Buntner type cake removing tool to use instead of sandpaper, very cheap and effective. I inherited all of my Dad's old pipes, which hadn't been smoked in years and were quite grungy. I used the kosher salt and everclear method (see stickies) and most of them cleaned up nicely. A few needed serious repair, I sent them off to Walkers Briar Works for repair/restoration.

 

[morganjg]

I would suggest getting a Buntner type cake removing tool to use instead of sandpaper, very cheap and effective. I inherited all of my Dad's old pipes, which hadn't been smoked in years and were quite grungy. I used the kosher salt and everclear method (see stickies) and most of them cleaned up nicely. A few needed serious repair, I sent them off to Walkers Briar Works for repair/restoration.

I don't use sandpaper myself, just thinking that the OP might have some means of cleaning up his pipes lying around the house. I personally use a senior pipe reamer for my restoration projects and an old 3/8" straight to keep the cake at bay on my daily rotation.

 

[nortac]

Sure, sandpaper would work in a pinch, but this is so cheap and handy, why not: http://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Pipe-...358095653&sr=8-3&keywords=tobacco+pipe+reamer
There are certainly many options to perform this simple but essential task.
Also recommended: http://www.amazon.com/Keaychain-Spike-Tamper-Reamer-Tobacco-Pipe-Tool/dp/B005OKG6V8/ref=pd_sbs_k_7
Both are Mr Brog items, cheap but effective.