I purchased a Missouri Meerschaum cob a while back and have really enjoyed it. Last night after a bowl, I was cleaning the pipe out and strangeness ensued.
It was a bit dark, so I was trying to make sure any tobacco at the bottom was outta there. Next thing I knew, I was staring at the tip of my tool spoon through the bottom of the bowl. The whole bottom of the bowl had softened to a spongy mess and literally fell out.
Has anyone else experienced this? Is there anything I can do to avoid this in the future?
Really?! Granted I haven't smoked a lot, but my MM has never become spongey or even the least bit soft after smoking. :confused:
The only thing I can think (and my experience is more limited than yours) is that maybe you had some dottle in there from the last time that was all wet and nasty and that combined with the tobacco and saliva from this time + heat might have brought the pipe to its tipping point.
Yes, me and corncob pipes go way back. This does seem to be a common problem with MM's; not the first time I've heard of this. I blame it on genetic manipulation, myself. I never had this problem in the 70's and now with all the GM corn (and the resulting COBS) we've seen this. The guys I know buy several pipes and wait several days between smoking, let them have a lot of rest, they are very moisture sensitive, much more so than briar.
Just curious, did it get a good coat of shellac on the bottom of the cob? I've seen some that were lacking on a good coat, might pay to supplement it. Gen'l McArthur apparently never had these problems, or if he did, history doesn't record it! He liked the "tall" ones.
Quotemobarbq - 3/11/2012 7:37 PM
Yes, me and corncob pipes go way back. This does seem to be a common problem with MM's; not the first time I've heard of this. I blame it on genetic manipulation, myself. I never had this problem in the 70's and now with all the GM corn (and the resulting COBS) we've seen this. The guys I know buy several pipes and wait several days between smoking, let them have a lot of rest, they are very moisture sensitive, much more so than briar.
Just curious, did it get a good coat of shellac on the bottom of the cob? I've seen some that were lacking on a good coat, might pay to supplement it. Gen'l McArthur apparently never had these problems, or if he did, history doesn't record it! He liked the "tall" ones.
I've got one that I've had since high school, and while the entire bottom didn't fall out, it did develop a hole in the bottom where it got soft and something pushed through it. I took a piece of chewing gum and pressed it on to the bottom nice and tight. Left it a good long time to harden and It still smokes like it always has. I probably would have thrown it away were it not for having had it such a long time. Still I managed to repair mine. FYI I've got others but I still keep that one...
Drying them out and resting them a few days, rotating them helps.
Also, have you tried using a filter? Condensation and saliva build-up can be greatly reduced using a filter.
These inexpensive paper "filters" (they're called filters, but they're basically tubes of paper with what looks like small shreads of the paper off the inner layers sticking out) definitely help reduce the problems your experiencing.
I prefer the MM pipes with the hardwood bottoms on them. Probably less likely to burn through or had this problem you're talking about.
Thanks for the info, guys. Thinking about what you all have said, there are probably a combination of factors. There was an MM sticker on the bottom of the bowl, so I don't know if any shellac had been applied to it. It is pretty humid in these parts so I wonder if the pipe has ever had a chance to dry out properly. The 'baccy that has been in it has generally been pretty moist, so I am sure the steam that gets generated doesn't help. I have not used a filter because the pipe smoked just fine without one and I never had problems with bits of tobacco or liquids coming up the stem. I am not a particularly wet smoker, but undoubtedly some spittle found it's way into the bowl.
Maybe my future cobs need to be put under a lamp to dry them out after smoking. I will also look into the ones with a hardwood bottom, as that would probably solve everything.
I really like that little cob, and was quite disappointed when this happened. Maybe I can ream out the bottom and install a hardwood plug (I am not too sure what to think about the gum idea ... but then from what Wes said it DID seem to work). If nothing else it would be a fun little project.
Quotekola - 3/12/2012 7:12 PM
Thanks for the info, guys. Thinking about what you all have said, there are probably a combination of factors. There was an MM sticker on the bottom of the bowl, so I don't know if any shellac had been applied to it. It is pretty humid in these parts so I wonder if the pipe has ever had a chance to dry out properly. The 'baccy that has been in it has generally been pretty moist, so I am sure the steam that gets generated doesn't help. I have not used a filter because the pipe smoked just fine without one and I never had problems with bits of tobacco or liquids coming up the stem. I am not a particularly wet smoker, but undoubtedly some spittle found it's way into the bowl.
Maybe my future cobs need to be put under a lamp to dry them out after smoking. I will also look into the ones with a hardwood bottom, as that would probably solve everything.
I really like that little cob, and was quite disappointed when this happened. Maybe I can ream out the bottom and install a hardwood plug (I am not too sure what to think about the gum idea ... but then from what Wes said it DID seem to work). If nothing else it would be a fun little project.
I might have to see what I can do about getting you a quality well-aged briar pipe from a certain "heritage collection" I might have access to. :whistle: Last time I checked, I think I still owe you a little something for a package that hit my doorstep. Would you prefer a straight or bent stem, Armin?
:biggrin:
Quotekola - 3/13/2012 9:12 AM
...
I really like that little cob, and was quite disappointed when this happened. Maybe I can ream out the bottom and install a hardwood plug (I am not too sure what to think about the gum idea ... but then from what Wes said it DID seem to work). If nothing else it would be a fun little project.
Come on man! Just pony up $5 or $6 for a new one (you cheap bastard) !
QuoteHot Stuff x - 3/13/2012 6:48 AM
Quotekola - 3/13/2012 9:12 AM
...
I really like that little cob, and was quite disappointed when this happened. Maybe I can ream out the bottom and install a hardwood plug (I am not too sure what to think about the gum idea ... but then from what Wes said it DID seem to work). If nothing else it would be a fun little project.
Come on man! Just pony up $5 or $6 for a new one (you cheap bastard) !
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rolleyes: :lmao: :lmao:
All kidding aside, I understand Armin's attachment to that MM pipe ... and while their quality is certainly acceptable, simply replacing it may or may not eventually deliver the same experience as the one he hopes to "save."
Quotegitfiddl - 3/12/2012 8:39 PM
...
I might have to see what I can do about getting you a quality well-aged briar pipe from a certain "heritage collection" I might have access to. :whistle: Last time I checked, I think I still owe you a little something for a package that hit my doorstep. Would you prefer a straight or bent stem, Armin?
:biggrin:
Ah, a bomb is a bomb, sir, and is intended as a gift with no strings attached, and no expectations. However, I would not attempt to deprive you of you own joy. To be honest, I have no preference, as each provides its own unique experience ... though I am not too partial to midgets ... :shades:
QuoteHot Stuff x - 3/13/2012 7:48 AM
...
Come on man! Just pony up $5 or $6 for a new one (you cheap bastard) !
Yep, I am a cheap bastard, there is no doubt of that. :-) Really though, trying to repair it would just be a fun diversion and challenge. And Rich makes a good point ... it provided a fantastic smoke, and I wonder if another cob will match it. To find out, I will buy another cob. On your advice I will look for one that has a plug or some other reinforcement/protection for the bottom in hopes that I will not have another blowout!
I place a layer of pipe mud in the bottom of all my cobs when I get them. Something my gramps taught me a long time ago and I just stuck with it.
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=7087&pst=442616
Just as a side note, saw that the latest edition of Finck's catalog had three different varieties of MM's in it. How about that?
Quotewlfwalleye - 3/18/2012 7:23 AM
I place a layer of pipe mud in the bottom of all my cobs when I get them. Something my gramps taught me a long time ago and I just stuck with it.
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=7087&pst=442616
Handy Information and a new concept to me... Thanks. :biggrin:
Quotewlfwalleye - 3/18/2012 8:23 AM
I place a layer of pipe mud in the bottom of all my cobs when I get them. Something my gramps taught me a long time ago and I just stuck with it.
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=7087&pst=442616
I recall learning about "pipe mud" many years ago ... I thought the old timer was nuts but the "repair" he made worked wonders on one of my first beloved (but cheap) briars.
Thanks for the link, Kyle ... I copied the how-to and filed it for later use.
Quotewlfwalleye - 3/18/2012 8:23 AM
I place a layer of pipe mud in the bottom of all my cobs when I get them. Something my gramps taught me a long time ago and I just stuck with it.
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=7087&pst=442616
That is very useful info. Thanks Kyle! There is no shortage of cigar ash to work with :-)
Mobarbq, as it happens, Finck's is where I got that cob. Their prices are good, and their Sir Winston tobacco makes for an intriguing smoke after it has aged several months. I will be making an order from them next month, so will likely add a cob to it!
I finally got some time to work on the cob problem tonight. With everything thoroughly dried, I pieced the original bottom together again as best I could using tweezers and a magnifying glass. Then I reapplied the original MM decal over the bottom using a very thin layer of heat resistant glue that Miss Cheryl uses in her jewelry making hobby. It actually felt more solid than I had hoped for.
then I proceeded to make some pipe mud from some cigar ash. The stuff makes impressively good concrete when mixed right! I purposely made the mud just a little bit thin so it could be compressed into all the nooks and crannies at the bottom of the bowl. I stuck a pipe cleaner in the shank to avoid cementing the air shaft shut. After working and pressing the mud into the bowl, a little moisture had to be wicked off the top of the mud. The mud is now setting.
If this works, I will be happy. If it doesn't, maybe I'll hijack a concrete truck so I can make off with a teaspoon of the real thing! Actually, if it fails, then I will try a wood plug next.Not sure what real concrete would do to the pipe :confused:
Hope that works for you Armin. Let us know if it does.
Quotenwb - 3/29/2012 7:40 PM
Hope that works for you Armin. Let us know if it does.
Yup! I'll be curious to see how this goes.
Should come out fine, unless the mud turns out to be too thin but that shouldn't be a problem and should only affect the drying time if anything.
Last night I finally convinced myself that the pipe mud was cured. I loaded up a bowl of Danish Black & Gold and lit up. It worked perfectly! I did not notice any taste transfer from the mud. The bottom of the pipe held up without incident during the smoke, and I tested its strength when cleaning the pipe afterward. No problems at all. I am happy :-)
The Big Brown Truck just brought me a new Country Gentleman cob today. The very first thing I am doing (right now, in fact) is to prepare a batch of mud to protect the bottom of the bowl. Thanks again to Kyle for the info on pipe mud!
This episode leaves me real curious like. I have been meaning to get an MM pipe for the longest time and I want to query the audience as to which model to spring for. Also want to get some tobacco closest to my cigar tastes...maduro, full bodied, full strength, and with some sweetness, so what do you suggest?
QuoteAlphairon - 4/3/2012 6:54 PM
This episode leaves me real curious like. I have been meaning to get an MM pipe for the longest time and I want to query the audience as to which model to spring for. Also want to get some tobacco closest to my cigar tastes...maduro, full bodied, full strength, and with some sweetness, so what do you suggest?
Like Armin, I have a Country Gentleman MM which smokes great. As far as tobacco, I've enjoyed offerings from SG and Rattrays. Pretty stout smokes.
You can also check out the reviews here:
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/
QuoteAlphairon - 4/3/2012 3:54 PM This episode leaves me real curious like. I have been meaning to get an MM pipe for the longest time and I want to query the audience as to which model to spring for. Also want to get some tobacco closest to my cigar tastes...maduro, full bodied, full strength, and with some sweetness, so what do you suggest?
for the MM i suggest the missouri pride with a natural finish. i find the natural versions smoke cooler and dryer. and for tobacco... i'd think you would enjoy some of GL pease's english/balkan blends, and probably ones w/ cigar leaf. a few good ones to check out might be:
chelsea morning
quiet nights
key largo
maltese falcon
lagonda
blackpoint
kensington
westminster
OK, thanks for the advice. I'll pull up the MM site and see what happens next.
That's easy Ken. You'll spend even more money on tobacco related items.
Now aren't I helpful? :biggrin:
Quotenwb - 4/3/2012 7:44 PM
That's easy Ken. You'll spend even more money on tobacco related items.
Now aren't I helpful? :biggrin:
I justify my pipe purchases by telling myself that I'm saving money by smoking pipes on occasion instead of cigars. In reality, I just end up buying more of both.
Quotekola - 4/3/2012 5:39 PM
Last night I finally convinced myself that the pipe mud was cured. I loaded up a bowl of Danish Black & Gold and lit up. It worked perfectly! I did not notice any taste transfer from the mud. The bottom of the pipe held up without incident during the smoke, and I tested its strength when cleaning the pipe afterward. No problems at all. I am happy :-)
The Big Brown Truck just brought me a new Country Gentleman cob today. The very first thing I am doing (right now, in fact) is to prepare a batch of mud to protect the bottom of the bowl. Thanks again to Kyle for the info on pipe mud!
Glad it worked out for you Armin!
Quotenwb - 4/3/2012 9:02 PM
QuoteAlphairon - 4/3/2012 6:54 PM
This episode leaves me real curious like. I have been meaning to get an MM pipe for the longest time and I want to query the audience as to which model to spring for. Also want to get some tobacco closest to my cigar tastes...maduro, full bodied, full strength, and with some sweetness, so what do you suggest?
Like Armin, I have a Country Gentleman MM which smokes great. As far as tobacco, I've enjoyed offerings from SG and Rattrays. Pretty stout smokes.
You can also check out the reviews here:
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/
I'd also recommend the Country Gentleman as the best choice. MM makes other types, including pipes with hardwood bowls, "odd" shapes such as a MacArthur, but for me, the Country Gentleman is MM's best line ... still under ten bucks.
QuoteROTHNH - 4/4/2012 10:35 AM
Quotenwb - 4/3/2012 9:02 PM
QuoteAlphairon - 4/3/2012 6:54 PM
This episode leaves me real curious like. I have been meaning to get an MM pipe for the longest time and I want to query the audience as to which model to spring for. Also want to get some tobacco closest to my cigar tastes...maduro, full bodied, full strength, and with some sweetness, so what do you suggest?
Like Armin, I have a Country Gentleman MM which smokes great. As far as tobacco, I've enjoyed offerings from SG and Rattrays. Pretty stout smokes.
You can also check out the reviews here:
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/
I'd also recommend the Country Gentleman as the best choice. MM makes other types, including pipes with hardwood bowls, "odd" shapes such as a MacArthur, but for me, the Country Gentleman is MM's best line ... still under ten bucks.
I agree that the Country Gentleman is a good cob, but I've had a few Legends along the way and while they're smaller with the slick finish, I like to throw them in the glovebox of the truck. Loaded with a bit of GH&Co. Kendall Kentucky for a quick smoke if I'm on the go somewhere... :confused:
Just for those who might be interested, EA Carey Smokeshop is running a sale on MM's. I love that MacArthur! Check it out: http://www.eacarey.com/corncobs.html
I have a MacArthur, but the bowl is so deep I'm not too sure how to pack it and don't want to waste my good tobacco. Do you end up wasting a lot once it gets too far down to relight?
Quotelukin - 4/13/2012 7:06 AM
I have a MacArthur, but the bowl is so deep I'm not too sure how to pack it and don't want to waste my good tobacco. Do you end up wasting a lot once it gets too far down to relight?
Just get you one of those long stick/barbecue lighters... :biggrin:
I have a MM American Patriot, i'm real happy with it