In my opinion, there is a tendency by new pipe smokers to overdo cleaning and maintenance. I like my estates to keep their crisp lines and defined stampings. That's my preferred method of applying wax. If you don't have a buffer, an excellent polish can be achieved using either Paragon or Halcyon waxes. The plethora of buffed down lumps that were once pipes attests to this. I used buffers professionally for jewelry fabrication and restoration of museum pieces for many years so I can say that using a buffer properly takes some practice. Just be sure that you avoid using too much pressure. If you have a slow speed buffer you can apply carnuba wax to the bowl, shank and stem. ![]() ![]() Once the stem is clean and glossy, you can polish it with carnuba wax using a buffer after re-attaching it to the bowl. It affords me the best level of control and does the least damage. My preferred method is to use the micromesh pads. There are also some good stem polishing kits available as well. You can also use a buffer but you must take care to avoid wearing down the button or rounding the edges of the stem where it meets the shank. As you go to successively finer grits you will end up with a clean glossy stem. For tougher jobs, buy a set of micromesh pads and sand off the oxidation. If the oxidation is slight, you can use a metal polish, like Simi Chrome Polish, to remove slight oxidation and polish the vulcanite. There are other alternatives that will get you a black glass-like finish. Go on the Walker Briars site and see what they say on the subject - bleach destroys vulcanite. Continue polishing until you have a smooth, polished and deeply black stem.Ĭhange wheels and give a final polish either with carnauba or some other fine polishing wax.Įvery restorer with whom I've discussed stem restoration says the same thing. Keep the stem moving against the wheel and you will see the stem slowly returning to it’s former black glory. These are usually red in colour and are impregnated with jeweller’s rouge. ![]() If you have a buffer, then things will get done quickly. Once the stem is smooth again you can start the polishing process. Do not sand the tenon (the bit that connects stem to stummel) as that would only make the stem loose in the pipe. Very gently and with a paper with 1000 grit or higher, sand the stem until it is smooth to the touch. It will appear rough on the surface and have a coal grey appearance. Pour off the chlorine and rinse the stem in cold water. Get a good night’s sleep.īy morning, the process is finished. Yes, the household cleaning type chlorine. If the stem is pretty old and has alot of oxidation follow these instructions.įind a glass that will hold the entire stem, drop the stem in and then fill the glass with chlorine. I use carnauba wood wax for the bowl, as well as the stem.
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