Fresh tins of tobacoo

[mark5]

I just got my first pipe today along with some astleys #109 I tried smoking some but did'nt burn to well the tobacoo seems very moist should I let this dry out for a while?

thanks for any help,
mark

[tedski]

Yes ... put a couple of pinches on a paper towel for a few hours before loading up.

You might also want to break apart the tobacco flakes. I find that cutting them up with some scissors (1/2" chunks) and then rubbing between my fingers helps a lot.

[mark5]

thanks ted another question should i pack the bowl firm or leave slighlty loose?
I appreciate the help.

[tedski]

You don't want it too firm or too loose ... but faulting on the loose side is better. I tend to gravity feed - that is pouring the tobacco into the pipe until it's full - then I pack down 1/2 way. Do this again and pack down about 3/4. Then sprinkle a little on top and pack down very lightly.