Newbie question

[Wicket]

So I've been looking at cgraunke's Instagram photos and it made me think about trying the pipe again. I've had this one for 5-6 years and only used it one time. When I took it apart tonight the little metal thing in the photo was just siting on the pipe. I guess my questions are what is it? Do I need it? Should it just sit in the pipe between the bowl and mouth piece? Thanks for any help. Not sure if it's even a pipe that's worth keeping.

 

[3/5King]

To me it looks like something to allow the smoke to pass through but stop it from dusting your mouth with ashes on an accidental pull through.. That's just my assumption though.

 

[Ducttapegonewild]

It's a stinger (I think?) it's designed to cool the smoke or something like that. Do you need it? That's personal choice, smoke with it, then without it, see if you like it....

 

[cgraunke]

Yeah, kind of like the filters in some. Personal preference. A whole lot of "I think" so far, and I'm going to add to it too!
I think it's supposed to help collect moisture and give you a drier smoke, but that means that much more moisture building up near your draught hole which in turn means you'll probably end up with a higher chance of "gurgle" with more moist tobaccos. I've left them in the couple that I have, but I know some of our pipe vets yank 'em and toss 'em. I'm really still learning so I opted to leave them in for now so I can compare to those without. It is a pain though, when you try to pass a cleaner and it stops half way, and then I remember it's there. (so it keeps me from completing my quick-clean after the commute in to work)

 

[cgraunke]

@javajunkie ?

 

[Ducttapegonewild]

"I think" you have the right answer with asking Sean..

 

[cgraunke]

"I think" you have the right answer with asking Sean..

"I think" you may be right!

 

[Whtwtrman79]

Wicket what blends have you smoked that you liked or disliked?

And if somebody can pm me his addy, a package is in order

 

[Wicket]

Wicket what blends have you smoked that you liked or disliked?

And if somebody can pm me his addy, a package is in order

I've only had what the local B&M sold me back when I got the pipe. Since I'm getting old and it was years ago I don't remember what it was lol.

 

[Whtwtrman79]

Do you have a cob? I think they're a lot more forgiving when you're starting out,

oh yeah somebody threw you under the bus real fast, I'll pack some easy smoking blends that are great when starting out,

do you need any pipe cleaners?

 

[Wicket]

Haha people love to drive around BOTL. I have cleaners but not a cob. I'm going to get a tamper today since I never knew I needed one maybe I'll pick up a cob also?

 

[3/5King]

Haha people love to drive around BOTL. I have cleaners but not a cob. I'm going to get a tamper today since I never knew I needed one maybe I'll pick up a cob also?

You have a tamper built into your hand. It seconds as a nose picker...

 

[javajunkie]

the concept of a "stinger", as these little metal widgets are known, is to act as a buffer for ash, and a nucleation point for condensation, aiming to produce a drier and cooler draw. i find they completely shut down any possiblility of passing a cleaner down the stem to the bowl during a smoke (DON'T take a warm stem off a warm pipe, kids!), and actually CAUSE more moisture; the aim is to smoke slow enough that it is slowly and evenly vaporized. many different styles and types, and all of them failed experiments, IMO. they go in the junk drawer. once again, IMO. at least you got one that pulls off, and doesn't need to be CUT off, which is always a tough choice. to me, like parsley next to a steak: pitch and move on.

once again, though, just me. they do try to filter the smoke without actually changing the smoke. it may be worth a try to you.

 

[Wicket]

Haha people love to drive around BOTL. I have cleaners but not a cob. I'm going to get a tamper today since I never knew I needed one maybe I'll pick up a cob also?

You have a tamper built into your hand. It seconds as a nose picker...

😄Good deal one less thing to buy. Thanks for the info guess I'll try without it. I remember the gurgling when I smoked it.

 

[cgraunke]

Also, if you want a tamper to try before you buy, just grab a wide headed nail or screw, golf tee, or similar object. Or your nose picker.

 

[ItsBarbarino]

So I've been looking at cgraunke's Instagram photos and it made me think about trying the pipe again.

Dude, I literally just went through the same thing this week. Going through the newb trade now.

Way to go, Clint. If my wife asks, I'm blaming you.

 

[Whtwtrman79]

Well I can send you a cob, but if you can't stand it make sure to buy a Missouri meerschaum

 

[javajunkie]

also, just to say, the pipe will probably perform just fine, and i hope it smokes as well as it looks, man. o)

 

[cgraunke]

So I've been looking at cgraunke's Instagram photos and it made me think about trying the pipe again.

Dude, I literally just went through the same thing this week. Going through the newb trade now.

Way to go, Clint. If my wife asks, I'm blaming you.

Oh man. If I'm influencing lives and potentially ruining marriages, I better at least step up my photography game. Good luck! (I think... I HOPE. I don't know. I'm scared now...)

 

[thedismaltrade]

the concept of a "stinger", as these little metal widgets are known, is to act as a buffer for ash, and a nucleation point for condensation, aiming to produce a drier and cooler draw. i find they completely shut down any possiblility of passing a cleaner down the stem to the bowl during a smoke (DON'T take a warm stem off a warm pipe, kids!), and actually CAUSE more moisture; the aim is to smoke slow enough that it is slowly and evenly vaporized. many different styles and types, and all of them failed experiments, IMO. they go in the junk drawer. once again, IMO. at least you got one that pulls off, and doesn't need to be CUT off, which is always a tough choice. to me, like parsley next to a steak: pitch and move on.

once again, though, just me. they do try to filter the smoke without actually changing the smoke. it may be worth a try to you.

What Sean said. My opinion all stinger pipes should be neutered.