Reamers - what do you use?

[herfdog]

Thinking about getting a pipe bowl reamer but doesn't know the good, the bad, nor the ugly.

So, what do you use and why? What else have you tried? What works and what doesn't?

 

[JustTroItIn]

I use a Senior Style reamer. Mine was made by Kleen Reem. It fits most bowls well and you can get a solid grip on it while reaming. The shank screw also comes in handy. The only other reamer I have ever tried is a knife which works OK, but I prefer an actual reamer. One of these days I will probably pick up a Butner style reamer because they are so cheap.

 

[herfdog]

I kinda like how well it adjusts, but find worrysome the shape at the bottom of the bowl particularly compared to t-handles and bits I have seen.

@JustTroItIn, is this something I should even be worried about?

 

[JustTroItIn]

I have never damaged one of my pipes with the Kleen Reem. I think it's a non-issue.

 

[herfdog]

I have never damaged one of my pipes with the Kleen Reem. I think it's a non-issue.

And how does it work for removing cake from the bottom of the bowl?
Or is that something we don't really have issues with?

 

[JustTroItIn]

Most pipes it does a fine job. There have been a few where the fit was not quite right and this is where a Butner style may have done a better job.

 

[thedismaltrade]

Senior

 

[herfdog]

If I have to get my first reamer, should I opt for a senior or a butner? The butner looks to be somewhat adjustable too...

 

[K Williams]

A pipe cleaner folded in a "U". Used after every bowl. It keeps cake build up to a minimum...

 

[WaRevo]

I use a few different ones. Just for me there never seems like one can do all the different pipes I own. I even have to use a Knife from time to time on some Estate pipes I have bought before. The hole so small a Q-tip can't make it in the bowl. Love my Senior reamer

 

[herfdog]

A pipe cleaner folded in a "U". Used after every bowl. It keeps cake build up to a minimum...

I assume you don't restaure estate pipes?

 

[K Williams]

I assume you don't restore estate pipes?

Not as of yet...

 

[CVAC085]

This is good to know since eventually, I'm going to need to make the purchase to maintain my pipe collection.

 

[SeaGarr]

This is good to know since eventually, I'm going to need to make the purchase to maintain my pipe collection.

+ 1. Except... Well, I am seriously doubt I'll ever really need one to be honest.

 

[SailorAg]

I have a buttner and a Senior style reamer. The Buttner reams your pipe into a conical shape, as in more cake at the bottom and less at the top. The Senior style reamer is much more adjustable and achieves a much more parallel ream.

You could always go the route of various sized wooden dowels with sandpaper wrapped around them. Pretty cheap solution.

If you're a super badass, pipe knife it. Can be hard to be consistent with a pipe knife.

 

[rdomfoto]

I bought and use (and advocate for) the Senior reamer as well. Some of the estates that I've restored have had heavy cake. One was about 60% blocked! The Senior made quick but delicate work of the cake.

 

[K Williams]

Do you all know if the first reamer in this video is still made?

 

[herfdog]

I have seen some on ebay...