Ep22 - How to repair vulcanite stems using heat

In this Episode I show you how to remove persistent oxidation and deep teeth marks from vulcanite stems with heat.

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The Barepipe experiments with and explores tobacco pipe culture, history and restoration, using basic tools and simple techniques available to an average person

[craigbond]

Very interesting. I restore vintage fountain pens and many from the 1920s and earlier were made from hard rubber. Decades ago repairers used alcohol lamps for repairs. We now use hair dryers or heat guns. My heat gun is made specifically for pen repair and has adjustable settings. I have seen a similar method to yours to remove chew marks on pen barrels. Perhaps a hair dryer or heat gun will give a little more control with your method. Good luck and please keep sharing the results of your experiments.

[pyromantiszegma]

Thanks, man, fixed one of my back-ups that had a couple holes in it!

[magoomagoon]

THANKYOU!!
I bought a couple of cheapies from ebay and during sterilising and cleaning after Id got them I thought I'd ruined them!
I removed the stems and left them in a mug of hot water, Ive done this before with no ill effects but I got sidetracked and they were in there about 5 minutes.... when I removed them theyd both gone a kind of tan brown colour instead of the original black.
Tried fine grit and buffing out with autosol and various car polishes but had no luck.
Then tried this heat method over a larger candle and it worked a treat!
Back to black :)

[shakuhachipete]

Will this method work on Lucite and Acrylic Stems too?

[RealityCheckThat]

I have some longer stems that are slightly crooked from use and thought they'd have to stay that way. However now you've given me an idea of how to reshape them.

As for my other oxidized stems I used some very fine sandpaper to smooth the oxidized areas that were rough. Once I got through that initial oxidized layer the underlying material was hard and the sandpaper stopped making progress and left a smooth surface. Afterwards I coated the stem with wax and they look great. Alternatively I could have polished them to a gloss before oiling/waxing them.

However after watching this video I'm going to try this method first before the above procedure.

Thanks for the video.

[jeffsmith]

Yes mate. Did it live with you on my new estate Barling Meerschaum. Teeth marks 50-70% gone. Needs 400-600 grit but good. Cheers.

[doctorreno]

Have exactly the same problem with an old Peterson Meerschaum with a nearly identical stem...had not heard of the application of heat but glad you noticed that there is several hundred degree difference between an "open flame, " e.g., candle, and a butane flame. So, danca for the insight.

[dartusi_galgos_italianos]

A heat gun do you think will work the same?

[OnTheRiver]

Thank you for this information. I have pipes that I have owned for over 50 years and none are that oxidized! Could that pipe have been in sunlight for a long period of time?

[jasondaniel]

In this video you enter into a realm I have not yet explored. It was so interesting to watch your efforts. It seems the torch lighter was a bit too strong, while the candle was under powered. Steve Laug on "Rebornpipes" talks about "painting" stems with flame. I think he uses normal Bic disposable lighters with soft fame. Perhaps a soft fame lighter adjusted for a high flame might be the middle ground you need. Of course, it is easy for me to speculate when you are using your pipe stems to test restoration methods. ;-)

[mr.sherlockholmes]

Also heard you can put it in Bleach and it will pull the oxidation out. Just cant leave it in there to long . Love this video thank you for sharing this awesome technique! Love your channel!!

[splitpea]

Is it possible to repair a pipe on which the stem has snapped off, leaving the tip of the stem inside the arm to the bowl? A drill perhaps? A new insert through which smoke transfers? Great channel. Thank you. I've subscribed.

[peterdeblois]

Did you try a Zippo pipe lighter rather than the mini flame thrower? That would be a less aggressive heat.

[maxboonkittypoison]

Ooh, that is a brave move. Here i learn something new. Thank you.
Greetings, , Kitty.

[jackhere]

wouldnt a blow dryer be less likely to burn it?

[scottstewart]

Regarding your episode on fixing dents and dings with steam, do you think using an iron to steam the dents out would damage or lighten the finish/stain?

[romanchomenko]

That's a Falcon pipe I've got the exact same pipe but my stem is broken. The remaining tenon is stuck in the stem housing, the bowl is ok just needs a new mouthpiece or I could turn a Aluminium drilled tenon and scew glued to the original stem to make it functional.

[splitpea]

Great job! A softer cloth is preferable. A shammy perhaps...

Shammy cloth can be made from a variety of materials, including: 

Cotton: A cotton product that is a Northeastern classic

Chamois leather: A porous leather traditionally made from the skin of the chamois, a type of European mountain goat. Today, it is most commonly made from sheep, goats, or deer hide. Chamois leather is soft, absorbent, and non-abrasive.

Synthetic: A widely used chamois cloth that is super soft, absorbs quickly, and won't scratch sensitive surfaces

Viscose rayon: A commercial grade, 100% non-woven material

Shammy cloth has a smooth suede finish and is known for its absorbency.

[scottstewart]

I have an old Zulu shape pipe, the briar is flawless, but the stem is canted to one side and it drives me nuts! Would you recommend this method for straightening that stem?

[juergenpeterbosse]

Why you don't use wet sand paper ? It's much more easier ....👍