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Post by fredkite on Feb 9, 2017 3:15:02 GMT -7
Chaps,
Just a couple of questions about the stem assembly:
The instruction refers to applying a light coat of wax .. what sort of wax is recommended?
Just for clarity, is a q-tip a cotton bud?
Thanks.
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Post by PipeSmith on Feb 9, 2017 11:24:30 GMT -7
Chaps, Just a couple of questions about the stem assembly: The instruction refers to applying a light coat of wax .. what sort of wax is recommended? Just for clarity, is a q-tip a cotton bud? Thanks. Once you have your stem built and finished, I recommend coating the stem with a light pass of Pipe Butter, then buffing. This will help protect the Vulcanite against oxidation caused by UV exposure, and will maintain a nice appearance for your stem. Your Lodge Series Huntsman Package includes a container of Pipe Butter for maintaining your pipe, maintaining your stem, and is the perfect solution to lube all of your atomizer o-rings (a dry o-ring is a ripping, tearing, and leaking o-ring). You will also receive a couple of standard pipe stem cleaners as part of your Taper Bore Stem Kit to help with initial cleaning after the build, as well as continued maintenance cleaning of the stem. PS |
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Post by fredkite on Mar 8, 2017 3:10:25 GMT -7
Well .. that's my stem set, just giving it a couple of hours to completely dry and should be on my way.
I actually used a candle in a 'willie winky' candle holder as my heat source, just held the stem over it at about 6" with my other hand just above the stem so I could gauge the heat being applied to the stem and it seemed to work. A generous coating of Loctite Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) inside the stem, pushed on and job done!
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Post by fredkite on Mar 8, 2017 7:58:51 GMT -7
Well .. here is my first attempt at 'stem finishing' .. it was actually a lot easier than I thought. I't only a slight bend but that was intentional, I ordered an extra 3" stem with my pipe to play about with and was prepared to break it but I didn't and here is is on my pipe!   I hope PipeSmith approves! |
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Post by gwbruce on Mar 8, 2017 12:04:45 GMT -7
That looks fantastic.
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Post by fredkite on Mar 8, 2017 12:48:25 GMT -7
Thanks gwbruce .. I appreciate that, I was unsure as to whether I'd do a good job or cock it up! |
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Post by PipeSmith on Mar 8, 2017 12:56:13 GMT -7
Well .. here is my first attempt at 'stem finishing' .. it was actually a lot easier than I thought. I't only a slight bend but that was intentional, I ordered an extra 3" stem with my pipe to play about with and was prepared to break it but I didn't and here is is on my pipe! I hope PipeSmith approves! Yep - Great job in getting it set! The bend of a pipe stem is not something measured in absolutes. Some pipes have very aggressive bends in the stem, some with long, sweeping bends, some with no bend at all. My Huntsman ( Here ) runs the KF V5, and a very stubby stem to make for a small footprint package, and has a very shallow bend. This is my preference for what I call a "Shop & Field Pipe" that gets carried in a pocket, in a work apron, etc. My LTD pipe ( Here ) runs the 3" stem with a bit more pronounced bend. The bend set into a stem depends on the ergonomics and layout of the pipe, the length of the stem, how the user holds their pipe, and, ultimately, the user's personal preference. You may well find that after using the pipe for a while that you want more or less bend - just stick a pipe cleaner in, re-heat, and bend to preference. The absolute most important factor is that you're dialing in your pipe to best suit you, and not occupying yourself with smoking. That makes it all a WIN! PS |
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Post by fredkite on Mar 15, 2017 13:02:13 GMT -7
PipeSmith .. just another question before I build my small stem .. if I set it up on the Kayfun V3 .. will it still fit the V5 if I want to swap tanks?
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Post by PipeSmith on Mar 15, 2017 13:15:42 GMT -7
PipeSmith .. just another question before I build my small stem .. if I set it up on the Kayfun V3 .. will it still fit the V5 if I want to swap tanks? Yep - drip tip port diameter is the same, standoff height the same; the only difference you may encounter is how the stem shoulders on the V3 lid opposed to the V5, but it should be inconsequential. PS |
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