If I go back to 12 o'clock its loose. I'm afraid if I go around another time I will strip or crack it. I am wondering if there is supposed to be a felt or rubber washer between the stem and pipe. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Screw-in stinger. Hmm. Perhaps one end or the other loosened up and twisted? Or there's supposed to be a metal band in there?
Both ends appear to be tight. I haven't cleaned this thing much, but at the base of the screw/stinger there was remnants of...thread/string which makes me think some sort of washer was used, or the old man used some temporary fix to make it straighter. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I'm thinking maybe it originally had a small metal band or ring or something between stem and tenon. Might be able to salvage one off a pipe with similar stinger style and size.
I understand your caution. Although I haven't used their services, I've heard good things about Norwood Pipe Repair. You might want to send them these pics and ask their advice. http://www.norwoodspiperepair.com/index.php/contact-us
No spare parts here, going to google to see if there is a place that might carry stinger/tenon parts. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Kenneth said $24.95 plus tax and shipping and he will have to replace the Bakelite stem with a new lucite one. What to do what to do...hmmm Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was inspired by your post to get mine back out and start working with it again. I was finally able to tweak the flame setting to a medium flame, whereas before it was either like a mini flamethrower or just barely a whisper of a flame. I also was able to work with my fueling technique; I've got another butane lighter that isn't finicky about how you fuel it, but with this particular Xikar I have to get it just right, and then hold it own until it's got enough fuel. So now I've got it working again, and liking it!
If you ever plan to smoke it, it needs to be fixed. If it's just a heirloom that will be displayed then just keep it displayed and don't tighten the stem all the way down so it looks straight while on display. If it was me I would get it fixed but keep the original stem. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I may smoke it one day. I have never found a tobacco that tasted like it smelled. There is a tobacconist here so i think I will take it by there tomorrow and see what they have to say. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Any chance the stem is amber, and not Bakelite? I kind of doubt it, maybe some of the other guys can chime in on this possibility? If so, and maybe even if it's not, if the pipe is just to be a display item, why not leave the stem in that your dad used and avoid any expense? One other note, not sure how much more cleaning you're planning on doing, but don't let the meerschaum get wet! That can and will destroy it. The actual meerschaum I would just buff with a dry cloth.
Make sure it is a genuine pipe shop. I've seen some cigar shops that would sell some pipe items, but were by no means pipe experts.
My dad was sure to tell me all about caring for a meershaum. The place I will go is called Stag Tobacconist and both a cigar and pipe shop. They don't repair as far as I know. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What I believe has happened.... The stem was over tightened a few times while hot (soft) and the inner threads dug in deeper. There's not really an easy fix, a true repair shop might be able to extract and reset the stinger. Lucite is pretty sweet though... It really depends on if you plan on smoking it, and how much you wanna put in it toward repair. Also, I agree with @BamaT, don't clean it. The dark color is prized by collectors! You also don't wanna damage it. Meersachaum is a bit fragile.
Cheers Friends, my Pipe of the Day: Nothing but the Best...there is nothing more to add!!! It´s pure joy to listen to Franky and his awesome music while smoking my Vauen with the outstanding MacBaren Old Dark Fired. Try it...it´s a damn fine combination. Take care and have a great time. Greetings Thorsten
