Ebonite - Polished or Unpolished

For discussion of fitting and shaping stems, doing inlays, and any other stem-related topic.
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bambam1723
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:14 pm

Ebonite - Polished or Unpolished

Post by bambam1723 »

I need to buy some more ebonite rod for stems, and saw I can buy it polished or unpolished.

It has been a while since I bought the stuff, and don't remember what I bought. Does it make a difference which I buy?
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sandahlpipe
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Re: Ebonite - Polished or Unpolished

Post by sandahlpipe »

Unpolished is cheaper, but you lose a millimeter or two in useable diameter, whereas you can use the polished all the way to the widest point.
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caskwith
Posts: 2196
Joined: Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:00 am

Re: Ebonite - Polished or Unpolished

Post by caskwith »

I prefer unpolished it is a little cheaper but also that skin helps protect it during storage which can be several years for me. I found the polished rod will oxidise slightly on the outside so I end up losing material anyway.
pipedreamer
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Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2013 6:25 pm

Re: Ebonite - Polished or Unpolished

Post by pipedreamer »

Un-polished, gives me some room and by the time I use it, I have to polish it again! :thumbsup:
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