Japanese ebonite and teflon tenons

[oklahoma red]

Anyone had any experience with ebonite rod stock from Nikko in Japan? They mention pipe stems in their advertising.

Also I note that a number of European makers use teflon tenons (apparently injection molded). Again, anyone here have any experience with them? Advantages or disadvantages over Delrin?

Chas.

[Jos]

Yes on both ... I received my last two deliveries of ebonite rod stock from Nikko Ebonite Mfg. Co.
It's good stuff (most japanese pipemakers use it), communication is no problem via E-Mail (Mr. Endo speaks english perfectly well), payment is easy via PayPal, and shipment is fast. Good prices, too.

Teflon tenons have pretty much the same advantages and disadvantages as the Delrin ones ... not much of a difference. I actually guess they're not made from pure teflon, but probably a delrin/teflon blend.


Jens

[oklahoma red]

Thanks for the input. I'm about out of rod so I think I'll give them a try.
I can see the teflon tenons being handy to use, being pre-made.
Chas.

[Sasquatch]

Teflon doesn't tool well. You can cut it with knife but you can't really shape it with a file, so doing things like putting a bevel on the end of a tenon are kind of weird. But as tenon material goes, it is definitely very good. Also, naturally, stuff doesn't stick to it, so gluing requires some care.

[pipeguy]

Jos . two of the best ebonite mfg. companies comes from your country why order from Japan??

[Jos]

Jos . two of the best ebonite mfg. companies comes from your country why order from Japan??

It's cheaper by 1/3 (even including shipment and import VAT), and the quality is just as good.

Jens

[pipeguy]

Oh well so much for socialist government. That really sucks I love Sem and nyh but money is money.

[oklahoma red]

Well, I''m going to find out for myself if the Nikko material is any good. On Jos's recommendation I ordered 4 rods, 20mm dia, 1 meter long. Transaction was a breeze via PayPal.
If the stuff is any good it is an absolute bargain in comparison to the German SEM and NYH. Each rod was $20.61 (FOR A METER!!!!) and the shipping was $45.81 via Japan Post Express Mail Service. 25mm is also available for $42.37 a meter. Still a huge bargain. 20mm suits my needs.
Now, we'll see if I get socked with a fat import duty.
If it doesn't pan out I'll make pens or billy clubs out of it.
Chas.

[Sasquatch]

Nice. That's cheap for sure.

[caskwith]

Certainly is, might look into that when I need some more ebonite.

[Knotthome]

Chas
What do you think of the ebonite. Did you have to pay any duty?
Thanks, Randy

[wisemanpipes]

hey randy,
i dont mean to answer for chas and i hope he replies as well.
i ordered 6 meters of 20mm black stock and it is beautiful. polishes and tools like german stuff ive had from SEM
i would order from mr endo in a second. and i think im going to order some sheet ebonite in 1mm. yeah they also sell that, although ive never tried it before. i figured id save my rod stock and cut shank rings from it.

oh and for the duty. i payed 35 canadian. shipping was expensive at like 60 dollars CAN. i believe it was $195 for 6 meters including shipping!

A+ rod and cheaper than german whilst being very similar
thats just my $ 0.02 and experience though

hope this helps
evan

[oklahoma red]

Chas
What do you think of the ebonite. Did you have to pay any duty?
Thanks, Randy

Someone (ernie?) reported a few inclusions way back in earlier discussions but I have found no such problems. I've seen similar issues once in a while with the German stuff so apparently the manufacturing techniques not 100% perfect no matter who makes it. The basic process is extrusion then vulcanization so who knows what can go haywire.
No, I paid no duty what so ever. I had it sent Express Mail Service via Japan Post. Got it quick with no hassles at the post office.
I WILL be a returning customer.
Chas.

[Charl]

The Japanese ebonite that I got is a bit softer than the German, bends well and polishes to a mirror-like finish. Mine had no inclusions. It's good stuff! Will get more. Service is excellent, price is good.

[mcgregorpipes]

ordered some ebonite from nikkon last night, its just cool to email a guy in japan and send him 7700JPY at midnight.. or lunch time tomorrow over there.

[Vermont Freehand]

if it's anything like my order was, it'll show up in 2 days from time of order!!

[LatakiaLover]

About three years ago, I worked on a run of uber-high-end Japanese pipes whose stems were riddled with inclusions. (They were about a year old at the time) I remember counting 29 in one stem. Anyone know the backstory? Like that's when Nikko was starting out, or something. It definitely made me wary of alternative sources.

[Charl]

Don't know the story, but it sure as hell have been sorted out.