Stem bending methods
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Re: Stem bending methods
Running under the cold water right away won't crack the volcanite?
Lance
Lance
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Re: Stem bending methods
I've used hot water, with a cleaner. The cleaner makes a nice handle. But, I'm over scrubbing oxidation so I'll be looking for a gas lamp. Anyone willing to throw up a pic of one they like? Always right to cold water to set.
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Re: Stem bending methods
Here's a good way to heat a stem:
Just keep the stem in motion over the flame so the heat doesn't concentrate too much in one spot. Heat until pliable. Bend.
Just keep the stem in motion over the flame so the heat doesn't concentrate too much in one spot. Heat until pliable. Bend.
Re: Stem bending methods
Sasquatch wrote:Rad might be right, but there's no need to say it publically.
andrew
Andrew
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
Re: Stem bending methods
I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.
andrew
andrew
Andrew
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
Re: Stem bending methods
Winner winner chicken dinner.andrew wrote:I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.
andrew
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Re: Stem bending methods
lancefisher51 wrote:Running under the cold water right away won't crack the volcanite?
Lance
I usually stick them in the snow
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Stem bending methods
Oh got pounded with the white stuff yesterday. Will spring ever come?
Well I guess if you're in Manitoba, I'll quit crying about 6-8" (15-22cm)
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Well I guess if you're in Manitoba, I'll quit crying about 6-8" (15-22cm)
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- wisemanpipes
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Re: Stem bending methods
I use a zippo or a alcohol lamp mainly because I hate dragging out the heat gun.andrew wrote:I never use a pipe cleaner. I blow through the stem to set the bend.
andrew
low and slow with no pipe cleaner. I dip my hands in ice water while im adjusting the bend but Andrew has it right, blow through to set it completely.
- mightysmurf8201
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Re: Stem bending methods
I did this on a stem last month. Worked greatmcgregorpipes wrote:
I usually stick them in the snow
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Re: Stem bending methods
Well bent my first couple of stems with a candle instead of hot water. Why would anyone use hot water. Thanks to all of you I will not be doing that again. Candles much better.
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- sandahlpipe
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Re: Stem bending methods
I use a heat gun and set the bend with a spray bottle which I use for wet sanding. Definitely keep it moving. Occasionally, I will step outside and use the snow if my spray bottle was left in the shop and becomes ice.
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Re: Stem bending methods
On all real stems I use the standard ways, mostly heat gun on high.BUT! on acrylic I place the stem in a pyrex dish and cover with non-iodized salt.Then I bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min.Gives a more uniform bend,and use a pipe cleaner.You can shape the stem any way you want.You have to be gentle, this works real well.
- oklahoma red
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Re: Stem bending methods
That's the way optometrists bend the ear pieces on glasses. Hot sand or hot salt.pipedreamer wrote:On all real stems I use the standard ways, mostly heat gun on high.BUT! on acrylic I place the stem in a pyrex dish and cover with non-iodized salt.Then I bake at 350 for 12 to 15 min.Gives a more uniform bend,and use a pipe cleaner.You can shape the stem any way you want.You have to be gentle, this works real well.
Chas.
Re: Stem bending methods
I've been using steam from a tea kettle. Steam is much hotter than boiling water, but it still doesn't scorch or leave junk on the ebonite.
Ryan Richardson
R2 Pipes/Ryan's Luxury Goods
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"You can't convince a stupid person that what he's doing is stupid, because the stupidness inside him is telling him that it's smart"
R2 Pipes/Ryan's Luxury Goods
______________________________________
"You can't convince a stupid person that what he's doing is stupid, because the stupidness inside him is telling him that it's smart"
Re: Stem bending methods
Come to think of it, is there any reason I shouldn't be doing this? Steam changing the dimensions of the mortise or something?
Ryan Richardson
R2 Pipes/Ryan's Luxury Goods
______________________________________
"You can't convince a stupid person that what he's doing is stupid, because the stupidness inside him is telling him that it's smart"
R2 Pipes/Ryan's Luxury Goods
______________________________________
"You can't convince a stupid person that what he's doing is stupid, because the stupidness inside him is telling him that it's smart"
Re: Stem bending methods
I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.
Teddy supervises.
Teddy supervises.
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Re: Stem bending methods
Now this is the method I will adopt from here on. Thank you for being will to expose a little of your proprietary process. I can't express enough my gratitude.caskwith wrote:I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.
Teddy supervises.
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- oklahoma red
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Re: Stem bending methods
TMI!!!!caskwith wrote:I take mine to bed with me at night, they go in between my hot water bottle and teddy, when I wake up in the morning they are at the perfect temperature for bending.
Teddy supervises.
Chas.
Re: Stem bending methods
I taught my wife to bend with boiling water taken off the heat. Think I'll buy her a heat gun. Before anyone laughs I ask her to help as a way of getting involved. This makes it easier when I ask for tools and supplies. I can't drive or barely travel so it's great having her involved. OK now laugh if you want. LOL!
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