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Okay, I thought I would stir the pot a little. I have read all the opinions and information on proper drilling and tried different methods. When I used an 11/64" bit into the tobacco chamber I felt as though I was getting too many pieces of tobacco into the airway so I started using a 9/64" bit. My next thought was Your not supposed to restrict or change the airflow or there will be condensation so I drilled the stem with a tapered 9/64" bit stopping about 3/8" from the button. To complete the airway I use a #54 wire gauge bit from the button end and funnel that with the Kemper K-31 tool. I did have some gurgle but realized i wasn't doing a good enough job of funnelling the V at the button, Once I corrected this I have a smooth draw and no problems with gurgling. I know this has been discussed a lot but I was wondering if anyone has made adjustments to the way They do Their drilling in the past few years and what the results were. Norm.

I started off using 11/64" for the airway, and switch back and forth between that and 5/32" with a heavier use of the latter more recently. It does make sense to drill out the airway at the same diameter from 3/8" of the button to the chamber. After a few months of use (at the rate I smoke, anyways) the airway builds up enough carbon that it needs to be opened up slightly if the airway is at 9/64" or even 5/32". I think stainless steel :-O may work well to prevent carbon buildup in the airway, though I prefer to open the airway to 5/32" or 11/64". I'm sure others here are going to take me to task, though, so you'd probably be better off listening to them than me.

9/64 to 5/32 is plenty for the airway. 5/32 in the bowl and 9/64 in the stem also works.

9/64" to 11/64" works although you're going to suck on some tobacco more often with 11/64". That's my experience anyway so I only drilled one pipe that big. I don't find a huge difference in performance between 9/64" and 5/32" as long as the stem airway is properly cut.