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The Complete Corncob primer: Difference between revisions
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The Corncob & New Smoker Primer | The Corncob & New Smoker Primer | ||
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I answer a lot of questions about cobs, but have also been given some good tips and pointers from other experienced cobbers. This, and what my dad started me out with, make up this Corncob & New Smoker Primer, which is always being updated and expanded. All of the advice offered here also applies to any type of pipe, be it briar, metal, or even Meerschaum. I’ve decided to add information for new smokers in the hope that they’ll avoid some common and frustrating mistakes. I base my new information on what questions I see new pipe smokers ask on the forums I visit. While I have considered separating this into two documents, I’ve decided it needs to be kept intact. Instead, I label each section, as well as giving credit to those who have offered useful advice. This isn’t about me or any one forum, but trying to help new smokers learn from our collected experience. | I answer a lot of questions about cobs, but have also been given some good tips and pointers from other experienced cobbers. This, and what my dad started me out with, make up this Corncob & New Smoker Primer, which is always being updated and expanded. All of the advice offered here also applies to any type of pipe, be it briar, metal, or even Meerschaum. I’ve decided to add information for new smokers in the hope that they’ll avoid some common and frustrating mistakes. I base my new information on what questions I see new pipe smokers ask on the forums I visit. While I have considered separating this into two documents, I’ve decided it needs to be kept intact. Instead, I label each section, as well as giving credit to those who have offered useful advice. This isn’t about me or any one forum, but trying to help new smokers learn from our collected experience. | ||
[[File:MM Pipedia 468x60 Fisherman.jpg|thumb|468px|[http://corncobpipe.com/ '''''Missouri Meerschaum Corncob Pipes'''''], '''''Proud Pipedia Supporter''''']]][[File:MM Pipedia 468x60 Woodworker.jpg|thumb|468px|'''''Pipedia thanks''''' [http://corncobpipe.com/ '''''Missouri Meerschaum Corncob Pipes'''''] '''''for their generous underwriting support''''']] | |||
== General Information == | == General Information == | ||
Missouri Meerschaum brand cobs are the only corncobs that I smoke, and the only ones I would advise anyone to use. I’ve tried other brands, but none had the quality of MM cobs. MM has been making cobs since 1869, and they simply are the best. You can check out their entire product line, and read their history from a link at the end of this article. Mars Cigars has the best selection and prices of any e-tailer I have found, and they offer a 10% discount on dozen lots of the same model. Walker Briar Works also sells Corn Cob Pipes and special Vulcanite and Lucite Stems for Cob Pipes. And | Missouri Meerschaum brand cobs are the only corncobs that I smoke, and the only ones I would advise anyone to use. I’ve tried other brands, but none had the quality of MM cobs. MM has been making cobs since 1869, and they simply are the best. You can check out their entire product line, and read their history from a link at the end of this article. Mars Cigars has the best selection and prices of any e-tailer I have found, and they offer a 10% discount on dozen lots of the same model. Walker Briar Works also sells Corn Cob Pipes and special Vulcanite and Lucite Stems for Cob Pipes. And Jake Hackert modifies MM cobs with antler and maybe bamboo shanks, so there are many options. Most every MM models comes with paper filters, and I’m of the opinion that the filters only get damp and smelly. I very strongly suggest you remove and discard them. | ||
Missouri Meerschaum does use Plaster-of-Paris and lacquer to finish their non-natural pipes, and a black stain on a few models. Usually, it doesn’t cause a problem on the inside of the bowl, but sometimes it can be a nuisance. If you notice any kind of stain inside the bowl, or just to be on the safe side, lightly use sand paper to remove anything and everything other than cob from the inside of the bowl. Some folks also sand the outside of the bowls, to make them “more natural”. Or just buy the Pride or Eaton, or the new Natural Freehand. The glue used in making cobs is non-toxic and very similar to Elmer's Glue. All MM cobs are very good smokers, but I much prefer the natural versions over the plastered. Natural versions are offered in limited numbers for most if not all of MMs full sized cobs, and can be ordered by calling the MM factory. MM hopes to eventually offer the natural cobs through retail outlets. | Missouri Meerschaum does use Plaster-of-Paris and lacquer to finish their non-natural pipes, and a black stain on a few models. Usually, it doesn’t cause a problem on the inside of the bowl, but sometimes it can be a nuisance. If you notice any kind of stain inside the bowl, or just to be on the safe side, lightly use sand paper to remove anything and everything other than cob from the inside of the bowl. Some folks also sand the outside of the bowls, to make them “more natural”. Or just buy the Pride or Eaton, or the new Natural Freehand. The glue used in making cobs is non-toxic and very similar to Elmer's Glue. All MM cobs are very good smokers, but I much prefer the natural versions over the plastered. Natural versions are offered in limited numbers for most if not all of MMs full sized cobs, and can be ordered by calling the MM factory. MM hopes to eventually offer the natural cobs through retail outlets. | ||
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* Pack it looser than you think you need to. | * Pack it looser than you think you need to. | ||
* Smoke it slower than you think you need to. | * Smoke it slower than you think you need to. | ||
* Tamp it less, and more lightly, than you think you need to. Clean your pipes after every smoke, using pipe spirits of some sort. | * Tamp it less, and more lightly, than you think you need to. | ||
* Clean your pipes after every smoke, using pipe spirits of some sort. | |||
* Don’t worry if you have a few relights. | * Don’t worry if you have a few relights. | ||
* And realize that becoming an accomplished pipe smoker will take time, patience, and trial and error. | * And realize that becoming an accomplished pipe smoker will take time, patience, and trial and error. | ||
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Cobs are great year round, but do need a bit more attention in damp weather, since they tend to absorb some of the surrounding moisture. So, while I usually tell folks to allow their cobs to cool completely before smoking them again, you may need to let them dry out completely too. And that means both inside and out. One thing that might help if it's really damp, is to store your clean, dry cobs in Ziploc or similar Freezer Bags. This will keep them from absorbing even more moisture, which won't really be noticed except when you smoke them, and realize something isn't quite right. | Cobs are great year round, but do need a bit more attention in damp weather, since they tend to absorb some of the surrounding moisture. So, while I usually tell folks to allow their cobs to cool completely before smoking them again, you may need to let them dry out completely too. And that means both inside and out. One thing that might help if it's really damp, is to store your clean, dry cobs in Ziploc or similar Freezer Bags. This will keep them from absorbing even more moisture, which won't really be noticed except when you smoke them, and realize something isn't quite right. | ||
Cobs have the ability to easily absorb massive amounts of moisture, and then dissipate it over time. Normally it'll only take about a 1/2 hour, but sometimes under extreme conditions it can seem like forever. I've never known a cob that didn't eventually recover. Pretty amazing for a pipe with an average price of less than $10.00. Putting them in a warm | Cobs have the ability to easily absorb massive amounts of moisture, and then dissipate it over time. Normally it'll only take about a 1/2 hour, but sometimes under extreme conditions it can seem like forever. I've never known a cob that didn't eventually recover. Pretty amazing for a pipe with an average price of less than $10.00. Putting them in a warm oven, after removing the bit, also works if you use the lowest setting, and only do it for a few minutes. | ||
== Breaking In Cobs == | == Breaking In Cobs == | ||
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In June of 2010, after a 3 week hospital/nursing home stay, I gave up pipe smoking after 51 years, in hopes of cutting out machine-made cigarettes. I'm happy to say that on March 30, 2011, I lit my first cob in nine months. I'm not going to begin blending again, but I won't give up my cobs again. My forum, Corncobs & Briar, though small, is still up and running, which is th 3rd link. | In June of 2010, after a 3 week hospital/nursing home stay, I gave up pipe smoking after 51 years, in hopes of cutting out machine-made cigarettes. I'm happy to say that on March 30, 2011, I lit my first cob in nine months. I'm not going to begin blending again, but I won't give up my cobs again. My forum, Corncobs & Briar, though small, is still up and running, which is th 3rd link. | ||
Updated 3/03/2012 | [[File:MM Pipedia 125x125 Fisherman.jpg|thumb|Pipedia thanks [http://corncobpipe.com/ Missouri Meerschaum for their underwriting support]]]Updated 3/03/2012 | ||
John Patton/tiltjlp | John Patton/tiltjlp | ||
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http://corncobsandbriar.phpbb3now.com/ | http://corncobsandbriar.phpbb3now.com/ | ||
You may also enjoy listening to Brian Levine's interview with Phil Morgan, the General Manager of the Missouri Meerschaum Co., on the [http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/radio-talk-show/the-pipes-magazine-radio-show-episode-79/#more-7778 PipesMagazine.com Radio Show] | |||
[[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]] | |||
[[Category: United States]] | |||
[[Category:Missouri Meerschaum]] | |||