oxidized stems

[Cyrano1818]

I just returned to pipe smoking after about 25 years. Many of the stems from my favorite pipes appear oxidized. How can I correct this? Pipes are from GBD, Savinelli, Ben Wade and many others.

Thanks in advance.

Alan

 

[IgwanaRob]

Most common thing I've seen is soaking in bleach, if you don't have access to a good buffer . The first 4 hits on this Google search should give you some ideas.

I've only been smoking pipes for about a year now, but I love it so far - Welcome back

 

[LilBastage]

You will even need a buffer with the bleach soak. It really takes the oxidation off, but it leaves the stems quite rough.

One thing I've seen suggested is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I've not had occasion to try this, but one gentleman that sells estate pipes on his website uses this method with great success. I'm told it eliminates a lot of the buffing needed.

The only estate pipe I've purchased was a $10 beater off of eBay. I got it just to try my hand at refurbishing a pipe. I just used a green abrasive pad that is used for general household cleaning and a lot of elbow grease. I followed it with Mother's Aluminum Wheel Polish and some good hand buffing. Then a little olive oil for the good shine. It turned out really nice for what it was.

 

[Cyrano1818]

thanks very much for your counsel.

 

[aberjed]

ben wades are really worth sending off to be restored...i have several production ben wades and one hand thrown "danish" ben wade ....most i've had re-stemmed 4 or 5 times...all have been re-bored several times (except the hand-thrown), one full-bend i've even had the bottom plugged.........a good smoking pipe is a friend for life....plus ben wades have been discontinued in UK..

... as you might have guessed i'm a ben wade fan!........anybody got any 343's going spare?