technique question

[Ray Cover]

Well guys things are getting better. I have slowed down and my toungue is not getting tore up as much. I am finding the taste of tobaccos and finding things I like and dont' care for. At this point I have a new question.

About half way through each pipe full of tobacco I hit a wall. I get the pipe smoked about half way down and then I get to a point where I can not get the pipe to stay lit at all. I have found that if I dump the top layer of ash and re-light things go pretty much back to normal for a while.

THen I get to that last little bit in the bottom and I have a hard time keeping that lit. probably because the bottom bit of tobacco is pretty moist by then.

Is this normal? Is there something I should be doing different?

Thanks,

Ray

[hazmat]

Hi Ray.. when I get to that point, if I'm having that problem(and I do sometimes if I get a bit of gusto going) I'll set the pipe aside for a bit before I try to relight. Just gives the 'baccy some time to dry up a bit and it seems to work well. Of course, there are times you just have to abandon ship and dump the bottoms out. Hope that helps some.

Matt

[kbadkar]

A different packing method may help. If you get or can get Pipes & Tobaccos magazine, try the air pocket packing method described in the article by Fred Hanna in the Winter 2007 issue. I find this method keeps the baccy drier by the time you get to the bottom. I use a modified version, kind of combining it with Frank method. Just remember to shake/jerk or pipe cleaner swab that spittle and condensation out before tamping to the bottom.