| Archive for Dr. Grabow Pipes "America's One and Only" |
| slowburn |
Omega PipesHere recently I have had several stems break on my Omega pipes. Have any of you encountered the same problem? I have quit singing their praises and will no longer purchase them until this stem problem gets corrected. |
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| drbridges |
I had 1 snap clean into 2 flush at the joint. Fortunately when I attempted to extract the piece stuck in the shank, the briar shank also broke into 2, & I was able to trash everything with a clean conscience.
I've had at least another new DG bit fracture, not an Omega. But I've also had a Peterson briar crack at the bowl, & it cost me considerably more than both DG pipes did. So if you find a good pipe at a good value that won't ever fail share your knowledge, please. |
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| ozark southpaw |
Just curious Gents,were those ABS or Vulcanite stems? | ||||||||
| drbridges |
I assume mine were ABS, Oz. These were not used vintage pipes pre-1982.
Mac has had a few stems break also. |
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| slowburn |
Mine were all purchased in the last 45 days. I would assume they were ABS stock. Had a new Cardinal I bought today during the first smoke the finish starting blistering and the pipe was not that hot. Some you win, some you lose. Still prefer my DG's over anything else out there. | ||||||||
| drbridges |
I believe there is an internal weakness or defect in these stems that break. | ||||||||
| ozark southpaw |
I agree DR.b! I think that weakness is the material. ABS in my experience just does not hold up like Vulcanite! That's why I prefer the older pipes. I've never broken an ABS stem,but they don't hold up nearly as well to my bite as the vulcanite. The pipes smoke great,but I have some that I've had to replace the stems ,sometimes with a Medico stem(and their nylon ain't much better) because I didn't have a Grabow stem.  We need to flood the Grabow web site with demands for vulcanite stems 
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| drbridges |
Slowburn, I hope you will contact DG & try to return those broken OMEGA pipes for repair. DG should stand behind their product. Hopefully if they see their ABS stems are breaking they will make an effort to fix the problem. | ||||||||
| ted |
Slowburn. Send them to Rick Wooten, Box 849, Sparta, NC 28675. I feel certain he will replace them at no charge.
Most of the problems we had with these stems (and there were very few) occured in really cold weather. ABS tends to get brittle if left in the cold. Occasionally the "core pin" in the molds would get "off center" which caused there to be too little material on one face of the bit. These were usually found at the factory. Anyway, I think Rick will "fix you up"....ted |
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| slowburn |
Dang! I have already discarded all (7) broken stems and quit buying Omega pipes for the time being. | ||||||||
| ted |
In my 25 years with Grabow I never remember 7 broken stems at one time from one person. Do suppose that anything is possible, but that seems really unusual. Vulcanite is much more likely to break. Most of our returns for stems were from folks that chewed the end off. I have, on occasion, suggested to consumers that they file their teeth. Just write Rick and tell him the story. He'll probably feel sorry for your bad luck and just send you 7 bits...ted |
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| drbridges |
Slowburn, I agree with ted. 7 stem fractures is not acceptable. I've had 2 stem fractures in the past 3 years.
I really hope you will return the pipes (without the broken stems) and see if DG will make good on them. If there is a problem in their stems they need to know that from their customers, and they will know only if we tell them. Where are they breaking? |
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| slowburn |
As hard as it is to believe, I own 13 Omega pipes. The stems broke off in the shank end when I was removing them to clean the pipe. When I went to clean them I gave a slight twist counterclockwise to remove the stem and the bit just came off in my hand leaving a piece in the shank. Could these have been older stock pipes with the vulcanite stems? | ||||||||
| ozark southpaw |
Wish I could see those stems! Something just ain't right here. I agree with Ted in that the vulcanite may break easier than the ABS because it is more brittle. The ABS would have more flexibility in any direction. The fact that they are all ( I assume) breaking off in the shank makes me think that they all came from a bad batch of material or that something happened when the stems were molded or when tenons were turned-or inserted. What kind of tenons did these pipes have? You may already know this but if a stem is to tight or stuck put the pipe in the freezer for a few hours and while still cold try to remove-gently. Might have to do that 2-3 times,letting the pipe warm bet ween freezings. You might need to lubricate the tenons with a No. 2 pencil or sand the tenon lightly with a fine sandpaper.If that don't work pack 'em up and send them to me. | ||||||||
| drbridges |
This describes how my OMEGA bit broke, flush with the shank, leaving the piece stuck inside. I've since wondered if the metal cap had a sharp edge that etched and weakened the bit? Wish I knew more about ABS. I made an effort to educate myself a few years ago, but it wasn't fruitful. I suspect the material is not uniform, and the surface of the bit where it contacts the mold is more dense than the interior material. If so, this would mean ABS behaves like a surface hardened metal casting, and most of the material's strength is on the surface. Once that surface is compromised, the inside material fails with stress. This is only a guess on my part, and I welcome counter arguments and debate, if someone here knows more about case hardened castings or ABS plastic. |
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| drbridges |
Yeah, out of curiosity I just compared the Peterson's metal cap with the OMEGA since they use the same joint. The Peterson bit doesn't contact the metal cap. Its cap is lined with a material that might be wood, or cork.
The OMEGA cap is not lined. Its full height is exposed metal, so the bit has to be gripped by the metal cap. If that exposed edge is tight and sharp, it may cut into the plastic bit. |
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| slowburn |
Stems were not stuck, I do not jam mine in there I insert them with a slight clockwise twist until seated firmly like I do any push bit stem. These stem material or the process is flawed. |
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| slowburn |
The caps on my Omega's are smooth, no sharp edges or burrs of any kind. I do not force or jam my stems. It does not take much insertion to get a firm hold. I say the stem material or manufacturing process of the stem is flawed. |
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| tranders |
Never had any problems with my Omegas. | ||||||||
| steverino |
I've not had any problems with Omegas either, I have about 6, I think, but all of mine are estate pipes. I did, however, have this problem with two inexpensive Chinese pipes I bought (they looked nice) at the local smoke shop. They smoked great, too, but after about two months use, I tried to remove the stems on both and they both snapped off. Oh - that was not the first time I had tried to remove them, I probably took them off for cleaning every week or so - but they both broke after about two months use. I'm pretty sure they were ABS, or at least some kind of plastic. I know they weren't vulcanite. | ||||||||
| drbridges |
Slowburn, are all your OMEGAs the same size? | ||||||||
| slowburn |
No, a few of the carved bowls seem smaller diameter but not much. I have had stems break on both smooth and carved. I prefer smooth bowled DG's if they do not have any leaf carvings but for rotational purposes I bought a couple of carved bowls in the past. Now I am starting to have minor problems with the finishes blistering on some of my newer pipe purchases. If this is going to be the future quality of DG, I may have to switch to Kaywoodie pipes. |
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| LokoMac8 |
Well, really only had one break that was of a total mystery -- what I assumed was an ABS bit on a "Full Bent" (no real name stamped on pipe) that my wife had purchased for me brand new. It wasn't but a few months old when it happened and it just suddenly broke in half as I removed the stem, with very little pressure being exerted. I attributed this to maybe some sort of casting flaw, or perhaps the plastics inability to withstand heat. I thought it was quite unusual, and then DRB told me of having similar experiences and we then debated the pros and cons of ABS stems for some time. I had another break or two on estate pipes with what I presumed had ABS stems, but I did apply more force on those as they were stuck. That was surprising, but not as big of a shock. The old rubber stems are tough and can take a lot of abuse, apparently, and since I mainly collect the older Grabows, I don't have much of a broken stem problem. Usually the shanks themselves on the real old stuff of the more thin and delicate models where the stem is "frozen" (galvanic corrosion or whatever) in the shank. Haste was the actually culprit there as I tried to do too much, too quickly. --RJ-- |
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| LokoMac8 |
NEVER discard them! Send them to OS -- he'll either fix them or make something extraordinary out of them! he might even send you some Mixture 79 and an old burned out Lark in trade! --RJ-- |
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| ozark southpaw |
That Lark ain't to badly burned out!! | ||||||||
| LokoMac8 |
Yep, it's amazing what you can do with a good gob of pipe mud! --RJ-- |
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| ted |
Slowburn...You just posted on the Smokers Forum that you have 13 Omega's with nary' a mention of broken stems....You love them.......I'm confused!!!! | ||||||||
| slowburn |
Sorry your confused. Read the whole thread. |
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| Rev. Avery |
I'm curious to how this has all worked itself out? Did any of the stems get replaced? Are you buying anymore Omegas? So far mine are doing OK. I'll be extra careful though. Thanks. | ||||||||
| BWThomas |
I'm curious too. I've only got two of the Omegas, one ABS, the other vulcanite. The vulcanite stem is superior to the ABS on this shape. The stem is smaller diameter, the bit is smaller. The filter end of the ABS stem started to deteriorate soon after I got the pipe new. |
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| Rev. Avery |
BW when looking at these on eBay how can I tell the difference in the stems? I'd like to get a vulcanite stemed Omega. | ||||||||
| drbridges |
ted and OZ may have some good advice how to distinguish vulcanite from ABS on low resolution, poorly lit, eBay photos.
Examine the mouthpiece. Vulcanite oxidizes and becomes olive. ABS doesn't. |
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| ted |
That's it Dr.B.....if it looks like it has "oxi" on the stem it is vulcanite. Soft Scrub'll take the "oxi" off...ted | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
Ok. Thanks. I'll keep a look out for one. | ||||||||
| BWThomas |
Rev, Here's a shot of my Omegas. I think you can clearly see the difference between the two stems. Like ted says, you can see the oxidation on the vulcanite stem. 
BW |
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| Rev. Avery |
Yes, BW I can see the difference clearly. Thank you for your efforts in posting the picture 
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| drbridges |
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Omega...rksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_2335wt_1115
This OMEGA appears to be vulcanite. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-USED-...trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_500wt_1130 So does this one. Looks like one of the originals. |
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| Rev. Avery |
Thanks DR. I did see these. I think I might try for the first one. The second one looks a little worse for wear?? | ||||||||
| BWThomas |
Rev, I wouldn't fret about those looks. Nothing a little steel wool and wax won't fix. |
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| Rev. Avery |
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| BWThomas |
Alcohol and 000 steel wool can be used to remove old wax, dirt and old lacquer finishes. Use a brass wire brush, like an automotive detail brush, to get into the carved areas of a rusticated bowl. ted suggests 'softscrub' to remove oxidation from the vulcanite stem. Both these methods are pretty simple and relatively non-destructive. Maybe OS will chime in here, I'm sure he has a method or two to share. You'll want to wax the pipe after cleaning. Carnuba wax is best. But you really need to have a buffer to make this work. There are a number of waxes available for hand application and polishing, made specifically for pipe polishing. You can use a paste wax, but the solvents in them will transfer to the pipe bowl. You're better off with one of these: http://www.iwanries.com/Halcyon_II_Wax_P10414C522.cfm http://affordablepipes.com/pipe_maintenance_products.htm |
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| drbridges |
Man, I dunno, Rev. That 2nd OMEGA appeals to me. Something in that old style carving attracts me. You ought see some of the junk Oz has started with and turned into beauties.
I may bid on that one, and send it to Oz for special attentions. ... Couldn't resist. Threw down an opener on it. |
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| ozark southpaw |
Like Barry,I use steel wool to remove lacquer if it's bad and to clean grungy pipes.I generally use 1-0 steel for lacquer and then go over it with 4-0000.If you are not familiar with grades of steel wool-the more zeros it has the finer it is. That brass brush he refers too looks like an overgrown tooth brush.Don't use a power driven brush unless you want to add to the rustication! Soft Scrub or even automotive rubbing compound can be used for light oxidation but IMHO the only way to remove heavy oxidation is to soak in bleach solution(some swear by Oxy-clean) and then hand wet sand and buff.If you don't have a buffer I would not use the bleach as it will leave a dull lightly pitted surface. I would add Paragon pipe wax to those that Barry listed. Manufacturer says it should not be used on rusticated pipes but it can be if done right. Like Barry says,I wouldn't worry to much about an estate pipe looking dirty or grungy. If they are not damaged or to beat up a little work will make them look-and smoke- nice again. I don't have a before picture but these two Duncans,especially the straight pipe where very grungy. I'd bet that the straight pipe was owned by a mechanic who smoked while working and never wiped the grease from his hands before handling the pipe!! 
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| ozark southpaw |
Walker Briar works sells a stem cleaning-polishing kit that I've heard works well.
www.walkerbriarworks.com Halcyon and Paragon available here also. www.finepies.com Oh,Barry,I forgot to thank you for that microfiber cloth you sent! Thanks!! |
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| BWThomas |
Those pipes are beautiful Ed! | ||||||||
| ozark southpaw |
Thanks Barry! I did something different on these two. After the steel wool scrubbing I took it to the buffer. The compound I used is for "cutting" brass before doing the "color" buff with the white tripoli. Worked slicker'n snot!! Didn't use the white trip or the red rouge on it like I normally do.Waxed it with Paragon and shined it with the buffer. | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
All I can say is WOW! Those are BEAUTIFUL.
I don't think I have the "skills" to take that Omega and turn it into something really nice looking. I'll bow out to those who can do that pipe some justice. |
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| BWThomas |
You know Ed, I had been wondering over the past couple of days as to whether the cutting compound would do any good on the briar. I hadn't tried it yet. Don't really have a 'candidate' that I was willing to sacrifice. Now that you have proven the method, I guess I can move forward with it....you are the master! |
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| Rev. Avery |
This is a little off topic, but I didn't want to start another thread with another question ... again. So ... I was looking at the hole opening on the two stems of my Omegas (the end you put in your mouth) and I noticed one hole opening is smaller than the other one. Acutally, the bigger Omega has the stem with the smaller opening. The small Omega has the bigger opening. Obviously there isn't much difference, but it surprised me to notice this. Is this done purposely in accordance to the bowl size? Or, is this just a random thing depending on maybe the batch of stems a stem comes out of? | ||||||||
| BWThomas |
Rev, ted, most likely will have the best answer for this. But based on what I have observed, and my experience in manufacturing, it is a result of what was in stock or what particular method of fabrication was being used at the time. |
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| Rev. Avery |
Thanks BW. It's interesting that the bigger bowl with the smaller hole seems to have a little smoother draw to it. I'll have to switch the stems and see if I notice a difference. | ||||||||
| BWThomas |
My older Omega with the vulcanite stem has a better draw than the one with the ABS stem, which does have a larger hole. | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
I need to get myslef one with the vulcanite stem. -- Live long and prosper 
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| BWThomas |
The only way to get a vulcanite is to get an estate pipe. Go after them. I'll talk you through cleaning it up, as I am sure OS will too. OS is the master. I often think I could run over my pipes with my Ford Edge and Ed would send it back in a blister pack....He's that good! |
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| Rev. Avery |
Ok BW ... I'm going to go after 'em
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| Rev. Avery |
BW did you win that red Omega? I must confess I put a bid on it  If you won it, I'm glad for you. Now at least I have no guilt 
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| BWThomas |
No, not me. I haven't bid on any Omegas |
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| drbridges |
Rev, if you get a close view of an OMEGA mouthpiece, I believe the ABS stems appear more blockish with sharp corners. Vulcanite stems have slightly rounded edges. | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
Sorry, BW I was thinking it was you that said you put down an opening bid on the Omega.
I went back over the posts -- DR did you win it? If so, I'm glad you got it. And, thanks DR for the pointer on the stems. I'm really wanting to get an earlier one so I can have the vulcanite stem. |
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| drbridges |
No, I got outbid on that funky old OMEGA. | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
I'm glad someone got it that really, really, really wanted it. It's found a good home.
Edit: Just realized I had in fact been the one to win it! How I missed that fact is besides me. I didn't see the win status off to the left side of the My eBay page. So, I guess I'm the good home it has found ... |
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| drbridges |
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SMOKI...trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_766wt_1170
This appears to be another vulcanite bit OMEGA, Rev. |
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| ozark southpaw |
Also looks like to me that it has not seen a lot of use or at least was taken care of.Still got most of the lacquer on the metal sleeve ring thingy and the rim looks nice. | ||||||||
| Gig |
Well done, I have an Omega exactly the same and its a great smoker
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| Rev. Avery |
Thanks DR!! I'm going to keep my eye on that one.
I got the two I just won. Both stems are vulcanite, but a little worse for wear. The one Omega has a really nice bowl with a really worn stem. The other has a lousy bowl but the stem cleaned up ok. I'm putting the better stem with the nicer bowl. The stem doesn't doesn't shine yet. Don't have any stem polish. The bits on these seem to be different from the newer ones I have -- made a little differently? Could be they are worn down more than the newer ones. I think now I wish I had waited and not gotten them. Live and learn. My youngest daughter and I were up a NAU in Flagstaff yesterday checking the school out. It's a really nice area. More like what we're used to in NH. It looks like she'll probably go there. Thanks again for the link 
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| ted |
Rev, You should be able to order Omega stems....allbeit ABS.....from the factory for about $4.00. IP&A, Box 849, Sparta, NC 28675.
Hope your daughter likes NAU. Flagstaff is one of my favorite places...and when it snows it's only a short.....steep....drive back to the sun. Lake Powell in the Summer is wonderful.....ted |
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| drbridges |
Rev wrote:
Yes, you will find the edges and corners sharper on ABS, and the mouthpiece slightly thicker. ABS properties demand slightly thicker mouthpiece. I believe that is one reason why Oz so prefers the vulcanite stems. Rev, you can always pair the worst bit with the worst bowl and offer it here, or send it to Oz for magic handling, to see which OMEGA you prefer. |
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| Rev. Avery |
DR I had talked with OZ about this one Omega earlier on before I bought it thinking I might want to send it off to him after I saw it. But, I really don't think it's worth it.
The bowl, in the carvings, has a small gouge in it. The worse stem is so worn that the hole is actually worn away so that it is chipped and bigger from the teeth scraping it that it's not worth doing anything with. I am excited about the newly posted older Omega. I hope I have a chance at winning it. I just hate having to wait five days to see what happens
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| drbridges |
Wonder if my OMEGA mouthpiece modification might improve your chipped one?
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| Rev. Avery |
At this point, I don't want to put more money into it. I'm going to put the money towards one in better condition. I think I can come out better in the long run going for a nice one. Plus, it's fun to be on the hunt
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| LokoMac8 |
I can vouch for DRB's modification as he sent me one he did. The one thing I did not like about the OMEGAs was the mouthpiece, but after his simple modification, it has become one of my favorite pipes to smoke. --RJ-- |
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| drbridges |
Glad you're enjoying that pipe, Mac.
I prefer a hands-free pipe, and I simply cannot figure out how to smoke a p-lip pipe hands free. Petersons are barely manageable. I drop em every so often. And the unmodified OMEGA doesn't work at all for me. Maybe my teeth don't match. |
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| Rev. Avery |
After reading some comments about the p-lip and the shape of the Omega stem, I was concerned I might not like it. But, I must admit that I really like it a lot. The Omega just sits there and rests perfectly on and behind my teeth and on my chin. There's no biting at all required. It's been great for driving to work. The older Omega I got with the messed up stem appears to have been sanded?? down (or by some other means) and, for me, has ruined it's purpose. But, I enjoy it anyway. It's nice for sitting on the back patio when I don't need or want the pipe in my mouth most of the time. Anyway ... | ||||||||
| Rev. Avery |
Ted, thanks so much on the information for buying the replacement stems. I had been wondering about that but hadn't looked into it yet.
One thing I like about the vulcanite stem (as you statede DR) is that it's slimmer than the newer ones. I like the new ones too, but the slimmer ones feel a little bit better. I like the looks of the modification DR. And, I can see where it would be even more effective than the p-lip. Do you modify the existing stem or are these ones you've made somehow? |
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| steverino |
I can do it but I much prefer the Peterson fishtail stem. Those things are made so it's really easy to hold them between your teeth. That's been my experience anyway. |
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| drbridges |
I modify the stem with a rotary cut-off disc and sanding drum. |
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| Rev. Avery |
Does it matter what kind/shape stem you start with? And, does the condition matter? | ||||||||
| drbridges |
Yeah, it has to be an OMEGA stem. I simply cut off the protruding part of the OMEGA mouthpiece, and redrill the airway to make it circular. | ||||||||