Pipe Repair...?

EAM · Pipe Repair...?

Ok, so the metal piece that's in the stem came out of the stem. Tenon? What's the best method of resecuring it to the step again? Superglue or is there some other method that's better?

Thanks in advance.

Eric

drbridges

Before anyone answers that, we might ought to know what sort of pipe.

In the Chicago DG pipes using Linkman's threads, the male metal is threaded into the bit with small fine screw threads.

In Sparta DG pipes using the Lavietes' Ajustomatic threads, the male metal is pressed into the hot bit, and the bit forms around it.

If Chicago and Sparta DG pipes the female metal part is epoxied in the pipe shank.

If your pipe isn't a DG pipe (shame; shame; shame) then it probably is epoxied in place. That is how most stem tenons are fixed. But no matter because if it isn't a DG pipe, it is most likely a decorative piece, so just glue the bit to the wood and put it on a shelf.

ozark southpaw

Eric,got a picture? How the heck did it come out? Theres a couple of ways to fix it,depending on how its made.

EAM

Sorry, it was late I should have been more specific.

It's a Grand Duke, newer vintage. The aluminum piece that's in the stem that holds the filter and gets pushed into the shank came out of the stem rather than the shank when I tried separating it for cleaning.

I would take a picture but my digital camera is on loan to a friend at the moment.

ozark southpaw

Does the tenon piece have a bulge in the middle? Can you push it back into the stem? If it has the bulge it may require heating the stem to expand it or filing that bulge down. I have had to do this to one of my pipes. I filed the bulge,,then roughed up the part that fits in the stem and the inside of stem(needs to be clean as well). I used epoxy(JB Weld)Super glue will work if you have plenty of contact area but can be tricky.You will probably get only one chance to get it right!

EAM

I don't see any bulge or anything.. the aluminum piece that goes into the step is coarse like it was made that was to increase surface area. The stem itself is fine and the two go back together without a problem. It just doesn't stay in place now when separating the two pieces. I think superglue may work but you're right I have only one shot to get it right.

ted

Guys....Please.....I'm away from my buffing wheel......How do I get oxidation off a bit....using just elbow grease....ted

drbridges

Household bleach should work. But listen to whatever Oz suggests.

ozark southpaw

If it ain't to heavy try a Mr.Clean Magic Eraser. If you use the bleach,use a mild solution-like 5-6 to 1. It will leave your stem rough.How rough depends on quality of the vulcanite. I've had some stems come out of the bleach looking like they were sandblasted. Requires hand sanding with fine wet or dry sand paper and then buff. You might also try some automotive type rubbing compound on a damp rag. Takes some elbow grease but will take of light oxidation. What ever you use will leave the stem dull looking,which you can fix when you back to your buffer.

Dave

This works very well

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/stem_restore_kit.html

If its super heavy then these work wonders

http://www.grayfoxonline.com/micromesh.html

ted

Thanks Guys...I used a Scotch Brite Pad followed by a Magic Eraser, followed with some forehead oil. It's like new......Thanks.....ted

drbridges

I have found Scotch Brite pads to be invaluable.

ozark southpaw

TheDuke

I like Soft scrub! Also love my heatgun for lifting deep chomper marks!Except a big one where the previous owner darn near chewed cleam through! Rolling Eyes

drbridges · Pipe Problem for Oz

Okay, Oz, I have a pipe problem for you. We have seen you do miracles in the past. I hope you have another miracle in your account.

This week I received a DG Golden Duke #81 Author from an eBay seller. The pipe appeared to be dirty, but serviceable. When I disassembled the ajustomatic filter joint a lot of powdery stuff like dirt came out of the pipe. An old dry paper filter was still in it. The overturn feature appeared to be stuck.

I bleached the stem, opened the airway and cleaned the outside of the briar with a toothbrush and toothpaste (of all things!). Oiled the ajustomatic and got the overturn feature freed up. Polished and waxed the pipe. Inserted a filter and prepared for my inaugural bowl.

The stem wasn't aligned, so I turned the stem, and felt a sickening crunch. The metal sleeve cracked and split, and separated from the stem. I had the stem in my right hand, the bowl in my left, and all the male sleeve threads were still inside the female threads.

Best fix I could come up with is to heat up the stem, remove the old ajustomatic insert, and replace it with another cannibalized part. But I doubt that is easy without the proper press arbor. I did heat up the stem yesterday and tried to extract the old insert without success.

I will gladly send it to you if you think you can repair it.

ted, do you think Sparta can repair broken ajustomatics any longer?

ozark southpaw

That powdery stuff was likely from the aluminum parts oxidizing. That was the problem with that little 91 I just got. Replacing the ajusto may be a trick. Getting it out and putting another in is really no problem that I can see. The problem is that it may not work as it should after replacing-it may work to well and not unscrew. As you probably know the adjusto requires a certain amount of friction between the stem and the alum tenon, removing and replacing it may make the tenon piece fit to loosely. It may be necessary to epoxy the male end into the stem. I'd be glad to take a shot at it for you. I think I have a stem that can be used for parts.

drbridges

I'll see if I still have a box with your address on it, Oz. Or PM your address to me, and I will get the sick DG-GD out tomorrow to ya.

ted

Dr.B..Sparta certainly has the talent and the "parts". Whether they will do it or not is another question. Rick Wooten did help one of my old friends a couple of months ago.

It'd be worth a try. Maybe they could send you a "raw" stem complete with #19 male part. ...ted...

Pipe Repair...?

Pipe Problem for Oz