Dr. Plumb question re stem

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 22:10

I've just acquired a new-to-me Dr. Plumb #214 -- and there's a hole in the stem!! It looks deliberate - I can't find anything on the web about it, and haven't cleaned it up or tried smoking it yet. I'd appreciate any comments you might have?

plumb1.jpg plumb3.jpg

**Carl** · 01-27-2012, 22:17

Definitely looks drilled.

It has an interesting little hole in the side of the stem to let fresh air in and "cool and dry" the smoke

This I found on the web about an Aerosphere Billiard and may be related. If so then Dr Plumb isn't the only maker who does that.

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 22:24

I've a "magic inch" pipe that has a similar hole, so I think it may be authentic. Thanks!

**pipe_ninja** · 01-27-2012, 22:24

I've just seen this somewhere else...but I definitely think it's a manufacture thing...but an expert I am not.

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 22:31

My first Plumb, so..... :-)

**Bob** · 01-27-2012, 23:25

I have never seen or heard of such a thing! How does that effect the draw? Seems to me that it would be to open.

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 23:28

With the magic inch, I don't find it makes any difference at all! I haven't cleaned this up or smoked it yet, so you're PLUMB out of luck for a while (sorry).

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 23:45

Well -- it cleaned up quite nicely. Initially it had a strong ghost smell, so I reamed it down to the wood. I found I couldn't light it, or keep it going, unless the hole was covered. It's a BIG hole - I can get a pipe cleaner into it!! I've a piece of tape over it right now, and 1/2 way through the bowl it's fine. I think I'll make a plug for the hole and then it should be an ok smoker! I have to turn down the stem a 1/2 a thousandth - it's quite tight.

**Carl** · 01-27-2012, 23:49

The ones I've seen with holes in the sides seem to have brass (or other metal) grommets making the hole considerably smaller than pictured. Perhaps the pipe is missing this. Maybe you can manufacture one or get someone to do it for you.

**drdca** · 01-27-2012, 23:50

I was just thinking that. Yes, I've a small jewellers-type lath (a Unimat, if that rings any bells) and could do that I think.

It's interesting - the draught hole where it enters the bowl is big enough that I can easily get a doubled-over pipe cleaner into it!