Three Minute Tip -- Cleaning the Airway

Today I've got a quick video for you, only three minutes long. It's a maintenance tip for all of you who don't clean your pipes out as often as is ideal. Believe me, I'm among you. I'll show you how to make a really useful tool to safely ream the airway in the stummel, and then how to use denatured alcohol and pipe cleaners to clear out the mouthpiece. It's fast, easy, and hopefully helpful.
Visit my website here:
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Finally, I’ve added a new feature for those who are interested in learning directly from me about pipe making. Personalized video lessons are now available for the first time. A good way to get started or to refine your craft while we are all in self-isolation:
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Video edited using Lumafusion. Music and effects provided license free by Lumafusion.

[@thefreeman8791]

I hope your channel keeps growing. As a novice pipe maker, your videos are always very informative.

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks so much!

[@Coltbreath]

This is like “How It’s Made” on the Nuclear Level! Awesome and precise step by step instructions! Thanks Again Master Jeff!

[@jalanpipes]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@Dorelaxen]

I run a little bit of whiskey through my bowl and shank every month or so. Just a bit, and just for a few seconds. Let it dry for a few days. I also use the same whiskey to clean out my mouthpiece. It doesn't alter the flavors, in fact, I'd say it adds to it. Always worked really well for me!

[@jalanpipes]

That's the first time I've heard that technique. Most people use a neutral spirit, but if whiskey does it for you then you should keep on keeping on.

[@annafraley5388]

Yes, that would be better than using a long thin nail…!! 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😎👍

[@jalanpipes]

Right!

[@todds4101]

REALLY enjoy your videos. I've searched and searched for good pipe making content and your videos are very well done. I'm actually kicking around the idea of taking one of your virtual training classes. I've been a woodturner for about 15 years now, and the latest chapter is pipe making. Absolutely love it! Keep up the great work.

[@jalanpipes]

Todd S I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos. I have several more in the works and hope that they keep providing interesting and helpful information. You’re more than welcome to schedule a lesson. I do my best to tailor the session to your specific needs and experience.

[@todds4101]

@@jalanpipes thanks man. I've really taken this pipe making stuff and ran with it. Very enjoyable! I'll let you know if I decide to proceed with a training session. In the meantime keep up the great work and I'll for sure be watching your videos.

[@shvalbik]

Look, it's win win situation! I so like what you doing and so appreciate it! You do just perfect job! Yor English so clear and understandable,your video made very well,you DO NOT keep professional secrets- it's just incredible! Bud, thank you so much! Also i shared you videos in our Israeli pipeclub FB page. And also i bought my second Alan brothers pipe! Thank you!

[@jalanpipes]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing the video! Greetings to all my Israeli pipe friends!

[@chfilip]

Great tip, thanks

[@ha5528]

You really got a TV-personality!

[@jalanpipes]

Haha! Thanks. :)

[@brucedin1534]

Excellent tool tip, tanks

[@manxkin]

Thanks for the tip! Always something new to learn.

[@jalanpipes]

For sure. I learn something new every day...or I hope to

[@josegolfpiper8342]

Another Great Video!! Thank You!!! for sharing.........Jose from Texas

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks for watching!

[@theinkpirate2710]

Awesome, looking forward to the next video

[@jalanpipes]

Coming right up!

[@pipesmokingdeputy423]

This is an awesome tip! Thank You!

[@jalanpipes]

You're welcome!

[@af4od02]

Great Tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@jalanpipes]

You bet!

[@ragu168]

Very nice 👍 thanks for the info 👍 Ragu

[@jalanpipes]

Always happy to help out. :)

[@garbagemanpiper]

Great tip and tool to add to my pipe maintenance. Much appreciated!🍭🐓👶

[@jalanpipes]

Glad to help!

[@strikeanywhere2981]

Your videos are great Jeff. I’ve really enjoyed your new ones and their high production value. If you’re entertaining requests, I’d really like a detailed overview of stem airway funneling. I know you’ve touched on it in some of your other videos, but a more thorough tutorial focusing just on funneling, the tools, techniques, and sanding or buffing away those tool marks would be immeasurably helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@jalanpipes]

Great idea!

[@stevelumma1]

Jeff, I’ve recently been binging your videos. Great content, your a very good teacher. I’m am inspiring to make my own pipes , and I’m in the research phase. I’m hoping you may do a video on draft hole sizes and the pros and cons of said hole sizes. Do you use different hole sizes for different style pipes? Additionally, are different size internals better for different styles of tobacco? Thanks for all your great videos!!!!

[@jalanpipes]

Glad to hear you're enjoying them. There are a number of ideas about draft hole dimensions, and I'm in the 4mm diameter camp. I'll deviate by request, but mostly stay at one size. This dimension doesn't affect flavor at all, in my experience.

[@stevelumma1]

@@jalanpipes thank you very much for the reply. Much appreciated!!!

[@brucedin1534]

Hi my name is Bruce and was wondering if there is a usual finish for pipes handmade. My pipe comes from Cold Lake Alberta Canada, and if I chip it I can repair it to the stain but am not sure of the finish, high heat resistant lacquer?

[@dad3562]

So don’t swab the inlet portion of the wood with alcohol?

[@jalanpipes]

You can. A drill bit is faster.

[@junainoakuma]

Great tip!!! Korean pipe community might find this advice helpful. If you like, can I contribute a Korean Subtitle for this video and others? I want to share it, but afraid not everyone can understand English.

[@jalanpipes]

Sure!

[@arcmiguel777]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🇧🇷🍺

[@vutran1961]

Hi.. Alan...What is the diameter of that dream?

[@jalanpipes]

the drill? 4mm or 4.1mm

[@joelpenazzo7248]

What about bent pipes?

[@paridecorsetti7022]

the airway in a bent stem is drilled straight anyway

[@jalanpipes]

99.9% of bent pipes have straight airways.

[@junainoakuma]

In case of some of pipes that has extended mortise, you should put extra care when smoking. Try not to smoke all the way to the bottom.

[@junainoakuma]

@@jalanpipes some calabash designs do have angular airway because of mortise extension. They drilled it straight, but put something extra. It's not a problem, but not a good design philosophy, imo. You can see such example in castello and some other makers.

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

5min epoxi takes 15min to set, makes no sense!

[@jalanpipes]

It's not cured in 5 minutes, but it sets by then. You want to wait longer for the bond to become stronger. FWIW, my I wait 24 hours for my 1hr epoxy to fully harden.

[@callan816]

Next video: male a pipe using only an angle grinder and a drill.

[@jalanpipes]

Why use anything else?! :)