Do you use a packing method?

Houtenziel · Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:47 am

Just for my own curiosity, especially given the experience level of the members of the forum, do you use a specific packing method?
3 Step, Frank, Air Pocket, Swirl in the Palm(Irish method?), Codger Scoop, etc? Do you vary your method based on the type of tobacco you are smoking?

CoreyR · Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:59 am

I use the Corey Reynolds method. I shove tobacco into the bottom of the bowl, repeat until full, don't freaking worry about it. If it ends up too packed for a good draw I stick a Czech pipe tool, thin wire, in it to make an air hole. No worries.

Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:00 pm

no, I think it's just a feel/experience thing you develop along the way
I feel the same way about technique. I think the only advice you can give a new smoker regarding technique is that the pipe should always be close to extinguishing itself. I do think that faking technique is a good way to start, because after a month or two of artificially making yourself smoke slow it will become your automatic response and you won't ever have to think about it again.

MikeDennison · Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:09 pm

When I first picked up the pipe, I watched YouTube videos on pipe packing until I was confused and frustrated. Then someone on the old PSF suggested codger scoop, and I've been doing it ever since with pouches and bulk. From a tin I use the above mentioned stuff it til it's full method. Easy peasy.

Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:38 pm

Codger scoop

Wooda · Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:39 pm

I add tobacco until the draw is right.

DrCapacitor · Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:41 pm

Codger scoop, and 3 step for non flake, depending on if it's coming from a pouch, tub or tin. For flake I rub it out and just stuff it in the pipe 'till it's full.

Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:33 pm

Wooda wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:39 pm I add tobacco until the draw is right.

Codger stuff?

Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:44 pm

Fr_Tom wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:38 pmCodger scoop

Me too.

Houtenziel · Mon Sep 10, 2018 4:02 pm

MikeDennison wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:09 pm When I first picked up the pipe, I watched YouTube videos on pipe packing until I was confused and frustrated. Then someone on the old PSF suggested codger scoop, and I've been doing it ever since with pouches and bulk. From a tin I use the above mentioned stuff it til it's full method. Easy peasy.

My experience mimics yours. I think I went through virtually every "method" conceived by man before I just gave up and started stuffing it haphazard into the pipe. I eventually learned to fill by feel, where the tobacco was tight, but still had some spring to it. It seems effortless now, when it was truly frustrating starting out.