How to Load a Tobacco Pipe
Smoking a pipe can be a very rewarding experience. The smell of pipe smoke is generally regarded as pleasant, and different pipes can be quite pleasing to the eye. To truly enjoy the experience of smoking a pipe, you must know how to load it properly. Smoking a pipe is a quite distinguished habit, and a well-loaded pipe can be a relaxing end to each day.
Instructions
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Loose Tobacco
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1
Loosely fill the bowl of your pipe with tobacco until it is almost brimming over. Press the tobacco lightly with your finger or a tamper until the pipe appears to be about 2/3 full.
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2
Fill the bowl of the pipe gently again, and press the tobacco down a little more firmly this time. The bowl should be about 3/4 full.
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One last time, fill the bowl to overflowing. This time, press very firmly. The tobacco should fill the bowl, but not be overflowing. It should also still be slightly springy to the touch.
Flake Tobacco
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Flake tobacco is tobacco that has been pressed into sheets. Take one sheet and fold it in half lengthwise.
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5
Hold the ends firmly, and press together, folding in half again, but across the grain this time. Be careful not to allow the tobacco to become too loose.
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Insert the folded end into the bowl of the pipe. If the tobacco sticks out over the rim of the bowl, remove it, trim the end and refold. If the bowl isn't full, you may need to use more flakes of tobacco. With some practice, you will learn the right amount of tobacco for your particular pipe.
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Instead of folding, you can also take a sheet of flake tobacco, roll it lengthwise, and insert into pipe. If it is too long, simply trim the sheet of tobacco. With this method, you can roll the tobacco tighter or looser, depending on your preference.
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Tips & Warnings
Tobacco expands as it heats up, so be careful not to fill your pipe too full.
