newone

Tools of the trade
For some time I've been thinking of writing an article to try and show and explain what it takes for a pipe to go from arrival to on the site. To begin with I'll start with an idea of some of the tools of the trade. I will add more as time permits.
	A dust mask and eye protectors are important. Anytime you use a buffing wheel there is a good amount of air born dust.
Here we have a variety of reamers needed to remove excess cake from tobacco chambers. A variety of sizes come in very handy.
	Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Tom Eltang. This folding pocket knife reamer has saved me countless hours, blisters and bruises. Used for reaming the worst , thickest most cake laden tobacco chambers. Also a great tool for evening out cake.
Again many Thanks to Tom Eltang, for this long taper drill bit on wooden handle. Absolutely a must have and the best tool for getting extra gunk and carbon cake from within air passages in shanks.
	A set of needle files and small flat file. Used for removing crud from within the button and along the edges of the button. Also used for getting at small particles of crud that are jammed in sand blast and rusticated pipes.
Silvo for really tarnished sterling silver. Flitz has many uses, but for me it is a primer for the worst patina on stems.
	Silver polishing cloths. Used after Silvo has been applied and removed. For a nice sheen. The interior of the Hagerty ones polish and remove tarnish. The gray exterior shines and help to prevent tarnish.
These stain markers are excellent for touching up small ( and I do mean small ) spots that may have faded or on a blast or rusticated pipe that have had a tiny accident. Not to be used for large refinishing.
	Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Brian Ruthenberg. Brian sent me two of these small firm bristle wheels. I believe they might be badger hair. I use these to remove dust from sand blasts and rusticated pipes. SLOW speed on the buffer or ( as I do ) by hand, works great. Also excellent for polishing sand blasts. I also find it works well for removing patina from the rims of non smooth pipes.
Bristle pipe cleaners. I can't guess how many I've used over the years. You will note different thick nesses. From left to right. Single, double, triple and quadruples. For the last 3 I twist the cleaners together for the added thickness. These are used for air passages in shanks. Dipped in alcohol. Sometimes the air passage is much more open than a single cleaner. Using a single might suggest the air passage is clean, but try a double and you'll see what I mean. I also bend these over in half in a variety of combinations for cleaning the mortise.
	My photo set up. Two Lowell Ego lamps, mounted on tripods. Thus I can easily adjust height and angle for maximum light and least surface hot spots. Thank You for this goes to Greg Pease. Without Greg's tremendous time explaining many things camera and lights, I'd still be shooting crap!
Above lights off. To the right lights on. You will also note two small reflector cards. These assist for reflected light.
	One of my most important tools. My Ipod. Without The Blues in the back ground I'd never get any work done. I don't do no Rock N Roll. You want to Rock n Roll Mike, then lay me down. Cause that's the only way I rock n roll.