From: Jim Godron <??????????????????>
Subject: Vulcanite stems and "out of time" screw in stems

Steve
 I just read the most recent edition of the Digest and it was, as always,
extremely interesting. I noticed that there were several posts about
oxidation on vulcanite stems. I have been working with pipes as a hobby
for many years and have noticed this problem more recently than in the
past. The way I control oxidation is very simple and works surprisingly
well. After buffing the stem I coat it with a heavy coat of extra virgin
olive oil and then buff that off with a different wheel (one only used
for the olive oil buffing stage). This leaves the stem only slightly more
matte than the regular polishing but it won't oxidize for quite a while.
Any wax that is applied to the stem will discolor as soon as it gets wet,
and the stem will oxidize very quickly. The other question I noticed
dealt with screw in stems that were "out of time" ( not lined
up properly when tight). The way I resolve this problem is with the
little self adhesive reinforcements used for notebook paper. They are
about the right thickness alone, or can be used in combination with metal
shims or another paper "washer". The advantage is that because
they are self adhesive they stay put, and because they are paper they are
easy to trim to size. I hope this is of interest to the Digest members
and I can be reached by e-mail if there are any questions.
Jim


For repeated and unredressed attacks on the constitutional liberties of
the humble will tend to destroy the foundations supporting the
constitutional liberties of everyone.=A0 The test of the moral quality of a
civilization is its treatment of the weak and powerless.
FRANK, J United States ex rel. Caminito v Murphy, 222 F2d 689, 706
(1955)


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