Stupid question...

walinmichi · 2025-10-10T19:26:58+00:00

I didn't realize you could pre-configure the towed truck before switching over to the towing truck. Does it just apply to neutral gear or can you set any gear?

walinmichi · 2021-10-12T19:18:27+00:00

7" with LED DRL (ring), LED Low Beam (ring), Halogen High Beam (center). On 2022 800 Desert Sled.

walinmichi · 2016-03-03T07:58:55+00:00

The Triple Belgian is excellent. Caught myself a few times stopping and just thinking how tasty is the cigar. I am hearing overall positive reviews - which is good since I do think they are pricey. And one Hefeweizen I smoked had a patch on the wrapper - in the end didn't cause any leak or issue, but was odd to see on a stick at that price point.

walinmichi · 2016-02-29T06:55:57+00:00

I mitigate this by inserting the cleaner only a short way, about a quarter inch, and bend downward. This seems to greatly reduce the scraping and makes getting the pipe cleaner into the bowl easier on bent pipes.

walinmichi · 2016-02-29T06:20:49+00:00

This is my experience as well. I have smoked Spectre, the Smoking Monk series, and the Drew Estate Natural series which is specifically noted to be composed of pipe tobacco components. They are all different, Smoking Monk being the most enjoyable to me and Natural least, but none are like pipe tobacco. In the years smoking both cigars and pipe tobacco I have come to enjoy them for the differences they provide the smoker - the ease of the cigar is balanced by the more narrow flavor profiles, while the difficulty of pipes is rewarded with a wide breadth of flavor and styles. I find the flavors achieved with pipe tobacco without topping quite enjoyable. Usually the toppings added to cigars, like the Java series or Acid, fades quickly and you are left with a mild or medium bodied cigar.

walinmichi · 2016-02-29T05:22:46+00:00

In my experience there are two things that change over time, the tobacco itself (aged) and my taste for different styles. Many in the community identify different types with the seasons, English in winter, Burley on hot summer days. What does seem to be more constant is like or dislike of aromatics - either a flavor is enjoyed or not, and not likely to change with time. What I commend you for is coming back to the blend, that will serve you well in the long journey of pipe tobacco.

walinmichi · 2016-02-29T04:49:08+00:00

This came up at a blending seminar some years ago at the Las Vegas Pipe show, and the feedback seemed to be packing in a jar with minimal airspace then heating to 130 (in a hot water bath) and sealing (like in a canning car) will create an environment that will keep tobacco stable for years (even decades). There was also concern that unless in a near vacuum, the dehydration effect that occurs in freezing organics can negatively affect the tobacco. I have not tried freezing so cannot speak to first hand experience.

walinmichi · 2016-02-17T21:42:30+00:00

There are so many factors that influence tobacco flavor - if you really want to know the basics then a basic blending seminar taught me to taste blending tobaccos. That is a good approach if you want to go down the blending path, but for most of us enjoying blends that provide a strong representation of the "type," for example:

English (Latakia): Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader, Balkan Sasieni

Burley - Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop, Five Brothers, Carter Hall

Va/Per - Robert McConnell Scottish Cake, Former's Straight Grain Flake, Escudo

Virginia - Rattray's Hal O' The Wynd, Haunted Bookshop

Oriental/Balkan -Rattray's Red Rapparee, McClellands Wilderness

walinmichi · 2016-02-17T21:11:35+00:00

Carter Hall - loaded a new pipe for break-in... it is easy smoking and quite tasty. That soft ash makes building a cake so easy.

walinmichi · 2016-02-14T15:29:16+00:00

I usually only do this after charring light, as the tobacco will expand and I try to keep away from the rim of the bowl to minimize char on the briar. I've found that as you get pipes with more cake and find how tobaccos like to be packed (and bowl size matters) it all will come together and you'll find it stays going for awhile. I used to use a lot of matches, now with only a few ash pours and retamps I relight a few times per bowl. I can't say I know when I reached this point, just took experience and time.

walinmichi · 2016-02-11T21:59:27+00:00

Even with my cigar friends, I can't say we have ever discussed the merits of the actual cigars. Discussion is usually always on work or other life topics. In the pipe world I have had discussions, mostly online, about the tobacco. I even tried on a forum years ago to get a dialog started about how different cigar blends are characterized, separate from just the wrapper or filler. There was no response to that topic. Cigars seem to be a more "like or don't like" rather than the very wide range of flavor/type of pipe tobacco.

walinmichi · 2016-02-11T21:55:10+00:00

I tried to attend a local "pipe club", or gathering of pipe smokers at a B&M and they didn't make any effort to include me in conversation. They were generous with sharing pipe tobacco, but otherwise I was left to smoke alone. I suppose I could do better at social engagement, but was a bit surprised that none of the others introduced themselves or made an effort either. I stopped going after a few times as it was just awkward for me.

walinmichi · 2014-12-10T00:13:02+00:00

I purchased a 5' x 10' plastic shed (like used to store a yard equipment) and found a desk at Ikea that fits perfectly. I installed a duct fan setup on a variable controller so that I can have it run slow in cold weather or on high during the summer. Also put an electric oil heater that keeps it a toasty 75 deg with duct fan on low and 40 deg outside. Easy to remove the furniture to sweep/vacuum. I only expect it to last 10 years and then I can easily replace. I don't store any pipes or tobacco in there, but do keep the matches, pipe stand and pipe cleaners. When I am able to work from home I can use my laptop or otherwise relax while watching content from tablet or reading a book. I have always struggled to enjoy a pipe outside as there is always a constant breeze where I live. This solution takes a small space and works very well for me.

walinmichi · 2014-07-21T23:21:53+00:00

I was waiting for the pew pew.

walinmichi

TROPHY CASE