Questions You Thought Were Too Dumb to Ask (Pipes Edition)

[Rocket Scientologist]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

[Nachman]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

Use a tamper lightly. If you press too hard you pack the tobacco too tightly. I know it is time to tamp when the smoke volume decreases. The cherry is not making good contact with the unburnt tobacco, so you tamp and push it down a little.

[Tobias Lutz]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

I was taught to not actually press the tamp, but instead, hold it about 1/2" above the burn line in the bowl and drop it. The weight of the tamp will provide the pressure you need and you never "over pack" it.

[Horseshoe]

I was taught to not actually press the tamp, but instead, hold it about 1/2" above the burn line in the bowl and drop it. The weight of the tamp will provide the pressure you need and you never "over pack" it.

Wow. That sounds like a sure way to do it. Thanks for the tip.