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

[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.