New/Old pipe person: @Neo

[Neo]

Hello, retired computer guy. Long time pipe smoker, I elected to sideline my hobby for years, the job came first. I enjoyed cigars for their convenience but it is not a substitute for a pipe, for me anyway.

I was recently looking over my nice pipe collection and realized how much I miss my pipe; so I am getting back into pipe smoking and hope to learn about whole-leaf in this forum. In the past I preferred unflavored blends from the top brands like Mac Barens, McClelland or Dunhill. Rattray's too, when I could afford it.

Growing my own would be great; we're hoping to move to the greater Austin area in early 2025 so I'll wait. I am also am amateur machinists so the pressing aspect looks interesting.

I always associated "casings" with syrupy aromatic blends, turns out there are applications where they correct flaws, at least that is what I am reading in some of the threads. More to learn.

I am looking at the pipe blend kits from WLT; I am not entirely sure where a beginner might start.

 

[deluxestogie]

Welcome again. With the WLT pipe blend kits, I think you can start with any of them. In the Index of Key Forum Threads, linked in the menu bar, you will find links to two free, downloadable books on pipe blending without casings.

Bob

 

[Knucklehead]

Welcome. Thank you for joining us.

 

[Neo]

Welcome again. With the WLT pipe blend kits, I think you can start with any of them. In the Index of Key Forum Threads, linked in the menu bar, you will find links to two free, downloadable books on pipe blending without casings.

Bob

Thank you. I'd prefer a kit in the beginning, a little extra hand holding until I get my sea legs.

 

[deluxestogie]

Here is a post on shredding a pipe blend from whole leaf:

Unlikely Pair pipe blend

Bob

 

[GreenDragon]

If you are moving to the Austin area and are interested in gardening you should be aware of the following: I-35 was built along a natural geological divide between the hill country to the West (4” of soil over limestone) and the backland prairie (rich, black loam and clay) to the East. If you want to garden then I recommend living East of I-35 unless you want to truck in dirt and grow in raised beds.

 

[Neo]

If you are moving to the Austin area...

Thank you, we are aware. We are looking West because of the foundation issues reported East. I'd rather deal with gardening challenges than foundation issues. It is an amazing topic though.

 

[GreenDragon]

That’s a valid concern. For what it’s worth I lived in Round Rock for 20 years, two different neighborhoods, and I nor my neighbors ever had any issues. But prices are 25-40% higher on the West side, so just consider the source of the advice. Regardless we absolutely loved living in the Austin area and I’m sure you will too!

 

[Neo]

Greater Austin:
I have not figured out a way to differentiate between neighborhoods at risk for foundation issues and those which are immune. Not remotely at least, we're residing 3 hours away from the target area, so site inspection is not an option. The "west of 35" thing is our only measuring stick at the present.

We have gone through the "jack-hammer up the slab" situation and are determined not to do that again. I've researched new builders in the area but the information on their foundation process is spotty and client satisfaction is nebulous to nonexistent.

Tobacco:
When I was a kid I read a book on how the Mittleider Gardening Method had been a boon to impoverished countries around the world. I would not be surprised if this has been improved on, but the technique purported to be a poor-soil, lousy climate approach to agriculture in starvation prone areas, in theory anyway. It seems Tobacco plants are pretty rugged so this approach might work well.

First though, before we settle down, I'd like to get some experience in using leaf tobacco; the kit approach looks like the ticket. I've discovered that blending kits are sold on several sites.