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				 Re: New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart 
 
			
			Troy, at a guess, I'd say your packing method is your problem - maybe too tight or too loose could cause that problem.  From your description, I'd say too tight.
 Do you have pipe shop nearby, one with an experienced pipe smoker working in it?  The best suggestion I can give is to find one and get some hands-on advice on your technique.
 
 By the way, what kind of pipe is it?
 
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				Todd__   "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"
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