Problem with an Yixing pot: its airhole is too small

[the_economist]

So Will was spot on about why the pour rate of my latest zini was poor - it had a teeny tiny air hole (http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 60#p210320). I couldn't even fit a paper clip through it, the clip only goes down part way through and toward the underside of the lid, the hole just becomes too narrow to allow the paper clip all the way through.

Anyone has any suggestions for this? I think TJ made an attempt on a similar problem using a drillbit but that didn't end all too well (unfortunately) so if someone else has other ideas, I'd be very grateful.

[Chip]

I have successfully used "fine" and "very fine" diamond files (files with industrial grade diamonds) to remedy some clay issues before. A ceramic file might also do the trick but the "very fine" ones available might not work.

[JRS22]

How about a sewing pin - if you can find someone who sews - or a fine sewing needle. Improvement over paper clips because they have sharp points and are tapered, so easier to insert just far enough and not too far.

[the_economist]

thanks for the suggestions! i'll see what i can do with them

[TokyoB]

thanks for the suggestions! i'll see what i can do with them

Let us know how it goes. I have some similar pots.

Where does one find such a small diamond file?

[Chip]

thanks for the suggestions! i'll see what i can do with them

Let us know how it goes. I have some similar pots.

Where does one find such a small diamond file?

That would be the hard part. My files are relatively small but are much larger, both flat and round. But if you found one, it would work.

I have done several kyusu spout repairs with diamond sharpeners.

[tingjunkie]

Anyone has any suggestions for this? I think TJ made an attempt on a similar problem using a drillbit but that didn't end all too well (unfortunately) so if someone else has other ideas, I'd be very grateful.

Actually the drill bit worked perfectly until I got overzealous and tried to use a small round file to smooth the hole out. Before operating on the pot, check the pour time again by lifting the lid up slightly in the back- not enough to leak a bunch out the sides, but just enough to let more airflow in. If the pot pours significantly faster that way, then enlarging the air hole might help things. If not, it's more an issue with the spout and then performing surgery on the hole isn't worth the risk.

If you need to, Chips suggestion about a diamond coated drill bit is good, and using a hand turned pin vice will be WAY better than any power tools. Slow and steady wins the race.

[beecrofter]

Your dentist has the tool for this, two minute job with a handpiece and diamond abrasive point.

[tingjunkie]

Looking back at your original post about the pot, you claim the lid fit is terrible. I'm assuming this means there is some obvious dripping? If so, the knob hole is not the only place air is getting in, and making it bigger might not make any difference for the pour. Just something to think about.

[the_economist]

It is rather horrible, but without nudging the lid a little, water flow is not good. Right now I'm lifting the lid slightly from behind to encourage tea to flow (and it works).

[Chip]

Dremmel might have something that will help ... but I would do it by hand as TJ has mentioned.

My diamond sharpeners are not drill bits, just hand held files. I like hand sharpening.

[TokyoB]

Diamond needle files:
http://www.amazon.com/DIAMOND-NEEDLE-FI ... d_sim_hi_2

and these may be even smaller:

http://www.amazon.com/SE-Diamond-Needle ... d_sbs_hi_8

[the_economist]

Thanks Tokyob!

[the_economist]

I'm resurrecting this thread partly because of Immortalitea's latest plight, and partly because I realize I forgot to 'report back' on my pot.

I went at it for a bit using small diamond files. The smallest diamond file could just barely fit through the knob hole so I stuck it in and basically rotated it. It definitely helped, but I got impatient and lazy so I just started using the pot. At this point, tea flowed out when the lid sat at certain positions, and if it got stuck I would lift the lid slightly to get better flow.

Good luck Immortalitea, a small pot might be even harder to deal with!

[MarshalN]

I'd ignore the problem and just pour with the lid slightly off. That's what I do for a number of my ugly ducklings. It's not a problem at all - why risk the pot?