Km Tri-Metal: Steel, Copper, And..?

[NimbleCow]

Just wondering what 3 metals are used in the tri-metal and where?

We could reference this as it's a classic tri-metal and we can see that the downstem is steel:
http://www.hookahcompany.com/32_medusa_three_hose_km_hookah_4240_prd1.htm

On the outside, I'm guessing it's real copper, steel, but what is the gold-tone? Real brass? Or gold-tone metal? Some people call it gold, but I'm curious if it's brass.

Also--people say they are brass-core. So does that mean that the first layer is solid brass--and then they are wrapped in steel, copper, and brass/gold-tone metal?

Any insight would be appreciated. Would love to know how these are constructed and with what materials. Thanks!

[acolorado]

I'm positive that my KM's both have a brass core. They oxidize which is why you get that green gunk inside.

I'm not sure what the 3 metals are on my tri-metal - it looks like stainless steel for sure, then maybe copper or brass on the outside.

The key component is the brass core. I used to make tools, and a common myth is that stainless steel won't rust. It WILL rust if left uncleaned, but is much more resistant to rust if properly cleaned.

Brass will oxidize over time but not rust, so in theory it is easier to take care of and should last longer than a stainless steel core.

[Travis]

Steel and brass........all i can really add lol

[ryno]

Pretty sure its brass, copper, and stainless steel.

[Travis]

[quote name='ryno' date='14 March 2010 - 11:00 PM' timestamp='1268625624' post='457121']
Pretty sure its brass, copper, and stainless steel.
[/quote]

Im an idiot lol, forgot the copper.

[Stuie]

Yeah I can verify the Brass. On my trimetals I get the green oxidation every now and then.

[Rani]

[quote name='NimbleCow' date='14 March 2010 - 06:45 PM' timestamp='1268621120' post='457108']
Just wondering what 3 metals are used in the tri-metal and where?

We could reference this as it's a classic tri-metal and we can see that the downstem is steel:
[url="http://www.hookahcompany.com/32_medusa_three_hose_km_hookah_4240_prd1.htm"]http://www.hookahcom...h_4240_prd1.htm[/url]

On the outside, I'm guessing it's real copper, steel, but what is the gold-tone? Real brass? Or gold-tone metal? Some people call it gold, but I'm curious if it's brass.

Also--people say they are brass-core. So does that mean that the first layer is solid brass--and then they are wrapped in steel, copper, and brass/gold-tone metal?

Any insight would be appreciated. Would love to know how these are constructed and with what materials. Thanks!
[/quote]

Sitting 8 inches away from my knee as I type this is an original tri-metal purchased back when KM was still making brass core pipes. I can absolutely guarantee you that tri-metals are [u]not[/u] brass core. Look down the stem....... Polished steel all the way down. I'm told the brass on the outside is most likely plating and I have no doubt that's the case. I do have a old school brass core KM. When I look down the stem, I see exactly that. Brass.

'Rani

[joytron]

Paging Foibled

[NimbleCow]

[i] [color="#4169e1"]'stuie'
I'm positive that my KM's both have a brass core. They oxidize which is why you get that green gunk inside.[/color][/i]

[color="#000000"]Stuie do you mean on the outside--the mysterious 'gold tone metal'--or inside the stem?[/color]

[i][color="#4169e1"]'acolorado'[/color][/i]
[color="#4169e1"][i]I'm not sure what the 3 metals are on my tri-metal - it looks like stainless steel for sure, then maybe copper or brass on the outside.

The key component is the brass core. I used to make tools, and a common myth is that stainless steel won't rust. It WILL rust if left uncleaned, but is much more resistant to rust if properly cleaned.

Brass will oxidize over time but not rust, so in theory it is easier to take care of and should last longer than a stainless steel core.[/i][/color]

[color="#000000"]Thanks. In the context of a hookah taking into account what you know about tools, any input as to how to best maintain it to keep it going the longest? [/color]

[Hippo_Master]

There's no actual copper on the outside of these stems. And I am fairly certain the core is brass. The only hookahs with copper are the Pharonie downstem, and most Temsah rigs I have seen made of outer brass have copper cores.

[Stuie]

[quote name='NimbleCow' date='15 March 2010 - 06:53 AM' timestamp='1268654029' post='457165']
[i] [color="#4169e1"]'stuie'
I'm positive that my KM's both have a brass core. They oxidize which is why you get that green gunk inside.[/color][/i]

[color="#000000"]Stuie do you mean on the outside--the mysterious 'gold tone metal'--or inside the stem?[/color]

[i][color="#4169e1"]'acolorado'[/color][/i]
[color="#4169e1"][i]I'm not sure what the 3 metals are on my tri-metal - it looks like stainless steel for sure, then maybe copper or brass on the outside.

The key component is the brass core. I used to make tools, and a common myth is that stainless steel won't rust. It WILL rust if left uncleaned, but is much more resistant to rust if properly cleaned.

Brass will oxidize over time but not rust, so in theory it is easier to take care of and should last longer than a stainless steel core.[/i][/color]

[color="#000000"]Thanks. In the context of a hookah taking into account what you know about tools, any input as to how to best maintain it to keep it going the longest? [/color]
[/quote]

The oxidation i refer to happens when I wash them. Where the brass and stainless meet, there is a little green oxidation. Nothing a little Bar Keepers friend and wet paper towel can't fix.

[NJE03]

After I polish my tri-metal, I usually wipe the brass and copper down with a coat of olive oil which helps to prevent any serious oxidation.

[NimbleCow]

[quote name='Hippo_Master' date='15 March 2010 - 10:52 AM' timestamp='1268664773' post='457174']
There's no actual copper on the outside of these stems. And I am fairly certain the core is brass. The only hookahs with copper are the Pharonie downstem, and most Temsah rigs I have seen made of outer brass have copper cores.
[/quote]

No real copper on the outside at all? So it's just copper colored metal?

[Rani]

That's copper on the outside for decorative purposes. Sometimes I feel like I'm typing just to hear the sound of my nails on the keyboard. Own one. Copper and stainless outside, with brass (potentially plated) and steel core - can't confirm it's stainless inside but it's definitely not brass.. Sigh.............


Canon! Where's Canon when you need him? He's got the exact same OG tri-metal I do. He bought his maybe a month at the most after I bought mine.

'Rani

[nars2k]

I have the KM triple trimetal, but then again I didn't pick it up too long ago so I haven't had any oxidation. What do you use to polish your trimetals, Brasso?

[Rani]

[quote name='nars2k' date='15 March 2010 - 07:03 PM' timestamp='1268708635' post='457305']
I have the KM triple trimetal, but then again I didn't pick it up too long ago so I haven't had any oxidation. What do you use to polish your trimetals, Brasso?
[/quote]

Brasso or any metal polish works just fine. I use some no-name brand designed for the copper bottoms of my chefs pans.

'Rani

[acolorado]

For stainless steel the key is to keep it dry - especially if the core is stainless steel.

Using oil is recommended for tools and will work for the outside but I would say never ever oil the inside since the oil might aerate with your smoke, and that could be very unhealthy.

I always make sure to push a paper towel down the stem during cleaning with a rod to get the moisture out.

Regarding the brass core issue - I have checked both my pipes again and my tri-metal definitely has a brass core. I don't know if KM also makes some with a steel core but the one I have is definitely brass.

[Hippo_Master]

The copper on the outside of the Tri pipes isn't actually full copper, it's just a layer over the steel. At least that's what a couple years of Tri-metal use has taught me. Just like how there's no yellow brass in the AF Syrians, it's just a paint over silver brass.

[Hippo_Master]

[quote name='acolorado' date='16 March 2010 - 02:34 AM' timestamp='1268724871' post='457367']
For stainless steel the key is to keep it dry - especially if the core is stainless steel.

Using oil is recommended for tools and will work for the outside but I would say never ever oil the inside since the oil might aerate with your smoke, and that could be very unhealthy.

I always make sure to push a paper towel down the stem during cleaning with a rod to get the moisture out.

Regarding the brass core issue - I have checked both my pipes again and my tri-metal definitely has a brass core. I don't know if KM also makes some with a steel core but the one I have is definitely brass.
[/quote]

On my 3 yr old Tri metal, the core is brass. On the new tri-metal I have seen, the core is definitely not brass. The core of the Hafa and the Amer available this year and part of last year is not brass, but the older versions definitely are. I think KM is just skimping on the brass, and selling overpriced pipes (as I hope we all know). This is all the more reason to buy a Temsaah i say.