TripleF, what tobacco are you using? This could be a major source of frustration.
Many aromatics are simply too wet to smoke before a drying period. Virginias, to the non-experienced smoker, also tend to bite if not treated carefully.
May I suggest, as someone else has, a pouch of Prince Albert from your local drugstore. It's a basic burley, with a slight nutty flavor. Some say it's bland, but I'll tell you what, it's perfect for learning techinque.
Burleys often smoke cooler than most other types of tobacco. PA is one you can puff all day and it won't bite ya back.
Fill the pipe loosely to the top, use your tamper (or finger) to press ever so slightly, until you just start to feel some resistance. Fill it back up one more time.
Do your charring light, tamp LIGHTLY again. Do your true light and sit back. If you have a full draw on the pipe (you don't have to *suck in* with difficulty), you know it's not packed too tight. If it feels like you're not able to keep it lit, tamp just a bit more, then try. This way you'll get a feel for how "springy" the tobacco should feel in the pipe to keep it lit.
Sip slowly, just enough to draw the smoke through the pipe. Point the pipe so it doesn't shoot the smoke onto your tongue, angle it up just a bit. Once your tongue adjusts to the pipe, you'll find yourself aiming the smoke onto your tongue to capture the flavor. Technique is more important right now though.
Don't be afraid to dump the bowl out and start over if it's packed too tightly. PA is cheap, the bowl cost you around .20 cents.
I'm glad you didn't give up quite yet. Give us a progress report, sir, and let us know how we can help.
WWhermit
