Bit of a noob to the pipe world as well. Picked up a few, (5) estate pipes off the bay and I'm looking for some help on cleaning these things up. Even the pipe, Savinelli Silver that I won from a, "pipe store" claimed it was cleaned etc. showed up and the stem is a bit loose with some white residue inside the bowl. The other 4 need a good clean and buff, and this is where I am at a loss.
I'm not looking to get into another hobby of re-furbishing pipes, but these suckers need some attention. Where do I start? Anyone here up to the task? Will provide tasty treats.

Thanks, ZRX!

Jamie takes care of the pipes here !

What about one hitters? Who can help me there?

Glass, wood, stone, brass, all depends.

He does just grab hold and take care of the situation now, doesn't he.

just got to your head shop...

LMAO! I thought you said Jamie is the PRO!

No good deed.

Sorry man, sorry, couldn't help myself.

That site you sent me to is nuts! They speak about things I have no freaking clue about. Thinking I may just send the suckers out for a good go over, then keep up with them as time goes by. Here is a pic of the bunch.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b148/edin508/IMG_20130714_211735_014_zps7eb841ef.jpg 

Set up Like a Bowling Pin and such,,,,,

Things u will need. Everclear or a pipe cleaner/sweetner is what i use. Pipe cleaners, both soft and bristled, i prefer tapered when cleaning a pipe. Oxyclean, mr clean magic eraser. A reamer is nice but not a must. I have an awesome kit that russ sent me.

Here is what i do.

Remove stem and clean. Using the everclear or the pipe cleaner/sweetner and both bristled and soft pipe cleaners. Soak the stem in the oxyclean and water. Remove and clean again. Rub the exterior with the mr clean magic eraser. The oxy stops the oxidation and the mr clean magic bar removes it (the white crub that builds up on the stem).

While the stem is soaking i ream the bowl. Then clean the mortise in the shank with pipe cleaners and q-tips till they come out clean. I use q-tips on the bowl also. If the bowl is in rough shape i will salt treat it. I can explain that later if u wanna know.
6
Buffing isnt neccessary but it does restore the shine. I havent set up my buffer yet.

Ive read that beeswax will tighten up a loose stem. And russ can advise how to use a soft flame lighter to do it also. I tried that trick but screwed it up.

Check out this site ed
http://pipedia.org 

So cleaning out a one hitter is still best by using the boil water method!!

Another thread that needs the popcorn emoticon, as I'm working on 5 estate pipes I got at a garage sale. One billard cleaned up easily without everclear and has already been tested, remainder may get the treatment ZRX referred OP to and/or what GRRRRR posted.

But does ZRX's treatment only work if you smoke flake after finishing it up? Flake elitist!

no no no...

Rubbing Alcohol will make the varnish disappear...

Bur ur pretty handy. Google pipe retort and build ya one. Youtube videos show how they work.