How important is draft hole placement in regard to a pipe's smoking quality?
The proper function of a tobacco smoking pipe is actually a composite result of several factors. This often makes it difficult to determine how much effect any one of those factors may have on the overall smoking characteristics of a particular pipe. Things like the quality of the briar, the shape/design of the pipe, the diameter and accuracy of the draft hole, the size of the tobacco chamber, and so on all contribute to how well a pipe will perform. Add to these things variables such as tobacco type and moisture content, weather conditions, and the skill of the individual smoker, and it becomes even more challenging to identify a specific cause for a good or poor smoking experience.
Draft hole placement with the pipe cleaner test
But one of the critical factors is the drilling of the shank and the placement of the draft hole. These are major factors that influence how well a pipe smokes. Since combustion in the tobacco chamber requires proper air flow, it is essential that the hole be drilled in such a way to best facilitate the movement of air. Ideally, according to most pipe craftsmen and experienced smokers, the draft hole should enter the bowl directly centered and at the very bottom of the bowl. In the vast majority of cases, this seems to provide the most effective combustion and effortless draw. However, as noted above, there are other factors at work, so even a pipe with less than perfect drilling can be a great smoking instrument or vice versa.
As with many "rules" about pipe smoking, I tend to favor a pragmatic approach, rather than a dogmatic approach. I do not mean to say that "everything goes" or that "nothing matters." But I don't let the supposed rules arbitrarily decide the issue. In other words, even though conventional wisdom says such-and-such about the placement of the draft hole, I do not discount a particular pipe with imperfect drilling until I've actually smoked it several times. If it smokes poorly, perhaps the poor drilling is at fault. But if it smokes well, it may be that other factors have compensated adequately and the "rule" can be ignored.
I think too often in this hobby, the smoker is intimated by all the "experts" out there who insist on bullying everyone with their advice and pseudo-wisdom. In the end, it's all about the personal enjoyment of the experience. I've seen many folks smoking absolutely horrid looking pipes that defy all the commonly accepted rules of engineering or aesthetics. And yet, they are smoking their pipes with a smile on their faces. So who am I to tell them they shouldn't enjoy that bowl because the pipe isn't perfectly crafted or since it doesn't exhibit flawless grain?
In the end, it's far more practical and simple. If the pipe works, and you enjoy it's use, then puff away. If the pipe has irritating qualities that lead to frustration and diminished enjoyment, then throw away!
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