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Man, you are really working hard! I wish that I could find the time you have to work on pipes. You are going to get it really soon I think. A few things that I would comment that can make this pipe more appealing, 1. If you are making a straight pipe and it is not a poker don't let the bottom of the...

I like your photos. The reflection is a nice touch. Thanks. It's fairly easy to achieve. All you need is a large tile. I'm too lazy to use a light tent ;) http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p454/Vaymar/16%20Dublin/IMG_3820_zpsakvvfwyh.jpg That is cool. I have a small tent and it works well but actu...

I like your photos. The reflection is a nice touch.

Welcome. The problem solving is fun, but it is also extremely interesting to hook up other pipe makers and learn how they approach a problem. Sometimes you are chagrined to find that someone else's solution is way simpler and more elegant than your own. Looking forward to seeing your work. DocAitch...

I am also in California and have played a little wig manzanita. Great job finding some solid wood there. I can only get small root balls that lend themselves only to accents.

Hi, my name is Ben i am 30 years old and live in northern California. Started smoking pipes when I was 17 and like many of you I am sure, made a pipe from a 2x4 when i was probably 14. I have been making pipes for around 8 @ years but most of that time it has been whenever I have an hour here or the...

Nice machine! It is similar in principle to Oklahoma Red's jig. You must be a pretty practiced machinist to have made it so quickly. It should work just fine, but you will still have to work the junction between your machined slot and the airway. I have stopped using my (admittedly less sophisticat...

I edited this commentbecause I don't want to sound like a jerk. That is all

Thanks for the comments! Each of you are right in some respects. I like jigs because it can give a consistent result and with stems every part is always adjusted by hand to make it right but when the starting point is right it makes everything else easier. That is my point of view

Here is a little different take on the slot cutting jig. Took about an hour to make so it isn't perfect but it works really well. My tooling is not really the norm for pipe making but I have my own methods like the rest of you. The whole jig is held in a manual mill or drill press vice and the endmi...

OldCorps, I know what you mean, you are right. I am in the construction industry and am well aware of how petty and power hungry the code enforcers can be, although I have run into on occasion an inspector or two that are very reasonable. Yes, it only takes one disgruntled neighbor to ruin a good th...

Caskwith, you are lucky! Enjoy the liberty.

Thanks for the comments mcgregorpipes, I read a little of that pdf and it looks like insanity spilled over paper. Im not sure about the regulations here but I cant imagine them being enforceable here. I really do home your dust collector is ok. Ha what the H E double sticks does and engineer know ab...

Yeah. I have done one barter. It was for a hand made hand forged knife. But knifes don't buy more briar.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. When it comes to starting a business in these terrible days of taxes, government regulations and legal action, the joy and passion can be blurred by the daunting task of becoming legitimate. I can't speak to the experiences of anyone outside of the US, but for us of t...