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Sasquatch, I agree with your comment regaurding the height of the button. I cut it down a little. I'm not sure about the shank. I used the tool post to turn the shank, so the diameter would be constant along its entire length. When I measure, I find the diameter is within .007, the stem end being th...

One thing that I have found to be helpful (although, I'm still a rook myself), is careful layout. If you make an actual size drawing of the pipe and all drilling, you'll have fewer problems. The drawing can be cut out and used as a template to lay out your block. The template can be placed on differ...

Here is my 16th. Cumberland stem with integral tenon. I'm also trying to improve my photography. I find it more difficult to get the pipe in profile using the tripod. So, please excuse the pics. I welcome criticism and suggestions. Thanks for your reply. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/babidi...

A better question would be, what type of finish is on super glossy high end pipes. Don't tell me carnuba.

Fred, thanks for your kind remarks. Sorry about the stain. I suspect that my numerous reworkings and refinishings are the cause of that. I just couldn't get that shank right.

Does ramping mean elongating the draught hole at the mortise end? Does anyone have photos of a ramped airway? I assume the draught hole is no longer round.

Here is my 15th. Ebonite with delrin tenon. I welcome criticism and suggestions. Thanks for your reply, Scot. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/babidius/100_5493.jpg http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/babidius/100_5494.jpg Should I be using my camera flash? If I turn the flash off the pics ...

Make the style of pipe you like and enjoy yourself doing it.

I've noticed that most bamboo pipes have the severed branches on the top and bottom of the shank. If I wanted to use the natural curve of the piece I have, the branches would be on the side. Do I try to rebend the bamboo? Can a gently curved boo be drilled as is? Does anyone make pipes with boo bran...

Very nice pipe. I aggree that the shank appears to have a slight bulge near the stem. I would prefer that the plateau be stained the same dark color as the base of your contrast finish. Maybe, the button could use a little thining. Its a very handsome pipe, keep em coming. Scot

Thanks everyone for the great input. I'm gonna go ahead and finish as is. I have decided to leave the sand speck as is. The speck is on a round part of the bowl. Although it dosen't apear deep, I don't want to cause it to be out of round. I guess I'll have to apply a dark contrast finish to disguise...

This is my 15th. My last pipe was also a bulldog. I think it might be easier to have my errors pointed out before finishing. So, here it is at 320. This longer leaner version may be easier to get right. This is the cleanest block I have encountered in my brief pipemaking experience, a real pleasure....

My fav is Ashton Artisan. For a new smoker I would recommend McClelland No. 12. Peterson Connoisseur's Choice and Christmas 2009 are great aromatics.

How is super glue used in pipemaking?

I'm sure this question has been asked a 100 times so please forgive me for asking again. I leave my tabacco chamber as drilled, to ease break in. I have heard about pipes with polished chambers. My question is how do high end makers finish their tabacco chambers?

Sorry, I should have read.

The adornment on the top of the shank gives the impression that you sanded into the airway and tried to conceal it. I'm not saying that's what happened, it just seems out of place and gives that impression. I also agree with Sasquatch's comments.

Fantastic pipe! Really love the cecked surface of the sapwood.

I'm not sure what you are doing, but I've been thinking of ways to waterproof mortises to make them more dimensionally stable

Why not just use a delrin mortise sleeve?

I think the pipe needs to have smooth flowing lines. The shank to stem transition is not smooth. It is the sharp drop where the bottom of the shank meets the stem that I don't like. In one of the pictues you can see inside the slot and the draught hole is visible. There should be a flat V shaped cha...