Classic Pipe Shapes

For the things that don't fit neatly into the other categories.
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hutchpipes
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Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by hutchpipes »

I have been reading critiques many of you have given folks about their pipes and a good bit of the suggestions for the maker are regarding their pipe's shape. I have been looking online for something teaching classic pipe shapes but all I can find are pictures from either production pipe makers displaying their pipe shapes or random pictures showing shapes. None of which give me enough information to learn theory of what a makes a pipe shape correct. I want to learn the correct way to do things and maybe even learn the history of the craft. How can you know where to go if you haven't learned where folks have been?

As a brand new pipe maker, I have carved my first few pipes and they have come out randomly how they came out. I would love to start out my craft understanding shapes so when I plan out my pipes, I understand WHAT I'm planning.

I have ordered the PIMO book to start with. Will that teach me shapes? Are there any other resources I can get my hands on to teach me? Thanks for the wisdom folks!
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sethile
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by sethile »

The following shape chart is helpful in defining standard pipe shapes. Might be a helpful start, but does not talk about how to make them: http://pipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_Shapes

Click on each shape for a larger illustration and general description of what defines the shape.

The Pimo book is helpful--a lot of us started out with that, but there is much more information in the archives here.
Scott E. Thile
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Ocelot55
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by Ocelot55 »

The PIMO book will not teach you shaping. The best reference materials for classic shapes are old catalogs from the various manufacturers. The earlier the catalog the better. There have been successful reprints of several, BBB, Dunhill, and Loewe come to mind, but there are also digital representations online. Examine these enough and you'll stumble across some inconsistencies, but by and large most people agreed what the basic shape of a Billiard was.

This is also an interesting resource for old catalogs. The website has a really bad layout with broken links, but it's still fun to poke around in. http://pipepages.com/
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PremalChheda
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by PremalChheda »

Ocelot55 wrote:The PIMO book will not teach you shaping. The best reference materials for classic shapes are old catalogs from the various manufacturers. The earlier the catalog the better. There have been successful reprints of several, BBB, Dunhill, and Loewe come to mind, but there are also digital representations online. Examine these enough and you'll stumble across some inconsistencies, but by and large most people agreed what the basic shape of a Billiard was.

This is also an interesting resource for old catalogs. The website has a really bad layout with broken links, but it's still fun to poke around in. http://pipepages.com/

IAWJJ

Also, try to grab a few old kaywoodies on the cheap from ebay as physical examples. The 3rd dimension comes in very handy.
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hutchpipes
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by hutchpipes »

Perfect! I assume the kaywoodie is a really cheap pipe
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PremalChheda
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by PremalChheda »

hutchpipes wrote:Perfect! I assume the kaywoodie is a really cheap pipe

Yes, but try to get the ones from 1970's and earlier. They have some real nice shape examples. However, there are some bad ones too.
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sandahlpipe
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by sandahlpipe »

Yeah, the PIMO book is really only for the hobbyist who doesn't want to invest much time or money into proper tooling.

If you really want to learn the classics, I can't recommend highly enough that you get your hands on a good example and study it for a good while, paying attention to how the lines go from every angle. Whether you do that by buying a pipe to study or by going to a show to look is up to you. Study the pipes via pictures on shape charts and online, but there's no substitute for holding the real deal.

The classic (1930-40's) Dunhill billiards are probably the best factory examples. Later ones from them aren't as consistent. Most of the high grade guys can make a decent billiard. I bought one from Walt Cannoy when I first needed to study the shape and it has been really nice to learn from and appreciate.
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Charl
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by Charl »

I also started with the Pimo book. In those years there was absolutely nothing else!
With all the information available on the web nowadays, I would say there is no need to waste any money on it.
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WCannoy
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by WCannoy »

Start with the billiard... https://youtu.be/83UEf1g2xuU
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hutchpipes
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Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by hutchpipes »

Walt, I can't tell you how helpful this was. Thank you for taking the time to help a new guy. I learned 3 things.

1- I need a lathe. Pipe making will be incredibly hard without one. The way I'm doing it is incredibly hard to get correct shapes.

2- I need to go take a woodworking lathe class. I'm pretty familiar in my shop with what I have but this is a whole new ball game.

3- I need to start studying shapes. Then I need to start drawing them.

Thanks again for taking the time to help the new guy.
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mightysmurf8201
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by mightysmurf8201 »

hutchpipes wrote:3- I need to start studying shapes. Then I need to start drawing them.
A few months ago I began focusing on drawing my pipes out in detail before starting them, to include stem and any embelishments. This has helped me a great deal in having a clear picture of what I want my end product to look like.
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WCannoy
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by WCannoy »

mightysmurf8201 wrote:
hutchpipes wrote:3- I need to start studying shapes. Then I need to start drawing them.
A few months ago I began focusing on drawing my pipes out in detail before starting them, to include stem and any embelishments. This has helped me a great deal in having a clear picture of what I want my end product to look like.

Plan your work, work your plan!
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PremalChheda
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by PremalChheda »

hutchpipes wrote:Walt, I can't tell you how helpful this was. Thank you for taking the time to help a new guy. I learned 3 things.

1- I need a lathe. Pipe making will be incredibly hard without one. The way I'm doing it is incredibly hard to get correct shapes.

2- I need to go take a woodworking lathe class. I'm pretty familiar in my shop with what I have but this is a whole new ball game.

3- I need to start studying shapes. Then I need to start drawing them.

Thanks again for taking the time to help the new guy.
1 - A drill press or wood lathe will work as well. Metal lathe is much better.

2 - A class is not necessarily needed, but if you do take one... If you are going to get a metal lathe, take a machining class. If you are going to get a wood lathe, take a wood turning class.

3- Yes!
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The Smoking Yeti
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by The Smoking Yeti »

WCannoy wrote:
Plan your work, work your plan!
You should make cat posters for a living.
My pipemaking stream of conscience/ website:

http://yetipipe.tumblr.com/
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Sasquatch
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by Sasquatch »

Doesn't he?
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Rodneywt1180b
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Re: Classic Pipe Shapes

Post by Rodneywt1180b »

If you get a wood lathe you might consider joining a wood turning club. Membership fees are generally going to be cheaper than a wood turning class. Also, most classes are geared toward one particular subject related to turning and may not have anything to do with pipe making. You may not have any fellow pipe makers in the club to mentor you but many lathe operations are the same no matter what you're making.
If you can afford it, a metal lathe is probably the best way to go. It's a big investment if you're not sure it's something you want to do though. You can make a pipe on a wood lathe or drill press but getting the fit just right is easier on a metal lathe.
Rodney
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