Pipe #2 - Billiard in progress

[Houncer]

Hello,

I am working on my second pipe & second go at a billiard. This started out as a pre-drilled kit & would love some suggestions on how to make this a better billiard before I proceed.

I can already see that in the front view I need to make the sides more symmetrical. I found the point where the shank & bowl meet to be exceptionally difficult! Tools at my disposal include belt sander, files, sandpaper and drill press.

I know many of you are getting ready or on your way to Chicago, so thanks to anyone who has a minute or two to help me out.

-Chris

[sandahlpipe]

For a second pipe, that's not bad at all. A proper billiard has a belly on the front of the bowl. You would just need to remove a bit more from the chin to make that happen here. Then there needs to be a bit of taper towards the top of the bowl. Otherwise, symmetry isn't quite right here. The second to last picture shows how the curve around the bottom of the bowl is different on the right versus the left.

[Houncer]

Thanks Jeremiah, I will work on a chin & symmetry as you suggested and post photos again. By the way, I really enjoyed your interview on the Pipes Magazine Radio show!

[sandahlpipe]

Thanks, man! Keep up the good work!

[clickklick]

Not speaking as a pipe maker, but as a pipe smoker, your bit hurts my teeth.

[Houncer]

Clickklick, how can I improve the bit? It is a premolded stem that came with the kit and, aside from sanding, didn't alter it at all. Thanks for the feedback!

[Houncer]

After looking at the stems on my other pipes it is pretty obvious! I will file this one a bit and round things over too.

[Houncer]

Here is how this one finished up. I tried giving the bowl more symmetry, a belly & a chin. I softened and shrunk the bit too. Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it! On to billiard 3.

Chris

[sandahlpipe]

Now that you're finished, notice how the lines where the light reflect aren't straight. Those wobbles indicate that you have some valleys in your shaping. It takes patience and a bit of technique and practice, but keeping those lines straight makes a huge differed in the looks of the finished product.