Age: 35
Location: Monaca, PA (About 50 minutes North of Pittsburgh)
Years a pipe smoker: Off and on for about 15 years.
How you got into pipe making: I've always smoked cheaper pipes, and as I started making my way into more expensive pipes, I thought I would rather make my own nice pipes, than give somebody else money for their pipes.
Other interesting facts: I'm a former USMC Sergeant. I went to school to be a pastor. I started a part time business this year to turn wood products and pipes (http://www.thebriardden.com) . I am concentrating on pens now, but have turned some failed attempts at pipes, and finally a successful pipe that I will keep and treasure. I am currently gathering wood to practice making pipes. I'm just coming off from beating AML, so money is gone, but my father in law bought me a lathe when he heard I was interested. Can't find a job, so I'm trying to make one. If I want to start selling pipes, I need to make sure that I am making quality pipes, because I don't want to sell folks a waste of their own hard earned money. So, I've come to sponge as much knowledge from much more experienced pipe makers, and learn from your mistakes, as well as your successes.
My current setup:
Grizzly T25926 10"x18" VS Wood Lathe
I also have a table saw, band saw, drill press, bench grinder, bench sander (disk and 1" belt)
I'm doing all of this on my dining room table, or I move it outside on my porch when the weather is nice. I have no room anywhere else.
