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Hiya

Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 12:28 am
by Brian M
Real name: Brian M
Age: 25
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Years a pipe smoker: 1.5
How you got into pipe making: I like making my own stuff
Other interesting facts:

I've been smoking pipes (and cigars) for about a year and a half. I started dabbling with making pipes about a year ago. I took a long break over the winter though, because working outside in the cold just isnt fun.

Still basically 'dabbling' but i'm actively trying to improve my pipes. I have been making nothing except for billiards this year (and 1 freehand). I like them a lot, but i also read here that its good practice.

I am lucky in that my dad used to be a mechanic, so i have a fully stocked garage. All ive invested in so far as been a cheap wood lathe(i mostly regret this purchase) and a cheap harbor freight bandsaw(love it). I do most of the shaping on an old 4x32" belt sander

Been using the Vermont freehand preformed stems but i am interested in trying to hand-cut my own. I have a vulcanite blank and delrin rods but i have not tried yet. This is what i would consider my "best work" http://imgur.com/a/Q1Jtv . I like to add the Abalone dots to my stems. They are a touch girly but i think they look cool and i havnt seen anyone else do it (though i'm sure i'm not the first)

Anyways, some fun facts:

My go-to pipe tobacco is Dunhill Royal Yacht

Favorite briar pipe is a Savinelli petite 402(belge) rusticated

I read a lot of fantasy novels

I'm terrible at taking pictures

My biggest issue in making pipes has been fitting the tenon. Have cracked multiple shanks and ground a bunch of preformed stems too small

Second biggest issue has been drilling the mortise too deep

Sorry if thats a bit long for an introduction. But Thanks for reading =)

Re: Hiya

Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:45 am
by mightysmurf8201
Welcome! Keep lurking and reading and learn all you can from this forum. If you really want to step your game up, post some of your work in the gallery for critique. You'll get some great feedback. Again, welcome!

Re: Hiya

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 10:52 am
by PremalChheda
Welcome, are you ready to strangle George rr Martin with anticipation?

Re: Hiya

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 3:33 pm
by Brian M
Thanks guys!

Hehe. I've never read any George RR Martin. I started watching the show before i got into fantasy so ive never really had the desire to read the novels

Re: Hiya

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 10:46 am
by DocAitch
Welcome.
You started right with the billiards
I reviewed the pipe on Imgur, not too bad a start. I also encourage you to post in the Gallery, it can be painful but you will get a lot of help. Some of it takes a while to sink in, but when it does, your pipe making will improve.
As for the fantasy, the Game of Thrones was a great read way way before the series. One of my past times is picking out where the series deviates from the books. I am just hoping that George RR Martin doesn't die (like Robert Jordan) before he finishes, and yes, Premal, I could strangle him..
DocAitch