All of my kits so far & the next two in line have been pre-drilled kits with pre-molded stems. I've found it kind of tricky to file down the existing wide button but practice makes perfect.
My finishing technique on this pipe was: Sand to 400 grit, stain black & let dry overnight. Sand to 400, stain brown & let dry overnight. Sand to 600, stain brown & let dry overnight. Sand with 1200, then tripoli buff, then wax. The stain I was using was the powder from PIMO mixed with denatured alcohol.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions, critiques and anything else!
-Chris
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