Two pipe. Please judge me :-)

[R.Wozniak]

So first pipe for critique,












And second pipe for critique

[wdteipen]

Both very nice pipes.

The only thing that I see that I don't like is your button and slot on both. The slot is too wide. It seems that that shouldn't be an issue and is just a personal preference but there's a structural reason why wider isn't better. Where the stem tapers to the sides, there is less material and can be an eventual point of failure and bite through. Your buttons are too tall for my taste. They almost look like dental bits. Works great for guys with dentures but for some it may be off putting.

Last thing I see that could be refined is the bend in the stem of the second pipe. It bends in the middle then goes straight to the button. The bend should carry through the length of the stem somewhat. This is usually the result of not thoroughly heating the stem before bending.

I really like the second pipe.

[Tyler]

Both very nice pipes.

The only thing that I see that I don't like is your button and slot on both. The slot is too wide. It seems that that shouldn't be an issue and is just a personal preference but there's a structural reason why wider isn't better. Where the stem tapers to the sides, there is less material and can be an eventual point of failure and bite through. Your buttons are too tall for my taste. They almost look like dental bits. Works great for guys with dentures but for some it may be off putting.

Last thing I see that could be refined is the bend in the stem of the second pipe. It bends in the middle then goes straight to the button. The bend should carry through the length of the stem somewhat. This is usually the result of not thoroughly heating the stem before bending.

I really like the second pipe.

Ditto

[Charl]

Yip, agree!
There is something a little off to me about the "saddle" part of the 2nd pipe, but I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe if it had a tiny bit of flare to the ring? Personally, I would also put a bit of chamfer to the bowl. But all this is just personal and not too serious.
Well done!

[R.Wozniak]

Thank guys. I try to make it better next pipes.

[DocAitch]

I like that you went from a "standard" shape that is extremely well executed to a freehand which is also very well done. I suspect that you spent more time on the standard than the freehand.
I think that the problem with the freehand stem is the fact that the radius of the saddle is not quite smooth and sweeping. It is well polished but the steps where the radius changed are visible. I ran into this problem while cutting the stems for my PITH entry. Lots of time with a round file, then multiple grades of sand paper while it is on the lathe was my solution.
Very well done.
DocAitch

[R.Wozniak]

Hi everyone. Thanks for advice once again.
I make some new pipes and hope I make stems better. Could you look at this?
Of course some unpleasant words about pipes also welcome

[Tyler]

What lessons from the first pipes did you apply to these?

[DocAitch]

I think I still see "waves" in the flare of that first stem. There is also a definite line where you transitioned from the flare to the stem proper. This is tricky and requires careful lathe technique.
I also think that the "thumb hole" or whatever that is on that first shank is totally non functional weight on an otherwise lovely pipe.
Your smooth finishes are very attractive, as are your sand blasts.
The buttons look well done but a little too tall vertically (especially the first one), what is your measurement from top to bottom? I would also like to see side shots of the buttons.
Other than these quibbles, I think your pipes are great, and I would happily smoke any of the last three.
They are very well done from what I see in these limited views.
DocAitch

[R.Wozniak]

What lessons from the first pipes did you apply to these?

Narrower slots.
I know that bending the mouthpiece is still not perfect, but it is older pipe.

[R.Wozniak]

I think I still see "waves" in the flare of that first stem. There is also a definite line where you transitioned from the flare to the stem proper. This is tricky and requires careful lathe technique.
I also think that the "thumb hole" or whatever that is on that first shank is totally non functional weight on an otherwise lovely pipe.
Your smooth finishes are very attractive, as are your sand blasts.
The buttons look well done but a little too tall vertically (especially the first one), what is your measurement from top to bottom? I would also like to see side shots of the buttons.
Other than these quibbles, I think your pipes are great, and I would happily smoke any of the last three.
They are very well done from what I see in these limited views.
DocAitch

"Thumb hole" is because this pipe is hanging on the pipe rack.
Here is whole pipe kit: http://www.wozniakpipes.com/?project=piho-pipe-kit
I have not sandblast machine so I make just smooth and rusticated pipe for now.
Buttons height... I have to measure them. Mouthpiece has 3,9-4,1 mm
I'll try to make more pictures.

[DocAitch]

I see, but it still looks heavy.
Are the scales on that knife also briar? Beautiful job on that.
I looked at those other pipes several times and decided it was a sandblast technique. You sure fooled me, very nice rustication!
DocAitch

[danilo]

I see, but it still looks heavy.
Are the scales on that knife also briar? Beautiful job on that.
I looked at those other pipes several times and decided it was a sandblast technique. You sure fooled me, very nice rustication!
DocAitch

Same here, specially the last one.

[maxmil]

Very nice, the two pipes.
Best regards.
Félix