First Attempt at a Usable Pipe

[2smoke]

This is my first real attempt at making a usable pipe. While it's a LONG way from being pretty, I have learned much up to this point. I'm using cherry wood to practice on, and while I know, it's much softer than briar, but it's cheaper too. I have a lot to learn, I'm ok with the way this one turned out. Everyone's got to start somewhere and this is where I'm starting.
Thanks for looking.
2smoke

[Massis]

Cherry is used by some eastern european factories for pipes (such as Mr. Brog iirc) so that's ok. However, I think you bowl walls are too thin and will burn through. For the shank the opposite is true, it could be half the current size.

You could make the chamber a bit deeper still, so the draft hole enters on level with the bottom, instead of below it.

[2smoke]

Thanks Massis. This is not the shape I was going for and the walls were supposed to be much thicker, but, I made mistakes in contouring and had to keep going in hopes that I could salvage it. As for the draft hole, I think it is an optical illusion as the chamber is too deep already I believe. Thanks for your critique, I have a lot to learn.
Thanks
2smoke

[Sasquatch]

Yeah I see the draft hole now - looks like a bit of burning right in the center of the chamber, not the draft.

Well, I mean, keep going... do you have a stem to fit?

[2smoke]

That is correct Sasquatch, I need to do a better job of sharpening my bit so it will cut smooth at the bottom. I do not have a stem yet and I see where having a stem in it would make the shaping a little easier as well. Where would you suggest that i go for stems? Once I feel good about making stummels I'll give stem making a go. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Massis]

Yeah I see the draft hole now - looks like a bit of burning right in the center of the chamber, not the draft.

Well, I mean, keep going... do you have a stem to fit?

Yeah, on second look that isn't the draft hole...

That is correct Sasquatch, I need to do a better job of sharpening my bit so it will cut smooth at the bottom. I do not have a stem yet and I see where having a stem in it would make the shaping a little easier as well. Where would you suggest that i go for stems? Once I feel good about making stummels I'll give stem making a go. Thanks for the encouragement.

Since you're learning stummels right now, go easy on the stemwork and use premolds, like these:
http://vermontfreehand.com/vulcanite/

Take into account though that these too need the tenon made to size, for example with their tenon turner tool if you don't have a lathe.