Very basic questions about forming a stummel from a block

[Dave in Maryland]

I am a serious amateur woodworker and turner with a decently outfitted shop. Years ago I made a couple of pipes from kits with predrilled holes, using wood rasps and files, and that is the extent of my pipemaking experience. Now I want to give it another try, starting from a rough block of briar.

My biggest questions relate to how you get from a block of briar to a properly shaped stummel. I can easily envision where a lathe would be the most appropriate tool, but there is obviously a lot one can't do using a lathe. Is it common practice to use power tools, and, if so, to what extent and what is the preferred procedure?

And what tools are essential for pipemaking that one might not normally find in the average wood shop?

I'd be grateful for the thoughts of the more experienced.

[kbadkar]

Start here: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=2808

It's a "sticky" post by Kurt about tooling up. Aspiring pipemakers all ask that same question when starting out.

[Dave in Maryland]

Thanks! That will get me rolling.

[Sasquatch]

Likewise, exactly how a guy goes about making pipes depends on the tools he has. A lathe is nice, for sure, but no particular tool is absolutely necessary to make a pipe.

[kkendall]

An excellent collection of videos :
http://www.tylerlanepipes.com/modules.p ... ummel_Work

[kbadkar]

... but no particular tool is absolutely necessary to make a pipe.

Well, I'd say an electric drill, bits, files, sandpaper, and preferably a buffing wheel attachment are minimum if you're starting with an undrilled block. Pimo's book shows how to do it with minimum tooling.

[kbadkar]

I take that back, this guy makes pipes with his teeth and fingernails (takes forever), though he claims to have used every power tool his shop to make it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/new-HandMade-Virgin ... 1c02b59c5d



Oh, and if you've got a little extra cash, he's got a Stradivarius violin going for pretty cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/antique-STRADIVARIU ... 518d6fe328

[SimeonTurner]

I like using nothing but my bare fingers. It takes a LONG time to rub the wood away the way you like, and "drilling" is a real pain (literally), but you can't complain about the level of control you have over your tools. Really precise.

[flix]

Oh, my! You mean I don't have to use my toe-nails and can use my finger-nails instead!? Wow, that's a relief!

[T3pipes]

I've been putting denatured alcohol in strategic locations, and simply burning off the unwanted wood to get the wanted shape. Experience has taught me to not have the stem attached when using this method, they tend to melt, so it's extra hard to have a smooth line to the shank.

[e Markle]

Oh, and if you've got a little extra cash, he's got a Stradivarius violin going for pretty cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/antique-STRADIVARIU ... 518d6fe328

Oh, right, that's about what I paid for my first Stradivarius

I don't claim to use perfect grammar, but I did enjoy this tidbit from his auction: "found at an upcale [sic] estate sale--wherein children were selling-off elders"

...If I had only known that was an option, my childhood would have been much more pleasant.

[KurtHuhn]

Oh, and if you've got a little extra cash, he's got a Stradivarius violin going for pretty cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/antique-STRADIVARIU ... 518d6fe328

That's particularly amusing since I also have an "original" "Stradivarius". I think I paid $100 for it, because it actually sounded pretty good and one of my kids was interested in picking up the fiddle.

[loosvelt]

Dave where you live in MD??

[Dave in Maryland]

Thanks to all of you for the helpful advice. I even know where to turn when I'm ready to build my next violin. With my fingernails.

[LexKY_Pipe]

Good luck. Welcome to the forum.

[Patrick]

First use a band saw or coping saw to cut around the block to form a rough stummel
(That is after you drilled your tob. chamber and air hole/mortise).
Then use a 6 or 7 inch disc sander attached to a lathe or a laid down drill press to
trim more wood close to the shape of the finished pipe outline.
Next use a small belt sander to finish more of the stummel.
Finally use various grades of sand paper to finish.
After staining take a smooth shinny metal rod and rub the
stummel to close the wood fibers (and it also creates a shinny stummel).
Finally carnauba wax pipe.

[Dave in Maryland]

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't really thought about burnishing but will give it a try.