Broken hearted

[bandkbrooks]

I've gotten my second bad piece of briar in a row. I sanded hoping and hoping the pits / fissures would magically disappear and BLAM sanded through the bowl. I know of course there is no going back. Is there anything to ease the pain of $ gone and also the promise of a beautiful pipe (it was actually a good shape). I'm sure good ale will help but dang I'm disappointed. I'm just a hobbyist and frankly every time I buy a kit I know it's a gamble, but dang!

[Patrick]

1. Try a different supplier and don't buy a kit pipe.
2. You can try maple, apple, cherry, or any good dry seasoned fruit wood (from a fruit tree).
3. Pipemakers emporium on the web carries briar and so does Pimo pipe craft.

[stummel bum]

Had the same problem when I was using kits. I'm convinced the worst briar gets used for kits (although pimo's kits have pretty decent wood). I've gotten 3 blocks from PME now that I'm drilling my own and that wood is great.

Next time you end up with briar flaws (barring terminal flaws) just rusticate the thing. Gives you good experience learning some different skills. A well done rustication will always look better than wood with flaws in it. Or, if it's just going to be for yourself, leave the flaws there unless they're really huge.

[Tyler]

Don't worry about pits. Make your shape and quit.

If the briar had a flaw that went through to the bowl, then some super glue will likely make it smoke-able. If there were a bunch of cracks, it was improperly cured, and you might want to consider a better source for kits.

Pits are part of pipe making. Don't let them discourage you.

[bandkbrooks]

Thanks guys. I really don't have the set up to drill the briar my self so kits are really the only option. I will probably get some from Tim West. Tyler, are you making kits? I have NO plans to quit. I guess I just hit a bad patch.

[Tyler]

Thanks guys. I really don't have the set up to drill the briar my self so kits are really the only option. I will probably get some from Tim West. Tyler, are you making kits? I have NO plans to quit. I guess I just hit a bad patch.

Nope. I don't make kits.

I think Kurt does. I'd recommend inquiring with him.

[bandkbrooks]

Here are a couple of shots of the unfinished pipe that died. Sniffle.





I named it The Dean after fantasy artist Roger Dean (many Yes album covers). It reminded me of one of his "floating" landscape paintings.

I won't even take a picture of the other side.

[T3pipes]

Go ahead and finish shaping and smoothing this pipe. You may not be able to smoke it, but you can practice on it without having to worry about messing it up.

[bandkbrooks]

You speak the truth. I've got another one that I'll post as well. I have attempted a claw and egg and tried to document the steps as I went along. Seriously flawed wood but it has been really good practice.