I've been a pipe smoker/collector for the last 6 years. Two years ago, I bought a few pieces of briar from Pipe Makers Emporium and fancied myself a pipe maker.
Needless to say, I ran into a whole lot of issues and questions which have been humbling. Now I'm delighted to be perusing the vast depths of information that are available on this forum in the hopes that one day I may be worthy of the title "pipe maker."I'd like to be the first to say that I know absolutely nothing about crafting a pipe at this point. I'm still slowly working on two blocks that I started carving 2 years ago, so we'll see how that goes. They're both freehand. One is shaped but not drilled and the other is rough shaped and I'm in the process of drilling it freehand. Wasn't I smart to choose the hardest path for my first time out? Sheesh.
My tools are incredibly limited, so I'm currently making due with the rasps, files, gimlets, and sandpaper that I've accumulated so far. All of these hand tools have made the process slow but rewarding. I had a triumph recently where I was able to make the pilot hole for the chamber and the 3mm airway connect on the first try! It was a great moment, but I'm sure it had a great deal to do with beginner's luck.
Having read a handful of threads already, I'm going to try my hand at a traditional shape next so there can actually be a frame of reference for feedback. Y'know, once I actually complete a pipe.
Well, long story short: hi, I'm new.
