Pipe Kit...

[flea1]

I just got my pipe kit...I was wondering if it would be smart to do more of a squared body first? I don't have a lathe and have never used one to turn out a rounded pipe. Can you shape pipe on a drill press?

[Chadd]

Well, I'm fairly new at this myself. I started with a PIMO kit. A box-like pipe is probably the easiest to make, and probably a good place to start. Make, smoke it, and if you later decide that you would rather have a rounded shape, just take more wood off...pipes are cool that way.

As for shaping with a drill press. Since I don't own a lathe, I have been shaping with my drill press and bandsaw. I picked up a rubber sanding drum arbor from Lowes and they sell the sanding drums as well. One thing to keep in mind is that applying horizontal pressure to the drill press will eventually weaken the bearings and lead to less-than-accurate drilling.

Also, if you don't have a good set of chisels, get a set and keep them sharp. Irwin(formerly Marples) are decent and reasonably priced. I use the 3/8" and 1/4" for shaping the stem.

Anyway, have fun and post a photo of your handiwork.

Chadd

[bscofield]

I just got my pipe kit...I was wondering if it would be smart to do more of a squared body first? I don't have a lathe and have never used one to turn out a rounded pipe. Can you shape pipe on a drill press?

Uhh... you can go square. But if you are really anal right out of the gate concerning pipe making, you'll find that square pipes are harder (IMO) to get the angles correct on than a simple billiard. Not everyone on here has posted that they agree with that (on this post and others) but I certainly find square pipes harder. Depending on your budget, your new best friend could be a belt sander. I highly recommend my newest tool. It's a 1" belt sander and a 4" disc sander with a velcro backing. It was only $69. It was a "GMC" brand and I got it at Lowe's. Here's a link to it:

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=product ... 07-BD18OUL

[flea1]

Damn you guys are the greatest...I am glad to know that not have lathe is not that big of a deal. I like the looks of that sander and never thought about a Dremel. Cool...I will post it when it is finished. Thanks again everybody!

[flea1]

So Random....you sculpt all your pipes from a Dremel and files? I was looking at your pipes....very nice! Did it take you a while to turn out some good pipes using this method?

[flea1]

Well I hope that I am able to produce saleable pipes as well some day. I have never worked with wood but do pick up on things very easily. I love art and think this will be a fun project.

[flea1]

Hey guys...what is the best way to round out the shank? In the Pimo book they say for your first pipe to make a squared shape pipe...I received a round stem with my kit? Looks like I will be attempting a rounded shape pipe...

[jeff]

Also, remember to shape the shank with the stem attached! Otherwise you will likely round the corners of the shank and risk losing a flush fit. Good luck

Jeff

[flea1]

Cool...thanks guys!


Joshua

[Nick]

I know I'm being goofy here, but that means you sand from the briar to the vulcanite stem? Would lucite be different?

Thanks bud

[flea1]

So would it be wise to cut the briar down with my bandsaw? (This is new to me so I don't squat about pipe making...)

[bscofield]

So would it be wise to cut the briar down with my bandsaw? (This is new to me so I don't squat about pipe making...)

Yeah. It's a big time saver. Be careful tho. You are not shaping with, just removing excess. Not sure where I fall into the spectrum of different methods but I cut away all but like 1/4" from where my lines are drawn onto the block. That way I can work with that 1/4" and bring out the round from the square.

[flea1]

Awesome...thanks for the pointers. Hope it turns out....when I finish it I will post some pick of it so you guys can rip it to shreds