Hi All,
New to pipecrafting and needing to get some feedback on my first "real" pipe. Its actually the 3rd pipe I've made but the first one that I drilled the tobacco hole and draught hole myself. The first two were "kits". I enjoy crafting these pipes and would like to sell a few. Needing some expert opinion on what I need to do or not do.
This first one came out fairly well, although I think I pushed the envelope with the thin shank and bit. The bad part is as I got into the briar I found a LARGE check in the middle of the block that I couldn't bypass without making the pipe too thin on the top edge. As a result there is a small crack still visible on the top edge of the bowl. You can kind of see it in the second picture toward the left edge of the pipe.
Problems I encountered were getting a good, tight fit between the shank and bit. I squared the shank with a forstner bit but there is still a little gap. And my finish isn't what I'd hoped, even throught 800 grit sanding, buffing and waxing yet still doesn't look like I achieved the mirror finish I like so well on all the "pros" pipes.
I'll try to post a picture or two of my first pipe. Would appreciate any comments or suggestions for doing better.
My next will be a freehand!
Thanks for looking!
David
My First "Real" Pipe
Nice looking pipe David. The bottom of the shank as it meets the bowl looks a bit awkward to me, as does the sudden bend in the stem. You did a really nice job on the bowl shank transition on the top of the shank. Niecely done. The sides of the transition seel a little soft for my tastes, but thats just a preference. All in all a good looking pipe. How does it smoke?
For your third pipe, that is very nice. Good work.
I also use a forstner bit when squaring the shank. I have found that not all forstner bits are exactly square. For instance, my 1 inch forstner will leave a crown, or dome shape on the end of the shank, and I have taken a piece of acrylic rod and glued a fine disc of sandpaper to the end to which I chuck in the drill press and lightly sand the end of the shank after using the forstner bit. Now my shanks are square.
I also use a forstner bit when squaring the shank. I have found that not all forstner bits are exactly square. For instance, my 1 inch forstner will leave a crown, or dome shape on the end of the shank, and I have taken a piece of acrylic rod and glued a fine disc of sandpaper to the end to which I chuck in the drill press and lightly sand the end of the shank after using the forstner bit. Now my shanks are square.
Thanks Nick
Thanks for your critique. I appreciate it. I hadn't noticed the shank/bottom of the bowl before you mentioned it. Didn't notice it had somewhat of a radius to it. Something I can watch for in the future! It smokes well, has a free draw but not hot. And of course enjoying a pipe I made myself is great.Nick wrote:Nice looking pipe David. The bottom of the shank as it meets the bowl looks a bit awkward to me, as does the sudden bend in the stem. You did a really nice job on the bowl shank transition on the top of the shank. Niecely done. The sides of the transition seel a little soft for my tastes, but thats just a preference. All in all a good looking pipe. How does it smoke?
Shank/stem squaring
Thanks Mark it wouldn't surprise me if my forstner bits aren't exactly square, I bought them at Harbor Freight and they aren't known for the best quality. The more I think about it though I think the problem with the gap between my stem/shank is the brass band I used. One other thing I can watch for the next time. Didn't think to check to see if it was flat. But I'm fairly positive the stem and shank fitted well before I epoxied in the band. More to watch for on my next crafting!marks wrote:For your third pipe, that is very nice. Good work.
I also use a forstner bit when squaring the shank. I have found that not all forstner bits are exactly square. For instance, my 1 inch forstner will leave a crown, or dome shape on the end of the shank, and I have taken a piece of acrylic rod and glued a fine disc of sandpaper to the end to which I chuck in the drill press and lightly sand the end of the shank after using the forstner bit. Now my shanks are square.