I LITERALLY have no idea what I'm doing. I traced pencil marks over the most pronounced grain patterns on the block and then just went to town with my tools.
Here is my progress so far:
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/eYHVV7x.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/Qk3qPZO.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/0f21vjd.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/ShpdTVq.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/4XU5pM2.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/KWSv8x5.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/HOQ5R5p.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/jzhynAC.jpg)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/5hu7QJ5.jpg)
(No clue if those links are gonna work... *crossing fingers*)
So I realize now (after reading through this forum) that I should have DEFINITELY drilled before I started shaping. :/ That would've been good info up front, Premal.
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
But before I potentially mess this up completely I wanted to share it with you guys. And yes, I've seen the way you guys tear someone's hard effort to shreds and I've prepared myself... You can give me your worst. (just be gentle)
My only disclaimer (other than the fact that I POSITIVELY don't know what in the world I'm doing and had never even thought about making a pipe until I saw that piece of briar) would be that the shape it's become was largely dictated by a blemish I just kept sanding - perpetually at what I thought was the end of the spot. What I've learned is that apparently this fissure goes all the way to the pit of hell. I eventually gave up sanding when I felt that it was gonna be impossible to keep it looking symmetrical and drill the holes.
Hopefully I can do a little more shaping after drilling to clean up the shape a bit... but until then it is what it is.:/
The shank might need to loose weight on the top (I'm hoping that after I get a stem fitted I'll see more clearly what needs to happen.) I'm also not in love with the natural edge on the shank face. It's just kinda meh. So that may change too.
No clue what the name of the traditional pipe shape I'm butchering here is, but I'm calling it "Leeroy Jenkins".
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Anyways... My name is Chris. feel free to kick the new guy in the nuts (if you must).