The first is my last kit. Although I'm taking some of the credit for the work as the stem is a repair job (albeit probably not a very good one) of a broken stem from an earlier kit. Because of the delrin tenon I used I also had to redrill the mortise. This one is briar, stained black, and then orange, and then yellow in attempt to somewhat match the stem color.
The second pipe is my very first attempt at drilling, and stem making. In other words, my first "real" attempt at pipe making. It is also my first time working with Michigan Cherry Wood. I have enough of it left to make about 24 more, with a huge supply still available in Wisconsin too, so, I suspect there will be alot more of them in the future. I tried for an apple shape, I think I found it. For the record I know there is a gap between the stummel and stem
I hope to avoid that in the future. As usual, and comments are, of course, welcome and encouraged.
Oh yeah, I still need to sand the excess stain out of the bowl before I send them too. I suppose I should have done that prior to taking the photos. Ah well, live and learn.
. I have to agree with T3pipes remarks,keep it on and practise your hands.