Spt Faced Shank Cap

[FredS]

What is the purpose of spot facing the shank cap/ring as on this Nanna Ivarsson Stanwell?

[Charl]

I suppose your "hiding" the shank/stem joint? Don't need to worry about a good fit then.

[KurtHuhn]

I don't know about other guys, but I do that for mine because it makes absolutely certain that the stem/shank fitment is always visually perfect, and over time will never become visually imperfect. When you use wood for that cap, it can change dimension, and if you have it flush fit, it can go out of flush.

That and the spot facing just looks better. Adds a layer of detail, and makes things appear more "together".

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not a way to make a shitty stem fitment look good. You should strive for good fitment regardless.

[JMG]

Not sure, but I like it. It gives it depth and dimension (to use a noun as a adjective.)

[Charl]

Regarding endcaps like these, what do you pro's prefer:
1) endcap epoxied just with face directly onto shankface
2) endcap turned with short tenon and then epoxied into oversize mortise on shank
or 3) shank turned down and encap fitted as ring over?
I'm inclined to lean towards nr3, but have seen all of them on pipes.

[e Markle]

Again, not a pro, but I think 2 or 3 would be fine. I've mostly seen 3.

Not sure if there's an advantage between the two. Sas?

[KurtHuhn]

I prefer 3, since that seems most secure and "finished" looking. 2 would also work, but 3 provides contact with briar throughout the mortis.

[Charl]

Thanks, guys!