Finally a new pipe to post.....Bent Apple

[scotties22]

I started this quite a while ago. One thing leading to another I just finished it a few weeks ago.

Grecian Briar
Cumberland Half Saddle Stem
Shank extension in Orange Osage

5.15" long
1.95" tall
.87" chamber 1.29" deep









Sorry the pictures are a little crappy. I am trying to get things set up right. My husband went to Lowes this morning and the one thing he forgot was another light for me .

I would appreciate some honest (don't hold back) feedback.

Thanks,
Scottie

[Ocelot55]

Beautiful. No critique other than your bit could stand to be a little thinner. Your best pipe yet.

[d.huber]

Scottie, what a lovely pipe. Nice work.

The stem looks a little thick to me, but that's it.

[scotties22]

Thanks guys.

The bit is a bit (haha) thick. This was my second hand cut stem and I got a little carried away with the funnel. It is .174" behind the bit. I really think if I take any more off I'll be into the airway.

[rijks]

That's a really good work ! do you have a website to see other works ?

Best regards,

[scotties22]

Thanks Patrick. No website yet. It's in the works, but my graphics designer is running behind and hasn't had time to get to it. Every pipe I've made is in the gallery here though.

[JMG]

Beautiful. No critique other than your bit could stand to be a little thinner. Your best pipe yet.

+1

[BigCasino]

Nice work Scottie I really like this one

[AlfaDog]

Whoa! I really like this one just the way it is. Fantastic.

[wmolaw]

Very, very nice. I also think this is your best to date.

[Charl]

Getting there!
I would have dropped the osage orange. It has no use, in my eyes, if it is the same colour as the stummel.

[e Markle]

Getting there!
I would have dropped the osage orange. It has no use, in my eyes, if it is the same colour as the stummel.

+1


I think that's a nice pipe. I wouldn't argue with the shank being a tad longer, but it's nice. As noted, the stem needs a few alterations as well. Those are pretty easy to read, identify and learn about.

Let me preface the next bit with a common disclaimer: I have no idea what your goals are with pipe making - if you're just enjoying learning to make a pipe, then you've made an excellent "hobby" pipe, and you should be proud of it. If you're trying to earn an income at it, then this is a bit more scrutiny.

Aside from the above, the one thing that stands out to me, is the long straight line on the bottom of the shank that runs basically from the back of the bowl to half way up the stem. It looks rigid, and it needs more flow. It's essentially a straight shank that you've rotated to intercept the bowl at angle X. A lot of maker's early pipes look like this - mine included. If you extend the curve past the back of the bowl, you'll have a more graceful pipe. See the below:

[wdteipen]

I agree with what Remarkable said and agree that the bit and stem are a bit thick. The other thing I see is that the length of the stem is too short and out of proportion with the rest of the pipe. One good rule of thumb is to match your stem length with a measurement on another part of the pipe; preferably the length from the shank to the heel of the pipe. In the pipe Ernie posted, check out the length of the stem in relation to the length from the end of the shank cap to the heel.

[scotties22]

@ Charl- I got a little wild and crazy drilling the airway and took a big notch out of the back of the mortise. At the time the Orange Osage was the only thing I had onhand to use as an extension. At first the stain on this pipe was going to be a deeper red and it would have stood out more. As I got into staining I noticed that I had a few spots that weren't taking stain like the rest of the pipe. I resanded at 220 and restained lighter and it came out more even.

@ Ernie- I am working on keeping the lines flowing from bit to bowl. This was the second (maybe third) stummel I turned on my lathe and I was so worried about not snapping the shank it ended up straight. I do intend (some day) to be more than a hobbiest. I have sold a few pipes and have a few more to get out the door. But, right now I will keep soaking up all the advise I get here and try to put it into the next pipe.

@ Wayne- I was so excited that I actually turned a tenon and shaped a stem that I didn't even notice the stem should have been about another inch(ish) longer until I was staining the pipe . I'm not the most observant woman in the world most of the time. The pot that I just posted I paid close attention to the stem/stummel proportions and think they came out pretty good (almost exactly the same...but not quite).

Thanks guys for taking the time to critique my work. I really do want to develope a solid skill set and make a name (in a good way) for myself in the pipe world.