pipemakersforum.com

Can one use pen blanks for stems? Example: http://www.exoticblanks.com/acrylic-resin-blanks/

Thanks,

Eric

Yes, you can. Just be sure you know what material they are as there are many different plastics used for pen blanks. I've had the most luck with acrylic. Polyester is usually softer and can be quite brittle.

Also, some polyesters will pretend to take a bend, but will slowly straighten over time.

--K

nothing as fun as a full bent suddenly becoming a straight and dumping hot ashes in your face

I noticed they had some Ebonite on the site too. Expensive, but kind of pretty. I'm not sure how the quality would compare to what most pipe makers use, but it might be worth a try.

A while back, Dawn over at Exotic blanks told me that they sold SEM rods. Judging by the pics, that looks to still be the case.

--K

I also a penturner, Exotics has top of the line inventory, only the best. The problem is that it is designed for penturners not pipemakers. I would check what and how it is made and if it can be used for pipes before buying more than a sample to try.

Massis wrote:nothing as fun as a full bent suddenly becoming a straight and dumping hot ashes in your face

Now that's funny LOL!