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Really learning about woodworking and lathe tools, how to properly use them, making and sharpening tooling, etc. has become part of the joy and pleasure of making pipes for me. As a new pipe maker, I had this idea that you just drill some holes, shape the pipe, and finish it. I now know that learning the skills of a machinist is not only fascinating but will be invaluable/required especially when I get to the stage of buying a metal lathe. So lately, I've been spending a fair amount of time trying to learn machine shop basics and I'm getting addicted to it!

As a new and very novice pipe maker, the thought of tools beyond the basics never crossed my mind. After my short time here and making a few pipes I now know how important it is to learn and understand machine shop fundamentals and tooling. It was outside the realm of my experiences as I focused on math, science, and engineering (electrical) all my life. I never really was very interested in actually making anything by hand except for stained glass windows and lamps which doesn't require the types of tools we need to make pipes. Now, the shop is my favorite place to be in my spare time.

I assume most of you have taken some basic shop classes or worked in a shop prior to making pipes. To me, it's a new experience that I'm enjoying a lot. As an engineer, I find the tricks of the trade very interesting, and wholly shit, there's a lot to learn to become good at it when you think about it.

So, you guys, & gal, have started me down another path of learning something I enjoy and have opened my eyes to the value and skills that machinists have and I thank you for that. This new endeavor may slow the time I have to work on pipes a bit but I think it's worth it and required to be a good pipe maker.

I wouldn't say it's required but it sure does help. Prior to making my first pipe I pretty much had no shop training of any kind.

BobR wrote: I assume most of you have taken some basic shop classes or worked in a shop prior to making pipes. To me, it's a new experience that I'm enjoying a lot. As an engineer, I find the tricks of the trade very interesting, and wholly shit, there's a lot to learn to become good at it when you think about it.

I'm not "most of you" and not an engineer either. I basicly google, buy tools and experiment. Probably a very bad idea sometimes, as tools like a bandsaw are rather dangerous and sometimes plain scary as f*ck.

I do plan on having some decent tool skills taught to me as I agree with you that they can and will be rather helpful in making decent pipes.

wdteipen wrote:I wouldn't say it's required but it sure does help. Prior to making my first pipe I pretty much had no shop training of any kind.

I'm not talking about master machinist... basic shop skills. I freely admit I don't know anything about machining, how to make precision parts or the tooling required. I do want to be able to make other things on a lathe besides pipes. Hope I'm not biting off too much but for me I have time. I'm not relying on this for income so I figure why not get into this the best way I possibly can. I'm still hoping to take some classes or find a local machinist who will provide some training.

Bob

I learned my basic shop skills like I learned my mechanic skills and every other (What I like to call skills) skill. I just jumped in with both feet, bought the tools I thought I wanted/needed and slowly learned how to use them while having fun at the same time.

I'm still working on the tools sharpening skills needed with a metal lathe, but have become somewhat decent at fabrication of parts with both the lathe and the small mill I purchased.

I've made a few pipes with success and also made and make some tooling for my pipe making.

Bob, while learning on your own isn't always the best way, it can be done, fun and rewarding. Do as I always do when trying something new to me. I read all I can on the subject, machine use and outcome. I have also found that there is a forum now for just about anything so always join every forum I can to help in my learning as well.

I live in the boonies and have no one around me that does any of the work with the types of machines I've set up in my little shop, so just learn as I go and if I want another machine, I find it the best,cheapest way possible.

I also like being able to do about anything (Within reason and cost) I want to do myself/in house. So I recently even picked up machines to do metal work such as cutting,braking, rolling and doing edges. So I've purchased that equipment as well and am now trying to learn it as well.

As said, have fun with it, read all you can and practice, practice, practice.

BobR wrote:

wdteipen wrote:I wouldn't say it's required but it sure does help. Prior to making my first pipe I pretty much had no shop training of any kind.

I'm not talking about master machinist... basic shop skills. I freely admit I don't know anything about machining, how to make precision parts or the tooling required. I do want to be able to make other things on a lathe besides pipes. Hope I'm not biting off too much but for me I have time. I'm not relying on this for income so I figure why not get into this the best way I possibly can. I'm still hoping to take some classes or find a local machinist who will provide some training.

Bob

Bob, those videos by MIT are a real good start. You will be able to pick up enough from them to then try your hands at it. I had only a few hours on Butera's monster of a lathe before I tinkered around with my jet 9x20. I made alot of deep cuts that exploded briar and set the headstock off center, but all is good now.

Make small cuts in the begining....

Having the right info, however you get it, is important. Then you don't end up in your machine, or vice versa. Thats why, as Rad states, the correct information gets posted.When I was very young, I noticed many wood workers missing fingers or blind in one eye, etc. Experience is a good teacher, as long as you know when you're in over your head. Being Safe is the most important rule. Learn any way you can, then share, the right information.

I'm definitely not an engineer and am not particularly excited by tools. However, I recognize the extreme importance of becoming knowledgeable about and proficient at using the tools we need to make pipes. The more time I spend learning about how to properly maintain and use the tools I own and need, the safer and more productive my process is. The tools we use can be EXTREMELY dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced and ignorant. As such, there is no such thing as excess caution IMO.

Congrats on finding new sources of joy in the hobby!

d.huber wrote:I'm definitely not an engineer and am not particularly excited by tools. However, I recognize the extreme importance of becoming knowledgeable about and proficient at using the tools we need to make pipes. The more time I spend learning about how to properly maintain and use the tools I own and need, the safer and more productive my process is. The tools we use can be EXTREMELY dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced and ignorant. As such, there is no such thing as excess caution IMO.

Congrats on finding new sources of joy in the hobby!

Next time we see David at a pipe show, we need brainwash him into getting excited about tools. It is just wrong that tool porn doesn't work on you David!

PremalChheda wrote:

d.huber wrote:I'm definitely not an engineer and am not particularly excited by tools. However, I recognize the extreme importance of becoming knowledgeable about and proficient at using the tools we need to make pipes. The more time I spend learning about how to properly maintain and use the tools I own and need, the safer and more productive my process is. The tools we use can be EXTREMELY dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced and ignorant. As such, there is no such thing as excess caution IMO.

Congrats on finding new sources of joy in the hobby!

Next time we see David at a pipe show, we need brainwash him into getting excited about tools. It is just wrong that tool porn doesn't work on you David!

Yep, gotta love tools.

Yes, yes!

PremalChheda wrote:

d.huber wrote:I'm definitely not an engineer and am not particularly excited by tools. However, I recognize the extreme importance of becoming knowledgeable about and proficient at using the tools we need to make pipes. The more time I spend learning about how to properly maintain and use the tools I own and need, the safer and more productive my process is. The tools we use can be EXTREMELY dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced and ignorant. As such, there is no such thing as excess caution IMO.

Congrats on finding new sources of joy in the hobby!

Next time we see David at a pipe show, we need brainwash him into getting excited about tools. It is just wrong that tool porn doesn't work on you David!

Lol! Good luck! I welcome your best attempts.