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Use a wire brush on a buffing wheel to remove the loose bark but to leave the bark foundation. Stain it black and use some shellac on it. It will be beautiful.

That's real nice Clark, real nice.

Good stuff gents. Thanks. I was wondering the same thing.

Good start. Work hard on your shank/stem joint.

Also, feather light touch on the wheel. The lighter the touch, the shinier the pipe.

Tim,

I usually use somewhere between 1200 to 1400 for ebonite. 2000 is not too fast though.

Thanks for sharing this. Good stuff.

Very very nice!!!!

Great advice from Yeti. Works really well.

Not quite ready this year to tackle a contest. Maybe next time.

Very nice stem work. I have a problem with stain in the bowl. But that's just me.

Great craftsmanship on your part. But to me it looks like a stem in search of a pipe, or vice versa. Just saying.

There's plenty of pure carnauba available. It should not have any other wax mixed in with it. And it is so hard it can only be applied with a buffing wheel.

I use a small alcohol flame. Learned the trick from Tim West. Works every time and you have lots of control. Just don't let the stem get to hot, but direct the flame where you want to make the bend.

I like the finish.

It looks like it has a couple of pretty sizable dings in it.

Tyler, it's time to reinitiate the secret handshake too!

Let us know what you find out!

Your on the right path!

I use a large Craftsman shop vac. It works great but has to be moved around to the different tasks. It's an inexpensive way to start.

You've got the best approach Ocelot55. Light touch is best. My buffer is a fixed 1750 rpm. Light touch following your progression works every time.