Billiard question

[mightysmurf8201]

On a billiard, is there rule on what the thickness of the shank should be in proportion to the height of the bowl? There seems to be a wide variation within the range of from just under 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the bowl, as far as traditional billiards go. Thoughts?

[sandahlpipe]

If there is a rule, it's a rule of thumb. I think you've touched on where that is: somewhere between 1/3 and 1/4 the height of the bowl. I can't speak for what others do, but after I spent several hours sketching and then turned dozens of attempts at a billiard stummel, I just eyeball it now.

One thing I've learned is that when it comes to shapes and what looks right, there aren't any clearly defined rules that work across the board. There's a lot of subjectivity and room for personal taste, but there are some things that (usually combined) make a shape not work. It can be frustrating figuring out where those rules are, but you generally don't get a pipe that's aesthetically pleasing by precise measurements of the line. You may, however, need to precisely measure so you can figure out where approximately to place yours.

[mightysmurf8201]

Yeah, my shank thickness came out fine, but the bowl isn't exactly traditional English. It's more brandy/Danish billiard. I need to go back and watch Walt's video again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[baweaverpipes]

Jeremiah has it pegged in his post.
Another thing I would do is to search ebay for some vintage Barling's, Dunhill and Comoy billiards. The standard English billiard should help.

[mightysmurf8201]

Jeremiah has it pegged in his post.
Another thing I would do is to search ebay for some vintage Barling's, Dunhill and Comoy billiards. The standard English billiard should help.

Thanks. Sounds like a plan.

[PremalChheda]

On a billiard, is there rule on what the thickness of the shank should be in proportion to the height of the bowl? There seems to be a wide variation within the range of from just under 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the bowl, as far as traditional billiards go. Thoughts?

Depends on which factory standards and billiard shape #.

I think if it looks good to a trained eye, it works.

[scotties22]

I bought a crappy old Comoy Canadian for $15 off ebay. The stem is crap, but I really liked the bowl shape. Having it in hand really helped with the first billiards I made.

[mightysmurf8201]

So this is what I have so far. This is my first billiard. Still need to dial in the shank/bowl junction. Any recommendations?

[sandahlpipe]

You're in the right ball park. Dial in that bowl/shank junction and watch the cheeks when you're doing it. On the front of the bowl, I'd take off a little more of the chin as well. It looks like the bottom of the bowl drops slightly below the shank line.