Staining the shank face

[Rbraniganpipes]

I feel like this is a silly question, but I have to ask because this will be my first pipe with a handmade stem. When you make a pipe that has a stem that fits flush against the shank, do you stain the shank face during staining? and if you are doing a contrast stain, what color would you stain the shank face?

Also, should you always countersink the shank face?

[sandahlpipe]

You should either stain the shank face entirely or be careful not to get any stain on the shank face at all. I like the look of a stained shank face, so that's what I do. Contrast staining the shank face is a bit more challenging, but a detail some guys like to observe. I would recommend getting a good grasp of the basics before you start contrast staining the shank face as it requires care in order not to ruin the flush fit of the stem.

The countersink is important to a good fit with an integral tenon. You can skip it with delrin if you want to, because there's no transition to the shoulder on the stem with delrin.

[Rbraniganpipes]

Great! Thanks Jeremiah.

[baweaverpipes]

Here's a tip: Countersink after carefully staining the face, it gives a clean and aesthetic appearance.

[Sasquatch]

Yup!

[Joe Hinkle Pipes]

I use the tailstock to do a very small countersink right after drilling the mortise. After the staining process you can use the same countersink by hand to take any stain off. It tends to leave a more even bevel. Some guys stain the countersunk portion as well. others go as far as staining the mortise too. It depends of the price range and skill.

[mightysmurf8201]

I like to change it up on every pipe just to keep people confused.

[PremalChheda]

I feel like this is a silly question, but I have to ask because this will be my first pipe with a handmade stem. When you make a pipe that has a stem that fits flush against the shank, do you stain the shank face during staining? and if you are doing a contrast stain, what color would you stain the shank face?

Also, should you always countersink the shank face?

Stain it the same you do the smooth portions of the pipe or just rough black it.

Sand, stain, shellac, buff. Easy peasy, stay sleasy.

TIAFO

[PremalChheda]

You should either stain the shank face entirely or be careful not to get any stain on the shank face at all. I like the look of a stained shank face, so that's what I do. Contrast staining the shank face is a bit more challenging, but a detail some guys like to observe. I would recommend getting a good grasp of the basics before you start contrast staining the shank face as it requires care in order not to ruin the flush fit of the stem.

Third option is just black it. Also, sealing the shank end with a finish will help prevent movement from moisture or lack of.

The countersink is important to a good fit with an integral tenon. You can skip it with delrin if you want to, because there's no transition to the shoulder on the stem with delrin.

No. Even if you use delrin, you need a little radius or counter sink so when you remove/insert, it does not catch an edge.

[PremalChheda]

Here's a tip: Countersink after carefully staining the face, it gives a clean and aesthetic appearance.

Or, countersink before and stain it the same as the face. It can be done well to produce a very clean appearance.

[LatakiaLover]

TIAFO

Today...

I...

Agree...

(with)

Floccinaucinihilipilificated

Otorhinolaryngologists?

[sandahlpipe]

TIAFO

Today...

I...

Agree...

(with)

Flatulating

Octogenarians?

Two words needed spelling correction, George...

[Charl]

I'm with Premal: always bevel the mortis. No matter integral or delrin.

[sparkyspipes]

You should either stain the shank face entirely or be careful not to get any stain on the shank face at all. I like the look of a stained shank face, so that's what I do. Contrast staining the shank face is a bit more challenging, but a detail some guys like to observe. I would recommend getting a good grasp of the basics before you start contrast staining the shank face as it requires care in order not to ruin the flush fit of the stem.

Third option is just black it. Also, sealing the shank end with a finish will help prevent movement from moisture or lack of.

The countersink is important to a good fit with an integral tenon. You can skip it with delrin if you want to, because there's no transition to the shoulder on the stem with delrin.

No. Even if you use delrin, you need a little radius or counter sink so when you remove/insert, it does not catch an edge.

yep, also Q-tips or the Q-tips Girls use for their nail beds, (they are a Q-tip with a harder tip and to a point) help staining small areas with bleed over control.