Birthday present to my sister

[Peecis]

Hello, Im a little hesitant to share this one because its not perfect. My sis told me last minute she wanted a pipe for her bithday so making it was a bit time sensitive. Im still waiting for my first batch of briar so I worked with what I had. Stummel is made of what I believe to be african mahogany. Stem is made of ebonite with a long copper ring. Last minute whipped up a matching tamper. Im am not experienced at pipe making so all possible critique is greatly welcomed! Thank you in advance.

[LatakiaLover]

If that's your first-ever pipe you have either worked with hand tools in some other area like leather carving, making jewelry boxes, etc. OR you have a lot of raw talent.

Your eye for line is excellent, your execution is remarkable (if indeed you are a true beginner).

The only "jump off the screen" issue is some excess material on the stem. It looks unfinished.

If all the black OUTSIDE the white lines was removed---especially where the arrows are pointing---the overall sleekness and balance of the pipe would be significantly enhanced.

[Peecis]

LatakiaLover, thank you a lot for your reply. Your good words are very flattering and fuel for me to keep going. Its not my first pipe, I have made a few experimenting with drilling, shaping etc. but this is my 3rd you could actually call a pipe. Yes, stems are very tricky for me, especially the slit. Its abot 2,3mm on this pipe. I have another pipe I have not yet finnished and for life of me I couldnt get the slit any thinner than 2mm.

[LatakiaLover]

Yes, stems are very tricky for me, especially the slit. Its abot 2,3mm on this pipe. I have another pipe I have not yet finnished and for life of me I couldnt get the slit any thinner than 2mm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qwt95H ... Sp&index=6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IoAFf2 ... Sp&index=7

[DocAitch]

I like this pipe, especially for a 3rd pipe. Some of us haven’t done that well after 20 pipes.
I also think it is remarkable that you were able to make a stem from rod at this stage- again something that I didn’t attempt until I had a lot of pipes done. I am still fiddling with getting slots right at about 200 pipes.
I might suggest that if your sister plans to carry that tamper anywhere, she might appreciate a cap over the sharp end.
Nice job.
DocAitch

[Peecis]

I like this pipe, especially for a 3rd pipe. Some of us haven’t done that well after 20 pipes.
I also think it is remarkable that you were able to make a stem from rod at this stage- again something that I didn’t attempt until I had a lot of pipes done. I am still fiddling with getting slots right at about 200 pipes.
I might suggest that if your sister plans to carry that tamper anywhere, she might appreciate a cap over the sharp end.
Nice job.
DocAitch

Thanks! Yeah I doubt she will carry the pipe around, probably gonna keep it on a shelf to show her friends and pretend to be a little more sophisticated But I'll let her know, you never know maybe she'll become a regular puffer.

[Peecis]

Yes, stems are very tricky for me, especially the slit. Its abot 2,3mm on this pipe. I have another pipe I have not yet finnished and for life of me I couldnt get the slit any thinner than 2mm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qwt95H ... Sp&index=6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IoAFf2 ... Sp&index=7

Thank you a lot, very informative. I'll try to fing one of those duck decoy drills. Tried this method with a regular bit and broke it. Maybe I was just too impatient.