5th - first rustication attempt

Bear · Post by **Bear** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:52 pm

This is my 5th pipe to date and my first attempts at rustication. This piece of briar ended up having several pits in various locations on the pipe, one very large and the grain was not spactacular. At first I thought that I would just ignore them as this pipe is for me. I think I was more afraid to ruin the pipe by any attempts at rustication. Then I was looking over the site at some of the beautiful pipes others have posted and figured that if I was ever going to improve I had to take some chances and just go for it. I got out my dremel tool and a left over piece of briar and began experimenting with different ways to rusticate. After finding a bit and technique that I was satisfied with I took it to my pipe (very scary at first). I didnt really know where to begin or end but I tried to highlight the section of the pipe with the best grain. I am very curious to your thoughts on how I did and some suggestions. During the process of making this pipe I tried to give estra attention to areas where I think I needed most improvement, particuarlly the bowl/shank transition. Overall I am very please with the results and glad I took the plunge. The pipe ended up with a very good feel in the hand.

After taking these pictures I went back and refined the button to make it more comfortable.

alan · Post by **alan** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:28 am

You have my respect. I have yet to brave the rusticating. What sort of dremel attachment did you use for this?

I think you made a sharp looking pipe.

tritrek · Post by **tritrek** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:30 am

Nice but I'd suggest notto be afraid and go deeper

BTW I started a topic here.

wdteipen · Post by **wdteipen** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:52 am

Very nice work tbear. I agree with tritrek. Don't be afraid to go just a bit deeper. Before rustication the pipe to my eyes looks out of proportion with the shank being too think for the bowl purely from a balance standpoint but the rustication balances everything out. It looks great.

Charl · Post by **Charl** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:01 am

I actually like the rustication as it is.

Nice one!

FredS · Post by **FredS** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:49 pm

I also like the rustification "as-is" With a tall, skinny stack like that I don't think a real craggy look would work as well.

pennsyscot · Post by **pennsyscot** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:29 pm

I like the rustication. How was it done?

Bear · Post by **Bear** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:33 pm

The rustication was done using a dremel tool with a small engraving bit. I made small gouges close together. I didnt really know what I was doing but for a first attempt I think it worked.

staffwalker · Post by **staffwalker** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:19 pm

The only critique I could offer is to use masking tape to cover the areas you don't intend to rusticate so the finished product has clean sharp lines of demarcation. Take your rustication right up to the tape while trying not to touch the tape. This works especially good around the top of bowl and around the area you leave for logo and numbers. I usually take a pair of scissors and cut a square or oblong piece of tape to cover where I will place my stamp. Otherwise well done.

bob gilbert