pipe in the hat trade?

[jdkearns]

I'm in... although I feel like Ocelot... except he's probably saying it in a funny self-deprecating humble way - but I'm already feeling guilty about this

[Ocelot55]

I'm in... although I feel like Ocelot... except he's probably saying it in a funny self-deprecating humble way - but I'm already feeling guilty about this

No self-deprecation here! Seriously, have you seen my pipes! Fortunately for the future recipient of my pipe in this PITH, it can also double as a paperweight, soda straw, doorstop, or firewood. I believe in versatility!

[TRS]

And PLEASE keep in mind. ALL FORUM MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.

It doesn't matter if you've been carving for 5 years or 5 weeks, you should feel welcome to participate. If a pro or semi-pro joins in, he does so eyes wide open, and with the knowledge that he may get the work of a total noob. Maybe he's feeling as if this is some way he can give back to the community from which he learned, or perhaps he's trying to foster the continued presence of talented pipe carvers from around the world. Whatever the reasons, please don't be intimidated by it - the goal is to get folks learning, collaborating, and, most of all, establishing lasting relationships in this brotherhood.

Here's a quote from one of the earlier PITHs, just to allay any worries.

[Alden]

And PLEASE keep in mind. ALL FORUM MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.

It doesn't matter if you've been carving for 5 years or 5 weeks, you should feel welcome to participate. If a pro or semi-pro joins in, he does so eyes wide open, and with the knowledge that he may get the work of a total noob. Maybe he's feeling as if this is some way he can give back to the community from which he learned, or perhaps he's trying to foster the continued presence of talented pipe carvers from around the world. Whatever the reasons, please don't be intimidated by it - the goal is to get folks learning, collaborating, and, most of all, establishing lasting relationships in this brotherhood.

Here's a quote from one of the earlier PITHs, just to allay any worries.

Lets not lie though..... We all just want a Wallenstein Bulldog.

[andrew]

I'm in... although I feel like Ocelot... except he's probably saying it in a funny self-deprecating humble way - but I'm already feeling guilty about this

The only thing someone should feel guilty about is NOT PARTICIPATING (or dropping out like I almost did
) But seriously, this is a huge part of what PITH is about. I missed it last year (was there PITH last year?) so I'm excited for this one. There is no substitute for having someone actually handle (and smoke ) your work and give you feedback.

If you end up with a fantastic pipe that is well beyond your skill for the moment, it will be like inheriting a literary manuscript. The more you study it the more you'll learn.

[JonBood]

Just to make things clear, was it bulldogs only or rhodesians also welcome?

[taharris]

I believe it is anything in the Rhodesian family.

Todd

[Joe Hinkle Pipes]

or just rip off some dunhill shape and make it look like a cheap peterson. I have to try to make the stem/shank fit better, but I think this is my PITH pipe. I have some touching up to do tomorrow. I will post in the gallery when it is totally finished.

[AaronC]

so..... I have a couple questions. In anticipation of this PITH I had ordered 3 pieces of briar. of the three only one was suitable to attempt a bulldog/rhodesian. while shaping last night i found a nasty hair-line crack running down the heel. I was able to remove it, but i ended up with a much thinner wall thickness than i would have liked. thinnest part is about 4mm now.
There seems of be several different opinions on min wall thickness in past posts so my first question is, Do you all agree that this is too thin to trust? Second question. Are there any objections to using alternative woods in this trade? I still have a bunch of Madrone burl that i can use, but i figured i should ask first. I don't think i have time to try to order more briar.

[Ocelot55]

so..... I have a couple questions. In anticipation of this PITH I had ordered 3 pieces of briar. of the three only one was suitable to attempt a bulldog/rhodesian. while shaping last night i found a nasty hair-line crack running down the heel. I was able to remove it, but i ended up with a much thinner wall thickness than i would have liked. thinnest part is about 4mm now.
There seems of be several different opinions on min wall thickness in past posts so my first question is, Do you all agree that this is too thin to trust? Second question. Are there any objections to using alternative woods in this trade? I still have a bunch of Madrone burl that i can use, but i figured i should ask first. I don't think i have time to try to order more briar.

While I don't think that alternative woods are out of the picture, I think most of us would prefer briar. as far as wall thickness, while I prefer thick walls I have several pipes that seem pretty thin. As long as you're careful smoking them it shouldn't be a problem.

If you need briar, I can part with several blocks so you will have a briar pipe in this year's PITH, granted they are not large and not the easiest to work with. A bent bulldog would be out of the question. It has been my experience that they have very few internal flaws. PM me if you would like to arrange something.

[AaronC]

so..... I have a couple questions. In anticipation of this PITH I had ordered 3 pieces of briar. of the three only one was suitable to attempt a bulldog/rhodesian. while shaping last night i found a nasty hair-line crack running down the heel. I was able to remove it, but i ended up with a much thinner wall thickness than i would have liked. thinnest part is about 4mm now.
There seems of be several different opinions on min wall thickness in past posts so my first question is, Do you all agree that this is too thin to trust? Second question. Are there any objections to using alternative woods in this trade? I still have a bunch of Madrone burl that i can use, but i figured i should ask first. I don't think i have time to try to order more briar.

While I don't think that alternative woods are out of the picture, I think most of us would prefer briar. as far as wall thickness, while I prefer thick walls I have several pipes that seem pretty thin. As long as you're careful smoking them it shouldn't be a problem.

If you need briar, I can part with several blocks so you will have a briar pipe in this year's PITH, granted they are not large and not the easiest to work with. A bent bulldog would be out of the question. It has been my experience that they have very few internal flaws. PM me if you would like to arrange something.

Well that's pretty much what i was thinking. I just don't think i would feel right sending out a pipe and telling someone to be careful with it. I'll set this one aside and go back to the drawing board. I appreciate the offer to share some of your supplies, but i'll get something figured out. I'd hate to impose, but thank you.

[OregonCustom]

What the heck, I'm unemployed right now, I'll throw one in the hat. I'm in.

[eric]

Done.

There is plenty of room for improvement, but this is about as good as I can make 'em at this point. There are more pictures on the gallery page of my website in case anyone is interested.

[taharris]

Nicely done. I love the curved shank and how it flows nicely into the stem.

Todd

[d.huber]

Nicely done. I love the curved shank and how it flows nicely into the stem.

Todd

I agree. The overall shape has a masculine elegance to it. I like it!

[pereu]

Hi Eric,
your pipe is real fine! I like it.
Greetings from Graz
Peter

[taharris]

All,

Here is my entry. My first bent Bulldog. Critique welcome.

Todd

[Jos]

Hi there,

nice entries, up to now ! Here comes mine:



Regards, Jens

[Vermont Freehand]

is it too late to get into this years PITH?

I've missed this forum, and all you folks, it's been a while since I've had the time to lurk on the forum, but time is here now, time to carve too

[jdkearns]

I think the deadline is still St. Patty's Day???