Chamber shaping by hand

[J.McKnight]

This is probably a really dumb question...

Is is possible to shape the chamber by hand? (first)
If so does anyone actually do this since drilling a beautiful chamber is so much easier/faster?

(second) Is it completely ridiculous to rusticate the inside of the chamber? I know it is standard to have a nice smooth circular bowl chamber, but I had a dream for a concept pipe that was rusticated inside and out (it's called 'the Cave')

I certainly might do it just because I feel it was in my dream for a reason. I would hate to have a pipe I can't smoke but I am willing to accept that.

Thanks all!
JMcKnight

[d.huber]

I voted to give it a try, but there are a few things that would make me... well extremely trepidatious about the idea. Tamping would be a bitch and all the crevices would fill in with cake over time. You'd never be able to remove cake in any way that would expose the rustication again either.

Maybe I should change my vote to "not worth it."

Just my thoughts.

[Ocelot55]

I agree with David. You will probably wind up tasting burning briar for the first couple of bowls before you buils up a cake. Eventually the walls would be "smoothish" with the accumulation of tars, bits of tobacco, ect.

If you try it make the walls of the bowl thick enough. I have I feeling it might increase the chance of burnout.

[The Smoking Yeti]

I think it's worth seeing what happens over time. Make one and smoke it.

[The Drinking Yeti]

Can I double vote? You are a fool and you should go for it!

[pipeguy]

Well as long as it's your briar hope this helps

[the rev]

I think you should go for it, and let us know

cause that shit is funny dawg

rev

[d.huber]

Just realized you asked about hand shaping a normal chamber as well. It's totally possible, just time consuming.

[The Smoking Yeti]

Just realized you asked about hand shaping a normal chamber as well. It's totally possible, just time consuming.

Aye, lotsa dremel work to start, and some delicate hand sanding after. Might be good for special instances- idk.

[d.huber]

Just realized you asked about hand shaping a normal chamber as well. It's totally possible, just time consuming.

Aye, lotsa dremel work to start, and some delicate hand sanding after. Might be good for special instances- idk.

I did it for my first three pipes and would not go back, given the option.

[wdteipen]

Why on earth would you want to rusticate the tobacco chamber? What purpose would it serve? Like David said, even if you did it for aesthetics, eventually the cake will build up and even out when/if you could ream it.

[J.McKnight]

In response to everyone. I know I thought all of this was what you would say, hahaha But it came to me in a dream and I figured even if I just smoked it once and then shelved it, I would be a cool piece. I know I know, more than anything pipes are made to be smoked even though everyone is such a perfectionist on looks.

There currently is about a 97% chance I will do this, and if I do, I will post it, you can laugh, you can call me a fool and shake your head, and then we will all go on making REAL pipes and smoking them.

But I do appreciate all the input!

JMcKnight

[Sasquatch]

I'd like to see the tool that will take chunks of briar out inside a 3/4" radius cylinder.

[d.huber]

I'd like to see the tool that will take chunks of briar out inside a 3/4" radius cylinder.

Me too. If you still move forward with this, please take process photos!

[J.McKnight]

I know you all think I'm crazy, but I have been around these forums enough to know that most of ya'll are crazy too. So when I see posts on here or votes that I'm a fool, I actually laugh out loud because it is foolish but, who knows. Gotta try. And I'll take pictures.

And then you can probably all say.. "Told ya so!" and I'll still laugh

[BigCasino]

I was wondering any of you fellas using wood lathes? and if so are you cutting the tobacco chamber with a gouge? or do you still chuck up a bit?

[d.huber]

I was wondering any of you fellas using wood lathes? and if so are you cutting the tobacco chamber with a gouge? or do you still chuck up a bit?

This is an entirely different topic. I'd suggest posting it in its own thread. You'll probably get some responses that way.

[Sasquatch]

I was wondering any of you fellas using wood lathes? and if so are you cutting the tobacco chamber with a gouge? or do you still chuck up a bit?

The answer is yes. Some of us use wood lathes, and some of us chuck up a bit and some of us cut the chamber by hand, and some of us do both.

[d.huber]

I was wondering any of you fellas using wood lathes? and if so are you cutting the tobacco chamber with a gouge? or do you still chuck up a bit?

This is an entirely different topic. I'd suggest posting it in its own thread. You'll probably get some responses that way.

The answer is yes. Some of us use wood lathes, and some of us chuck up a bit and some of us cut the chamber by hand, and some of us do both.

Leave it to Sas to prove me wrong.

[Sasquatch]

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