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So this is finally my first pipe that actually turned out as a useable pipe. If anyone could offer a critique or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Please don't hold back!

That's... actually... quite good for a first completed pipe. Nice job! I'm a newby myself, but I'm pretty damn picky when it comes to the details. Sure, this pipe could use some refinement, but that will begin to take care of itself as you keep working. Make some more and see what happens. I'd say this is a pretty solid start!

BTW, I'm jealous of your smooth shank to stem junction. I'm trying to make that flush freehanded and I'll be damned if it isn't a challenge!

It took alot of time and patience with many fine grits of sandpaper. The stem on this was actualy taken from a prebored block that I will never allow to see the light of day lol! So the tenon was already turned, but the block for this one, I drilled and shaped from start to finished.

As far as first pipes go, that's pretty great.

Looks great ! Personally, I'd like to see the rustication taken a little further down the shank. Theres very little smooth at the top of the pipe, but lots of smooth on the stem. It jumps out to me as being unbalanced.
Nice work on the rustication, it really is a nice pipe.

That's very nice! Your rustication looks very good, and the shaping ain't bad either

All you really need is practice. So quit reading this and go make a bloody pipe!

Looks like a great pipe! I'm curious about the process. What sort of tools did you use?

That looks great. I agree that the rustication would look better if it went further down the shank. The only other thing I see that could be better is that the saddle could be less rounded and more crisp and the rustication could use some shellac. Great job. You should be proud of that one.

Thank you all for the input!
@ Edward. I see what you mean about being unbalanced. I was actually too nervous to get any closer for fear of slipping with my rustication tool and messing up the shank/stem junction. I think I'll use my reject stummels to practice on, and build my confidence up a bit.
@ JMG. Thanks for the kind words!
@ Ocelot55. I drilled 2 stummels today with good results. My wife is out of town this week so I will be living in my shop. I love how addicting this hobby is!
@ SuperBob. I used a drill press to drill all the holes, files and rasps for the shaping, and of course lots of sandpaper. I made a rustication tool by cutting off the business end of a screwdriver and grinding 4 sharp prongs into it with a Dremel. I got a few wheels for polishing, waxing, and buffing from PIMO and mounted them on the drill press. Used a charcoal, powdered sugar, water mixture for the bowl.
@ Wayne. I actually considered using shellac, but I read somewhere in this forum that a new pipe maker shouldn't worry about using it until they are more experienced. I am proud of this pipe and had a great time making it.

Thanks again everyone!

For nr 1: cool!
Now go and make 20 more!

mightysmurf8201 wrote: @ Edward. I see what you mean about being unbalanced. I was actually too nervous to get any closer for fear of slipping with my rustication tool and messing up the shank/stem junction. I think I'll use my reject stummels to practice on, and build my confidence up a bit.

You might try wrapping 3-4 layers of electrical tape around the shank and stem where you want your rustication to stop.

Rad

Thanks Rad. I will definitely give it a go.