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Since last post I did a few new pipes and my son has born in the meantime so I'm really busy (and happy) these days.

I tried to apply the advice that UberHuberMan gave me in the last post and I'm removing more wood from the juncture of bowl and shank. Anyway, i think I need to improve this part a lot.

I also bought a metal lathe, but I'm still learning how to use it. Anyway, each one of these pipes are teaching me a lot. I'm happy because I'm not satisfied with the result yet, and it's far from the results of most of the people in this forum, but I see a little improvement in every pipe. It makes me happy.

11th pipe:


12th pipe:



13th pipe (first one using the lathe):


14th pipe:


I think that an interesting next step would be to buy sandblasting equipment. Any advice on specs? I never didn't and I don't know anything about it. Don't tell me brands... I'm in Europe and I realized that most of the brands you talk about, here are very hard to find. I would like to know how big the compressor should be, etc.

Thank you!!

Leaps and bounds sir! These look a ton better. Your shaping has improved dramatically, you're taking some respectable risks (note the thin walls on the first pipe), your stem work is looking good, and I envy your ability with symmetry. Not sure if you've noticed, but symmetry is not my personal strong suit. Tightening up that shank/bowl junction has made a world of difference. Great work!

The buttons on the first, third, and fourth pipes look really good. You've made a ton of progress. Keep working in this direction and you'll be making some stellar pipes soon!

Speaking as a consumer*, the 11th and 13th are fantastic in their symmetry and the thinness of the chamber walls. Works of art, really.

No 12... what can I say? Must... not... make... offer... Too many other bills. If I had two and a half or three benjamins, that's what I'd expect it to cost.


*I can't speak as a maker, since I'm still a junior, assistant part-time sweeper. Your work -- just 10 previous pipes under your belt! -- make me want to take a pay-cut from my volunteer work polishing the briar scraps of my betters. (/humbleness)

those pipes are really nice to my eyes. Good job brother

rev

Better than mine already!

....maybe I should find a new hobby!

Bravo. These are all lovely. Congratulations on the lathe.

Looking good!

Beautiful work! I would be proud to have that #14 in my collection (and I don't even really like straight grains--but that one is a beauty!).

Your first using lathe (number 13) is very nice !

Those are scary thin walls. They all look great and the grain placement is beautiful.

Very good work...I like your pipes ..I wish my next pipes looked like yours...

Canto-
Congratulations on the new son. I missed that the first time. You should be making cigars now, pipes can wait.

I really, really love your pipes! They seem so elegant and sophisticated to me. Very inspiring, sir. It may be a secret, but can you comment on your finishing techniques?

I missed the last comments. I have been very busy with the baby and my job these days.

Thank you everybody for the nice comments. Pipes always look far better on photos than on hand and I'm a photographer so, believe me, most of your nice words are not deserved

AlfaDog wrote:Canto-
Congratulations on the new son. I missed that the first time. You should be making cigars now, pipes can wait.

Thank you!

Being honest, my main occupation right now is being able to keep myself awake.

nboaldin wrote:I really, really love your pipes! They seem so elegant and sophisticated to me. Very inspiring, sir. It may be a secret, but can you comment on your finishing techniques?

Being honest, I think that the secret finishing technique is just a good photo.

I just sand stain them and then polish and apply some carnauba wax with the buffer.

You know that thing about the grass looking more green at the other side of the fence? I always think that other people's pipes look more shinny than mine