pipemakersforum.com

Welcome to the Forum! Great group of carvers here.

Thanks Doc! I really appreciate it.

Thank you, Odissey! Where do you think I could improve?

Thanks for the feedback, JMG. The customer wanted something similar to a squat Tomato by Starkov (a very big pipe in terms of this style). Point taken with regard to the barrel, as this is the first one I’ve ever turned. I also wrestled with the button size, but given the overall size of the piece, ...

My 20th pipe was commissioned by a repeat customer. Makis plateaux, SEM ebonite and a resin extension. This block was flawless and the straight grain was super tight. Really enjoyed making this one. Apologies for the horrendous quality of these photos- some were taken in my shop and some in my kitch...

Good work!

Outstanding repair, George!

Not a bad go! I see a few things that could be improved upon: Starting with your stem- inconsistent tapering is causing it to look a bit "lumpy" in spots. When I make a bent, I'll sand the stem to about 800, heat/bend, then sand any high spots with the same grit. Then I go to 1000, then bu...

I concur with Seamonster. HSS blanks are the way to go for me. Littlemachineshop.com has good tooling/prices. I have a Nova G3 chuck and jaws form Vermont Freehand (I just chuck the Nova in the 3 Jaw that came with the G4000). A good Jacobs chuck is a must as well (MT2). Don't let the size fool you-...

I do turn stummels on my metal lathe. My first lathe was a Central Machinery 12X18 wood lathe that I still use (mainly for my shaping wheel and buffing mandrel). The game changer is the precision and repeatability of the cross slide and tool post of a metal lathe. Anything I can do on my wood lathe ...

I agree with Seamonster. If you can hold out, it's possible to find a used metal lathe in descent shape, at a descent price. I wouldn't go smaller than a 9 X 20. I got my Grizzly G4000 for $1500. Changed my game, man. Be prepared to drop $$$ on tooling. Good luck!

I instantly thought of Uwe- well done.

Welcome to the forum! Best place to learn the craft. Read all the intro info. Happy carving!

Thanks Doc!

Chonkey!! Very nice, Doug!

Doc, what’s the closest you’ll let a draught hole get to the surface of the shank on a piece you’re selling?

Well done!

Spray shellac works really well. Spray on, wipe off x2, then buff. What do you buff with UnderShade? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I use Beall muslin 8" wheels. Tripoli, white diamond and carnauba wax. Though, I haven't been using shellac or wax on my last few pipes and still get a GREAT ...

Welcome to the forum... from a recovering Tennessean!

That’s awesome Doc!