The Pipe of Five Stems

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 3:02 pm

I was convinced that this pipe would forever be a stummel. It seemed almost cursed. But eventually the pipe relented and allowed me to complete a stem for it. Man, stemwork is a total bitch! The first stem was coming along great. I don't remember exactly why, but I had it nearly done, and needed to chuck it back up. Well i was adjusting it in the chuck and SNAP!!! "It happes," I though. So on to stem number two. I had the rod turned down and SNAP, the drill bit broke off in the rod. "Shit!!" Number three... I don't remember much of number three really, but something went wrong. i'm sure i swore vociferously. I think i've repressed the incident though. OOHH!! Thats right, 3 was all shaped up and I sanded into the airway. In despiration I tried to melt some lucite onto the low spot, but as I am sure you all know that its a futal effort. Number 4 was litteral all done. I was doing the last bit of buffing when WHAP! The pipe was wrenched from my grip and tossed mercilessly to the floor. In hindsight, I think the stem sacrificed itself inorder to save the stummel, as there wasn't even a scratch on the wood. Finally, number five came through. WOOHOOOOOO!!!!

So, here's the pipe:

achduliebe · Post by **achduliebe** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 3:50 pm

Nice one Nick...a long road but what a fine ending!

Great looking pipe!

NvilleDave · Post by **NvilleDave** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 5:22 pm

It came out great Nick--definetly worth the stem Oddyesee. I had one like that awhile back that laid on my bench for months however, not a happy ending.