First asymmetrical pipe

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:27 am

Okay, at long last, pics of my first asymmetrical pipe. I did this way different than any other pipe I've ever shaped. I actually wnet into this having only the most basic idea of the type of pipe that I was hoping to get. I didn't even try to pre-shape the block on the bandsaw or anything.

First things first, I have begun to see the value in not using a belt grinder for shaping pipes. In order to get into the narrow joints and transition areas in a pipe like this, you need to be using a disc - you simply cannot do it with a contact wheel grinder no matter how large your contact wheel. I've already dedicated one electric motor for this, and may grab a couple more if I start doing a lot of pipes using this method.

Here's some pics:

Basically, this shape would simply not have been possible if all the holes had been drilled first. Also, without using the spoon bits from Brad, this pipe never would have gotten drilled. Reshaped S&D bits would not have drilled that tobacco chamber, no matter how many names you called them or fingers your injured.

And yes, it passes a cleaner.

sprangalang · Post by **sprangalang** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:45 am

Nice! The grain on the large diameter side looks so deep you could swim into it. I like the S-curve described by the shank and stem.

achduliebe · Post by **achduliebe** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:00 pm

That is outstanding Kurt. Awesome!

bscofield · Post by **bscofield** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:02 pm

Wow Kurt... It looks like you took full advantage of a really amazing piece of wood. We went in pretty different directions with our first assymetricals... I hope to post my pics soon!

magruder · Post by **magruder** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 5:17 pm

Cool pipe Kurt.
I really like that the plane of the shank face is so offset from the bowl.
Very tricky and nice work.
Do you usually sketch out you pipes before beginning?
Thanx,
Steve Morrisette

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:50 pm

Thanks, all!

Steve,
I normally do sketch a pipe before making it, but in an informal way on the side of the block trying to find the best way to use the grain. This pipe was a complete departure - read the story here:
http://www.pipecrafter.com/pipes/cityman/kingyo.php

James Sunderland · Post by **James Sunderland** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 3:59 am

I keep comiing back to look at this pipe. i honestly really enjoy looking at it. well done

James Sunderland · Post by **James Sunderland** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 1:49 pm

one more thing,,, thoose are great photos!!! how do you get the all white background?

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:04 pm

Hi James,

I use a "light tent" to shoot in. Basically, it's a 3/4" PVC tube frame that has a white sheet draped over it, and a white piece of posterboard hung off the back crossmember.

That photo was taken a few years ago, and I've since swapped out the clip-on work lamps with inexpensive free-standing desk lamps. One lamp shines in on either side, and one from the top. The white sheet diffuses the light so that you don't get harsh highlights or spots, and the multidirectional lighting helps reduce the shadows.

Another key is to use a camera that has a custom white balance setting. Mine is a Canon 300D and this has proven a godsend - I can fix white balance on anything right at the camera. I snap a photo that's all or predominently white, and load that as the the basis for custom white balance. The camera bases it's compensation off that image, and I can fo an entire photo session without worrying about it.

James Sunderland · Post by **James Sunderland** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:03 pm

Thanks Kurt great info !!!

farmer_rob · Post by **farmer_rob** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:10 am

great pipes make for great pics