4th pipe finished...

[JMG]

Here's my 4th finished up. I appreciate the advice you guys have given me. Even though I probably haven't been able to execute it well, I did take note and try to correct the issues you pointed out. The stem/shank junction is still not great, but I was able to close it up some. Also, I took a good bit of material off of the stem around the bit to thin it out and level it a bit. Feel free to point out anything that I need to try to do differently next time. Thanks again, guys.

[maxmil]

I recommend that you work but the union of the stem to the shank. Sand the end of the shank with the stem inserted to properly align the walls on both sides. Not if I explained well.
This pipe is very similar to Billiar I put in my message yesterday.
Greetings.
Felix

[Thomas Tkach]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3 ... d=69101843

I don't currently have somewhere to host images, but I have purchased Sasquatch's proprietary pipe critique software (and you guys think metal lathes are expensive!), and it tells me that the shank should not be so tapered, perhaps something more akin to the lines shown in my picture. Perhaps the program isn't configured properly, though. Sasquatch, what does yours tell you?

[MrChurchwarden]

Thom said it perfectly with that picture, a straight shank makes it look so much more professional and finished

[Sasquatch]

We had this discussion a few days ago.... LOL

I thought the shank should be thinner, but Rad and Bruce liked it better how it was. Really, it is sort of a personal preference as to whether you like English looking pipes or fatter curvier Italian looking pipes.

[JMG]

We had this discussion a few days ago.... LOL

I thought the shank should be thinner, but Rad and Bruce liked it better how it was. Really, it is sort of a personal preference as to whether you like English looking pipes or fatter curvier Italian looking pipes.

Yeah, I went with a majority rules, sort of call. Next billiard I make I'll try for the straightness you mentioned.

[KurtHuhn]

I typically dislike bolt straight shanks. They always appear to pinch in near the bowl due to an optical illusion. You can fix this by adding a bit of taper there.

That said, I prefer the tapered shank here. It's a very comfortable looking shape with all the right proportions. Ya gotta work on that stem/shank transition though.

[wdteipen]

I agree with Kurt. I like the taper on this one.

[Thomas Tkach]

Blast! I thought that software would make me a high-grade pipe maker without any briar or tools or work. I want my money back!

I guess I prefer some aspects of the English pipe over the Italian.

Listen to the pros