I also set a very specific indisputable goal to achieve. several days later I read a comment on how one master trained apprentices with just this sort of message. I did not want to practice making a pipe by accident. So I set my goal at reproducing a Dunhill, Dr. Gaybow pipe. at least as far as craftmanship and my resources of materials allow. the photo below is the example of what I am trying to achieve.
![Image](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs071.snc6/168134_1588490064596_1006144250_31304477_6890759_n.jpg)
this is the result of my attempt to reproduce it so far.
![Image](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs794.ash1/168493_1591103329926_1006144250_31310746_5447773_n.jpg)
Tobacco chamber was trilled with a 3/4 inch forstner bit so it is flat bottomed. air way is successfully rilled as well as the mortice. all holes where drilled on my drill press and so far I have not used my lathe for any part of the work. shaping was done with a belt sander. disc sander, dremel tool files and sand paper.
At this point the bowl is still a bit square and thick on one side. I will work on correcting this as I progress. I just wanted to share what I have so far and invite comments in the interest of heading off bad habits before I practice them to much. sorry I know the photo does not show the transition of the stem and bowl all that well.
I was actually surprised with how quickly the shaping has gone. The walnut is actually probably going to be to soft to make a pipe that will last very long. But I am learning some things about reaching my final desired shape. the, things I will do differently next time sort of things.