The basic idea did come from the calabash concept. I wasn't trying to mimic the classic calabash shape. Not yet anyway. I like to play and experiment with different woods and use chunky scraps of briar for the insert bowl. The prototype in this line I smoke regularly, however, I made a maple shank extension that inserts into a jarra expansion chamber. The maple expanded more than the jarra would accommodate, and a crack appeared in the jarra section of the shank. A little disappointing, but now I get to make a Leland maple exp. chamber for the briar bowl and the stem from that first pipe. I love to play.
I will look at the corners of the button tomorrow. You may be correct. A little tweaking as necessary, and then move onto the next one.
The gasket is cork, I haven't had any issues with the prototype pipe regarding this. I do however use a light coating of cork grease (woodwind instrument conditioner for cork, available at most musical instrument stores. I happen to have some because I dabble with playing a tenor recorder from time to time).
For this type of pipe, I insert a fresh, half size cotton ball into the expansion chamber before every smoke. This collects moisture, and makes cleaning the exp. chamber real easy.
Thanks again for your thoughts and insights.
I hope this was a typo... "Keep 'me coming!"
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Would you at least buy dinner first.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)