Holiday set 1/3; 1404

[T. Suominen]

Hi all.

This is not actually a set in any way but just a few pipes i managed to make over the holidays. I'm posting them separately to get targeted feedback.

Firstly on the platter a rusticated blilliard with birch endcap and cumberland stem;










Comments, critiques and advices are warmly welcomed!!

[BrianMadsen]

This pipe is very different from the other rusticated pipe you just posted.
This one is a lot more masculine and looks italian. I'm thinking about the bottom of the bowl.
That's not really critique - just an interesting observation. I like the pipe.

Are you inspired by a lot of different things in your pipe making?

[Joe Hinkle Pipes]

sharp and solid lines! too bad you had to rusitcate it and couldnt sandblast.

[PremalChheda]

The ring on the bent and this are a little tall and thick. Nice shapes and finishes.

Putting a little curve from the bite all the way to the saddle may give it a more elegant appearance.

[wdteipen]

IAWP, your shank caps need to go on a diet. The only other thing I will add is that the diameter of your saddle should match the diameter of the end of your shank. It should look as if the shank line continues straight through the shank cap into the stem. Very nice pipe overall.

[Nate]

I have been told by a prominent maker to make rings look like wedding rings, low profile. I have also seen taller 'full-radius' rings work well on certain pipes. You seem to have a combo of both: the arc of a wedding band and the height of a full radius ring. Pick one or the other! I do like the shape of the stummel however, nicely done! IAWP also about the arc on the stem, a slight curve there gives the line a better flow. Nice stuff!!

[T. Suominen]

Thanks all.

Are you inspired by a lot of different things in your pipe making?

Yes. Basically anything between heaven and earth can kickstart a new (or newish...) shape in my head. I've also developed quite a habit of scouring trough a series of pipesites on daily basis, so that'll leave a mark ...

It's of course the block that has the command, i've tried a few times to decide the shape beforehand and do just that disregarding the grain etc. only to find out that it feels quite bad to do a pipe that way, like shoving a square block into a round hole... This one was exception as the block was very pale and had basically none grain pattern whatsoever, it was also lightweight. Weird block... Any thoughts about the smoking qualities of such a block BTW?

sharp and solid lines! too bad you had to rusitcate it and couldnt sandblast.

There was no visible growth rings on the block either, so i think it would've looked like crap blasted... But yes, blasting equipment would be really cool.

Premal, Wayne, Nate; i see your points. True, thanks!