I started working on shaping this pipe sometime in April. Used a vice, dowel, and rasp for the majority of the shaping. It went through multiple "drafts" until around early July, when I deemed the shape "satisfactory" (around 80-120 grit at this point). I returned to the theatre scene shop where I set up my motor. I decided to try using the 220 grit sanding disc, messed up the shape slightly, then decided I wanted to slim the pipe down anyways.
Reached my true final shape and began the staining process. I hand-sanded the pipe with a worn-out piece of 180 grit, stained it black, waited a day, then sanded it down with 400 grit and then applied a light brown. Waited another day then sanded again with 600 to get rid of areas that had excess stain. Loaded all three wheels with their respective compounds (Red Tripoli, White Diamond, Carnauba). I made sure not to over-load the wheels and ran a scrap piece of wood through each to slightly break them in a bit.
For the mouthpiece, I wet sanded all the way up to 1000 grit. The mouthpiece was another place that I don't think I spent nearly enough time and devotion to, and it shows. I watched George's video on getting a good finish on the vulcanite bit, but I didn't vigorously follow it. I also realize the shape of the airway isn't really pretty on this pipe, but I don't have a file/saw small enough to really shape it. To sum it up, I know I have a looong way to go with making nice stems. I need to invest in/find some tools first.
What I already know that needs improving:
1) The junction between the stem and the stummel is not flush because in an effort to rid myself of all scratches, I over-did the sanding at the shank. What do you guys recommend to counter this? Should I have just spent a bunch of time sanding the junction with the stem attached? I suppose that's really the only option...
2) The shape isn't exactly symmetrical. I noticed while I was shooting the the down-the-stem view that one side was different than the other -- I needed to remove a bit more material left side of the shank/bowl junction. It looks kind of severe in the photo but in reality it's only a smidgen off. Buuuut,that smidgen is what differentiates truly symmetrical to from lopsided.
3) I think the taper on my shank --> stem could be smoother and more intentional. Looking at the photos now, it almost looks a bit lumpy. Also, I think I should have a bit of a taper, waist, then a slight widening when I get closer to the mouthpiece, kind of like this picture of George's work, where the mouthpiece flattens but widens.
http://www.precisionpiperepair.com/Imag ... %20275.jpg
4) I could improve my patience. I spent so much time on the shaping that I definitely rushed things during the final steps.
I'm not sure what else really needs tweaking. Let me know what you think I should improve on and whether or not my own self-critiques are anywhere accurate. Thanks in advance!
), Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. Keep up the great work , can't wait to see what is in store if this is your first. 
