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This is my first hand cut stem. For whatever reason it just wasn't in the cards to actually work out the way I'd like. The first stummel I was shaping with this stem was a larger cutty and during the last two or three minutes of shaping a HUGE flaw opened up that went all the way through into the chamber. Tried to turn another stummel, but only had smaller blocks. So, turned the stem down a bit to match. Well, this block also had major flaws. I figured "what the heck," and decided to finish it anyway in order to get my first hand cut stem behind me.

I am fairly pleased with my stem as a first attempt, but it certainly is not without its flaws...most notably is the fact that I completely forgot to drill the bit end with a different bit and ended up drilling the entire length with a tapered bit. This resulted in not being able to thin out the bit to 4mm. I took off as much as I felt I safely could, but the slot is very large and sloppy looking due this mistake. Also, my button is not to my like. It got smaller than I wanted and isn't very crisp. I was trying to mimic the horn stems that are on the Ropp pipes that smokingpipes have been carrying lately. I own one and it's really comfortable so that's why I chose the taper (left to right.)

Ok, the stummel is crap so I'm not really looking for critique on that, but I would love some feedback on the stem. Thanks for your help guys.

UGGHH!

First thing on the stem is to make the bite zone pretty much flat. Rounded bite zones are uncomfortable for clenching. Round over just the last little bit around the edges and have the majority of the bite zone flat.

Then your slot is probably a bit too wide for the width of the stem. Work on that and straightening up any wobbly lines with a hand file before sanding.

Your shaping on the stummel doesn't look to bad for starters. You did the right thing to not chase the flaws. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the advice, Jeremiah. The bit is very rounded. Since I drilled wrong on the bit end like a dummy I had to leave it a good deal thicker than 4mm so it ended up being much more rounded than should be.

Honestly, for a first handcut stem, that looks very good.

You can see what needs to be fixed and it sounds like you know what needs to change in the process to make some of those fixes happen. Keep working to fix those issues you can see and keep us posted.

For your first hand cut stem ya got to be proud of that!
great advise above, also the light reflection on the top of the stem seems to slightly go off center.
Use the light shine or reflection to help you see dips or angle changes. Some times these are hard to see or even feel, looking at it in different light angles or even taking a photo of it some times can help ya see any problems areas, cause we all love to look at our pipes shinning in the light