advice on panel pipe

[notow1]

Ok, I am trying to make a panel pipe and hope I can get some advice. I am going to round the corners on the bowl. After I straighten the stem and shank I don't know if I should taper the stem or make a saddle. If a saddle is called for would You make it a sharp saddle with only a little taper? Should the edges on the shank and stem be rounded or left sharp? Here is what I have so far and any advice is appreciated, Norm.

[Alden]

I'd keep the lines of the shank crisp as you can. It looks like your stem is going sideways on you.
I'd say a taper stem is called for.

[taharris]

I agree with Alden.

I think a tapered stem would look good.

Todd

[PremalChheda]

Saddle is 99.9% of the time > than Taper.

Break the sharpness of the edges with a high grit paper when the shape is complete and sanded, before stain.

Big Flat Rectangular File is your friend for Panels.

[baweaverpipes]

Taper the stem.
In the future, when making a panel, I've found that shaping a billiard first..........then doing the panels is much easier and precise.

[sandahlpipe]

I agree with Bruce on shaping a billiard first and then flattening out the panels. I generally do prefer saddle stems, but it's really your call.

[wdteipen]

IAWB on shaping a billiard first then cut panels. Taper or saddle either one will work although I like the looks of a saddle better.

[caskwith]

Yep shape a billiard but while the block is square I like to set the front panel on the big disc sander, gives me a an accurate reference for later on.

[notow1]

Well this isn't working for Me, mainly because I can't straighten the stem. I will make another starting as a billiard and turn it into a panel. I tried a tapered stem on this one but prefer the saddle stem. I will post photos of the next one, thanks for all the good advice, Norm.