pipemakersforum.com

I'm having large issues with this project. I'm trying to make a Bilbo type churchwarden with a 12" oak stem but I always run into the same problem. I had to drill 4 stems to get the drilling right and then steamed it to bend. I didn't steam for long enough so I applied more pressure and it snapped. Now that I have the steaming figured out I can't get the drilling right anymore. I was wondering if anyone here with better tooling than me would be willing to drill a 12" oak dowel or piece of wood for me (maybe even turn it to some diameter). I would gladly purchase said stem from you if it's not too expensive. I trust my bending skills enough by now to do that step myself. I would greatly appreciate any help since I have the bowl drilled and shaped pretty much perfectly and all I'm stuck on now is the stem. Drop me a line:
lovasz_b at canada dot com
Cheers
Bryan

You might want to contact Tim West at J. H. Lowe. He will know what to use.