pipemakersforum.com

Not some amateur, but one of the world's top guys.

With 50+ years of experience, too, so you know he must think it's the best way. (His method/process is well-tuned)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF-Iz8EenJA

Anyone else do this?

No but I can see the advantages.

No. Only advantage I can see is less catches and maybe can catch flaws in shaping before it's too late to alter the shape plan. Kind of a hybrid of freehand and lathe shaping. Otherwise, it seems a waste of time. It would be interesting to hear his point of view.