When I posted a pic of my first pipe someone said be sure and post
a pic of your second pipe. There have been many times in the past
few weeks when I wasn't sure there would ever be a 2nd pipe.
I'm sure that's exactly what they were alluding to...
This time I drilled the block (and nailed it I might add) and it was a
really ratty block from Pimo. By the time I had it square there was
barely room for a pipe in it.
Anyhow I wanted to make a honking large billiard or pot. I also wanted
to try contrast staining.
The bowl is 1" diameter by about 1.5" deep.
Contrast staining is hard. I tried to stain with black while I still had some
low spots and had to sand it all off again and do it again. The process is kind of self correcting. Repeat until desired results are achieved.
I used water based black nigrosine dye, I'll try leather dye next.
The top stain was alcohol based aniline stuff.
I learned lucite stems don't take sanding and repolishing like vulcanite.
I'll never use one again unless I figure out a better method.
I did this whole thing in one 12hr session. If I get a bandsaw to help
get things square and a drill press with enough room under it it will
be a lot more fun.
Oddly enough shaping the pipe was the easy part.
I've noticed real billiards don't extend below the shank like mine.
I wanted the shape of the bowl to not appear to be altered by the
shank attachment so I continued the curve below the shank.
Would you call it a pot or a mistake?
Also the stummel sits upright even thought the bottom is curved.
Kind of a bonus sitter feature. My Stanwells fall over if I set them
on a table.
Anyhow I've been awake way too long.
Landrum
