Looking for metal pipe bands

[Leanu]

Hi All,

This is my first post here. I have been making pipes for a few months now as a hobby and am comfortable enough with what I am doing now to step it up a notch. I have seen some amazing pipes here at the forum, and was wondering where the best place is to find those pipe bands that so seamlessly bring the stummel and stem together. I have seen some on PME, but was wondering if there is somewhere that I could find some that are more like what I am looking for. I have even tried the local bohemian jewelry store!

Thanks!

Leanu

[ToddJohnson]

I think we would have to know what "more like what [you] are looking for" is.

TJ

Hi All,

This is my first post here. I have been making pipes for a few months now as a hobby and am comfortable enough with what I am doing now to step it up a notch. I have seen some amazing pipes here at the forum, and was wondering where the best place is to find those pipe bands that so seamlessly bring the stummel and stem together. I have seen some on PME, but was wondering if there is somewhere that I could find some that are more like what I am looking for. I have even tried the local bohemian jewelry store!

Thanks!

Leanu

[KurtHuhn]

If you're looking for sterling silver rings, you can find them at any one of the several dozen online retailers for sterling jewelery. Be prepared to look at a lot of ugly rings before you find ones you like. You can get everything from plain bands to Celtic knots to interesting filigree. These can cost anywhere from $5 to $150 depending. This is what I usually do.

Or, you can get metal tube and make your own rings. Nickel is usually best for this since it's hard and resists scratching, and it also resists tarnishing. You can get this stuff at McMaster-Carr, Grainger, and a handful of other places. You can also use brass or titanium if you like. And since there's no real rules, you can even use copper plumbing pipe/tube. I've done that a few times and, properly prepped, copper looks really nice. Nickel can be buffed to a mirror shine, though it already comes pretty much mirror polished. I've used brass a few times, but you (and your customer) have to understand that the brass needs protected or it will tarnish and corrode like a mother-effer.

If you're into metal casting you can cast your own from pewter, bronze, silver, or whatever melty metals you like. I've done this once, but it's so labor intensive for one-offs, that I haven't done it since.

[Leanu]

Thanks Kurt, that is quite helpful.

I will look online for the proper bands, sounds like what I was doing with the local stores but with more options.

Don't think I will try casting just yet, one thing at a time!

[eder]

Hi Leanu,

Did you already take a look on Pipe Makers Emporium?
http://www.pipemakers.org/bands.html

Cheers,
eder.

• • •
Eder Mathias
http://mrhydepipes.com

[Alan L]

I make my own from 0.026" sheet silver. Cut, roll, solder (with jewelers' hard solder, of course) attach, and buff. Engrave if desired.