I have to admit it turned out much better than I had hoped. It's got a LOT to criticize, but it's mine and if first impressions are anything, it smokes pretty darn good.
My own critical impressions:
I tried to cut the bottom so it would sit back, and didn't take into account the stem would weigh it forward. It still sits fine, but I wish I would've realized that and left it flat.
I really need to work on shaping around the connection of the stem to the bowl. It's not ugly, but I could've done a better job if I would've thought ahead and left myself more briar to work with.
General shaping...I need to leave more briar and do the final shaping with sandpaper. I started with 220 and really should've used less rasp and file and done the final shaping with 80 grit. I hate sanding, but it's a necessary evil here I guess to someone that doesn't have a lathe.
Polish: it seemed to go well with the wheels chucked into a hand drill. But it seemed to be the carnuba didn't take well enough to the buff. I'm sure it was there because the stem buffed up nicely after the tripoli, but it doesn't shine as much as I've seen on other pipes.
Pics: looks a little darker than it actually is in the pics...
Comments, criticism, tips and hints, etc.......
