Well, I posted a before pic and two after pics in my gallery. I used this first pipe to get a tutoring session on pipe finishing from John Crosby (Thanks for the tips, John!). The after photos in the gallery were taken by me - I just put the thing down on the couch and snapped a couple of digital pictures. These are pictures of the same pipe, taken by the much more experienced Mr. Crosby in his garage photo setup (without taking a great deal of time to set things up, I might add - just a quick couple of snaps). I am struck by how much nicer John's quick pics make my pipe look. Looks like there is a second part of this pipemaking thing that I hadn't counted on: pipe photography! I have seen fancy shots of pipes taken with briar blocks, rods, wood shavings, nature scenes, you name it. There is definitely something to that part of things.
Now that it is finished, my biggest regret is not more sharply defining the shank/bowl transition and actually committing to a shape. I can't figure out if this thing is a volcano, a brandy, an apple... a volbranapple?
Now who wants to order briar with me? I need more cheapie newbie blocks! After one briar pipe I am hooked.
-Scott
First Kit Completed and Pipe Photography
- achduliebe
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Wow...Scott, that is a fine looking pipe! Very nice!
-Bryan
"You should never fight, but if you have to fight...fight dirty. Kick 'em in the groin, throw a rock at 'em"
www.quinnpipes.com
"You should never fight, but if you have to fight...fight dirty. Kick 'em in the groin, throw a rock at 'em"
www.quinnpipes.com
Thanks, guys. The opinion of the folks on this board means a lot. If you have advice on how I can make my shapes better please let me know. Today I have vowed to order more briar (I only had this one kit), although I don't know where from. I sent email to Briar Grains, but haven't gotten a response yet on shipping (and I don't really want to wait 3 weeks to get it either). I'm interested in getting a small quantity (like 5-6) of cheaper blocks (since I will be trying to drill them myself and don't want to throw away a lot of money if I screw that part up). I'll look at Pimo and JHLowe. Based on what I have seen and read I guess I will get some shaped bits from Pimo this time around (I don't have a bench grinder yet). Guess I will learn to shape my own bits by sharpening or modifying those. Some molded stems will be on the list for now too.
I smoked this first one last night, and you guys are right. There is little more satisfying than smoking something that you made yourself. And Tyler, I think you are right about the importance of stems in the smoking experience. I think I will be spending some time concentrating and learning about this.
-Scott
I smoked this first one last night, and you guys are right. There is little more satisfying than smoking something that you made yourself. And Tyler, I think you are right about the importance of stems in the smoking experience. I think I will be spending some time concentrating and learning about this.
-Scott