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I have a ton of Crape Myrtle, and I have seen some online being used to make pipes, but I wanted to ask you guys what you thought of that idea before I went in depth with it.

It seems to be very tight grained, but I don't know about it's fire-resistance, or taste, or toxicity.

Let me know what you think!

After a very scientific excursion into Google I discovered that there are a metric crap ton of different varieties of Crape Myrtle. I do not know whether the properties pipemakers are after, ie nontoxic, heat resistant, fairly stable, differ from variety to variety. Maybe someone could be of more help if you were able to figure out exactly which type of Crape Myrtle you have.

Thanks Ocelot. I believe that it is either Japanese or Common Crape Myrtle. However, Wiki says that it has lots of hybrids between the two. I know that the plant is toxic to humans if consumed, but it is also used in bowls and furniture. The question remains, "What will it do to me if I dry it, form it into a pipe, and then smoke tobacco in it?" I don't believe it would kill a man, but I also don't want to find out I was wrong.

Maybe I should just make the pipe and give it to someone else to try... Got any suggestions?

Gershom wrote: Got any suggestions?

Briar

Gershom wrote:Maybe I should just make the pipe and give it to someone else to try... Got any suggestions?

Sasquatch or Ernie.

You were asking for suggestions on who to give it to to try it weren't you?

Yeah, I was meaning someone to give it to... Sorry for the confusion!

Wayne, I just browsed your website and I must say, that "Mad Hatter" is quite the pipe. I really like your sleek design, and I hope to one day do a full bent as well.