Well, attempt #3 didn't go as planned. My plan was to make a straight pipe kit feel like a brandy with a slight bend. It turned in to whatever is pictured below, because I made a lot of mistakes along the way. I'm bummed about my stem work. It feels short and the button feels small, but the practice I got was worth it. Critiques and recommendations for my next pipes are welcome. I am ordering briar blocks this time, so I can try my hand at actual pipe making (drilling, ect.) Thanks for your help!
Pipe #3
Re: Pipe #3
The stem shape seems unfinished, like you rushed to get it polished. I think my best advice would be not to hurry, and don't be too hard on yourself.
Re: Pipe #3
Thanks, Leus. You are completely right. Sometimes I get so excited about the finished product that I don't fully conceptualize what I am doing. Very helpful.
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Re: Pipe #3
Defenitely don't stress too much about stem work- as Leus said, just take time, study the stem work of high end makers, and understand perfecting stems takes a LOT of practice and a LOT of kinda goofy stems.
Re: Pipe #3
You asked for a critique of this pipe, so with the intent of giving you some honest feed back I have the following.
I think you made a good start on this pipe but, frankly, you stopped way too soon.
The pipe has no definitive shape. Is it a Pot? A Billiard? Something in between?
My recommendation is that you develop a definitive design and draw that design on the block before you start carving.
Then, stick to that design unless you make a mistake or run into a flaw that requires a design change.
I also recommend that you pick a well defined, traditional shape to start out with. A Billiard is a good choice.
Take this pipe back to the sander and remove a lot more material to reveal the shape that is hidden.
I suggest this:
Keep cracking at it. A lot of beginner pipes have the same kinds of issues. And part of becoming a pipe maker is training your eye to see what a good pipe looks like.
Todd
I think you made a good start on this pipe but, frankly, you stopped way too soon.
The pipe has no definitive shape. Is it a Pot? A Billiard? Something in between?
My recommendation is that you develop a definitive design and draw that design on the block before you start carving.
Then, stick to that design unless you make a mistake or run into a flaw that requires a design change.
I also recommend that you pick a well defined, traditional shape to start out with. A Billiard is a good choice.
Take this pipe back to the sander and remove a lot more material to reveal the shape that is hidden.
I suggest this:
Keep cracking at it. A lot of beginner pipes have the same kinds of issues. And part of becoming a pipe maker is training your eye to see what a good pipe looks like.
Todd
Re: Pipe #3
Thanks, Yeti and Todd for taking the time for input and critique. It is very helpful. I think I do need to be more tactical about what I am doing. I feel like there is so much to learn! If either of you know where I can find schematics for certain traditional shapes, I would love it. I've searched the board and haven't found but a few. Again, many thanks!