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Okay, while wet sanding the stem I got the shank too wet and it swelled. Has Anyone done this and if so will the shank dry enough to get to where it was? Any how all comments and advice are welcome, Norm.

I really want to know the answer to this as well.

I dont know the answer, but I would leave the stem out until the shank is totally dry.

I don't think leaving the stem out until the shank is dry is a good idea. You don't want the moisture to swell in the mortise and make the mortise too small. Leave the shank and stem attached as much as possible while the material stabilizes.

I think that would have the opposite effect. Only one way to find out.

I was thinking the same as Jeremiah, plus I was glad the shank didn't crack when it swelled. Right now it is still a good fit, Norm.

When making your mortise and it is dry take a Q tip and apply some shellac or beeswax, I use shellac, and let it dry then it will stabilize the mortise and prevent this. Don't force the tenon back in while wet, taking a chance on it cracking.If it's not too bad and just real tight put some graphite on the tenon and it should go in.Always stabilize the mortise, since you will be selling pipes to climates all over the world. Hope this helps! John.

I forgot, the mortise almost always goes back to the original size.. The graphite trick is just to make sure. You still have to stabilize it.

pipedreamer wrote:When making your mortise and it is dry take a Q tip and apply some shellac or beeswax, I use shellac, and let it dry then it will stabilize the mortise and prevent this. Don't force the tenon back in while wet, taking a chance on it cracking.If it's not too bad and just real tight put some graphite on the tenon and it should go in.Always stabilize the mortise, since you will be selling pipes to climates all over the world. Hope this helps! John.

This is another thing where I have to say, Why didn't I think of this? Thanks John I am going to do this from now on, Norm.

I've never had a problem with shanks swelling because I don't typically wet sand and when I have I use minimal amounts of water. I do stabilize my mortises with 1/2 cut shellac.

It's not a bad looking pot although I think you took a bit too much off the heel and the sides of the bowl almost look like they taper outwards like a Dublin toward the rim. The stem looks to be a bit wobbly and out-of-round. Make sure your turning the stem 1/4 turns as you shape and sand to keep it round. Your getting better with each pipe, Norm. Keep it up.

Nobodys gonna make a swollen shank joke ?!???
Sas you are slacking dude.

Alden wrote:Nobodys gonna make a swollen shank joke ?!???
Sas you are slacking dude.

I have been waiting all day, Norm.