My First Pipe

That I've made, that is. I've put about 74 hours worth of work into this one so far and it's not done yet. However, I've reached a point at which it can be shared. The whole thing is sanded down to 600 grit at this point. It is wet so that the grain can be seen. Check it out! Praise and constructive criticism are welcome!

Nice looking pipe! Bet you can't wait to light her up!

I really need to start making vids...

Nice job! Now you've heard it else-wheres I'm sure..."Now, go make another..."

Wait til you smoke it. Nothing like smoking our own!

Nice pipe! I am looking forward to viewing the finished product.
Have you decided what the first smoke will be?

Being on dial up sucks, as I can't watch videos for one. Web pages load slow as do pictures. Sorry but I can't see your video to give any thoughts on the pipe itself.

Just know, as you make a few more, the process will get faster. If you enjoy it, keep at it. And as already said, there is no feeling like smoking a pipe that you made yourself.

Nice work!! Really sweet looking pipe!

That's your first pipe?! No!

It's awesome man! Did you drill it yourself?

Wow! Thanks for the positive responses guys!

To answer a few questions:
1. I haven't yet decided what the first smoke will be, but I feel pretty confident in saying that this will be a VA pipe. Maybe some FVF, Stonehaven, or OGS. Hmm...
2. I did drill it myself, by hand using gimlets.

If you guys are curious about the process for pipe #1, check out this thread on BoB: http://www.brothersofbriar.com/t15173p60-making-my-first-pipe

That link will take you to page 5 of the thread, which is where the process of this particular pipe started. I was working on another before I ruined it. This one turned out pretty ok, though.

I'll post some photos this evening or tomorrow so that folks with dial up can have a closer look.

From another who suffers from chronic dial-up syndrome, that would be much appreciated!

That's a nice looking pipe! Thanks for the vid.

As promised... photos! Please keep in mind that the pipe is not complete yet. Unfortunately, the gap between the stem and shank is probably there to stay. I didn't face early enough and any further attempt would compromise the otherwise smooth transition where they meet. Lesson learned!

That's a fabulous grain! And about the shank gap...as long as you learned from it, it's no loss...

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I love that shape! Great Job!

Nice work!

Thanks a lot everyone!

I really lucked out on the first batch of briar that I got to work with. I cut into a block for my second pipe and was SHOCKED at the immense amount of dense birds eye in the block. It was a definite "I'm not worthy" moment.

I'm still doing research on how to best face the shank and stem without any real power tools. I've learned a few concepts from some more experienced pipe makers, and I plan to implement them on pipe #2. We'll see how that goes!

Briar will humble you...and so will experienced pipemakers...

Real power tools...does a drill not count as that? Cuz heres soemthing to try...get a pen blank squaring kit from somewhere, it has several different size shaft on it and they all bolt into an end mill. This will square the face of the shank and keep it perpendicular to the mortise as well. It can be used on a hand held drill...gingerly...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2083645/35449/Whiteside-Pen-Mill-Set.aspx

You may want to round over (so its shorter and goes in the mortise and doesnt "cut" the mortise) the largest one and use that as your mortise bit.

A drill totally counts! I just didn't have one until two days ago.

Great link as well! I'm seriously considering picking up that Pen Mill set. Thanks a lot for the tip!

Cool pipe man!
(That Kyle Weiss guy looks like a party animal. I wonder if he has any videos)