Show us your homemade pipes!

[deluxestogie]

How Briar Curing Works: History, Methods, and Benefits | Smokingpipes.com

Learn more about the history, methods, and benefits traditional briar curing and how the process ensures optimum smoking qualities

www.smokingpipes.com

If you harvested the natural heath root ball (from which briar pipes are made), then you may need to:

1. cut the blocks
2. boil them in water to remove resins
3. allow them to slowly dry for 18 months
4. then make the pipe

If, instead, you obtained a cut block from a commercial supplier, then I would imagine it has already been processed, and is ready for carving.

I have made pipes from corn cobs, apple, cherry and ash. I did not boil them.

Bob

 

[Frazeri]

Thank you Bob for the answers...
Yes, I meant the natural root ball: I got some of them (both still whole and already cut in rough big blocks), they aged pretty bad and "wild" for like five years, with many cracks, but I'm quite sure to find some piece still good and big enough for a pipe... I was just lazy to boil them and wait for aging. But I do have some cherry wood as well, I guess I can make some attempt meanwhile!
Instead, I have a doubt about commercial briar blanks: after you boil briar it becomes dark and "oxidated", it has to be recut for revealing the grain again. I have always seen visible grain blanks for sale, are they recut or just not boiled yet?

 

[deluxestogie]

after you boil briar it becomes dark and "oxidated", it has to be recut for revealing the grain again

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[Knucklehead]

A pretty good thread on grading briar blocks at www.pipemakersforum.com.

Briar Grading - pipemakersforum.com

 

[Frazeri]

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

For sure sanding is an alternative to recut, but what I was wandering is: as the lower grade blanks are sold for less than 5 euros, can we aspect them to be cut, boiled and sanded again?
Anyway I'm not going to purchase a commercial briar, I would loose a big part of my fun and satisfaction... I'll boil mine and wait for aging.
Meanwhile, as I said, I already started experimenting with cherry wood...
Here's my first try!

 

[Havok]

For sure sanding is an alternative to recut, but what I was wandering is: as the lower grade blanks are sold for less than 5 euros, can we aspect them to be cut, boiled and sanded again?

Typically not for low grade, but every reseller will have different practices. The images you see may just be a prop block that was sanded and dampened to show the grain, but your product will be a different block (still rough cut, oxidized, and grungy). Or it was originally spec’d higher and was found to have too many flaws after squaring. (Often a block the reseller was going to use for a kit or a pipe).
If your satisfaction comes from starting right from the burl though; don’t rush it, research it, and do it right. I’ve never done that, but I am sure they dry in stable, humidity controlled rooms, not out in the wild.
Good luck!

 

[Frazeri]

Thank you all for the useful links and informations...

 

[Controlled Chaos]

Something burned out on the circuit board of my mini lathe last year so making pipes basically came to a halt with a handful of stummels unable to be fitted with stems. Except for one. Always given less attention because despite the shape coming along nicely it needed some drilling hidden and the pipes that didn't have small errors like that seemed more important because they were potential revenue should I list them for sale.

A couple weeks ago the creativity bug bit hard and most of the needed or fun projects that could be attended to around the house required a lot of setup or moving things around so instead it seemed right to finish this pipe that was started at least a year ago. A few more passes on the buffing wheel and it's time time for its maiden voyage

 

[ProZachJ]

Something burned out on the circuit board of my mini lathe last year so making pipes basically came to a halt with a handful of stummels unable to be fitted with stems. Except for one. Always given less attention because despite the shape coming along nicely it needed some drilling hidden and the pipes that didn't have small errors like that seemed more important because they were potential revenue should I list them for sale.

A couple weeks ago the creativity bug bit hard and most of the needed or fun projects that could be attended to around the house required a lot of setup or moving things around so instead it seemed right to finish this pipe that was started at least a year ago. A few more passes on the buffing wheel and it's time time for its maiden voyage

Beautiful pipe! Where do you sell your pipes?

 

[Belle-Beast]

Hello,
I would like to show my homemade calabash pipe.

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It is made of hard plaster.

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I made plaster molds with 3D Printer.

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I do not have real calabash pipe but this one tastes quite alright.

Quite interesting! It's a beauty!

Something burned out on the circuit board of my mini lathe last year so making pipes basically came to a halt with a handful of stummels unable to be fitted with stems. Except for one. Always given less attention because despite the shape coming along nicely it needed some drilling hidden and the pipes that didn't have small errors like that seemed more important because they were potential revenue should I list them for sale.

A couple weeks ago the creativity bug bit hard and most of the needed or fun projects that could be attended to around the house required a lot of setup or moving things around so instead it seemed right to finish this pipe that was started at least a year ago. A few more passes on the buffing wheel and it's time time for its maiden voyage


View attachment 49612View attachment 49613View attachment 49614View attachment 49618View attachment 49619View attachment 49620View attachment 49621View attachment 49622

Nice shine! Nice pipe!

Nice shine! Nice pipe!

Did you use Carnauba or something else???

So the other day I said I was after suggestions of cob pipes, and this forum was so kind in reccomending excellent details and points along the way. As most of you saw, I selected a cheP pipe from the liquor store and enjoyed a couple of bowls last night. Well today, I was out in the pasture and noticed an apple tree had rotted and fell over. Sometime during all of the discussion, @deluxestogie says if you can drill a hole, you could make one.
Well long stories short.. I was inspired. I used wax from my bees, whittled and sanded, drilled and even managed to char the inside.

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Is there any way that I would be able to purchase some of your bees wax???

I was just now touching up the stummel of my first real go at a homemade pipe. After I put a light coat of oil on it I was astonished to see this nearly perfect five point star, I guess the core of the maple log I hacked up, right on the heel of the pipe. The pores in the wood look like rays of light emanating from it.
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That's amazing!

I must have mixed up the wood, that's awesome to know thanks. I wondered if it was common, I'm not a woodworker or anything so I really don't know much about wood in general. Thought it was neat either way!

I've seen a lot of cut wood and have never seen a star like that!

I've seen a lot of cut wood and have never seen a star like that!

If I did I surely would have made something with it!

 

[Controlled Chaos]

Beautiful pipe! Where do you sell your pipes?

Thank you. Nowhere, really. Word of mouth through friends and coworkers who have pipe smoker friends or relatives. They all tell me to set up a page somewhere to sell pipes but I don't make them consistently enough to do that, there are months long stretches where nothing gets made or worked on and then there are months long stretches where making pipes starts consuming all of my free time. Once a couple are finished I just pass the word around and show pictures

Did you use Carnauba or something else???

Thank you. Normally that's what I'll use to finish a pipe but there have been cases where a pipe is mostly rusticated and I've used shellac for that, this is the first time trying shellac on a smooth pipe. The grain doesn't really pop unless it's shining which wax can do but I wanted this pipe to look as wet as possible. With the added plus that it doesn't need to be waxed from time to time and with the stem being acrylic there's little maintenance that needs to be done to keep up its appearance

 

[ProZachJ]

Once a couple are finished I just pass the word around and show pictures

Me want...

 

[Belle-Beast]

Thank you. Nowhere, really. Word of mouth through friends and coworkers who have pipe smoker friends or relatives. They all tell me to set up a page somewhere to sell pipes but I don't make them consistently enough to do that, there are months long stretches where nothing gets made or worked on and then there are months long stretches where making pipes starts consuming all of my free time. Once a couple are finished I just pass the word around and show pictures




Thank you. Normally that's what I'll use to finish a pipe but there have been cases where a pipe is mostly rusticated and I've used shellac for that, this is the first time trying shellac on a smooth pipe. The grain doesn't really pop unless it's shining which wax can do but I wanted this pipe to look as wet as possible. With the added plus that it doesn't need to be waxed from time to time and with the stem being acrylic there's little maintenance that needs to be done to keep up its appearance

Thank you. Nowhere, really. Word of mouth through friends and coworkers who have pipe smoker friends or relatives. They all tell me to set up a page somewhere to sell pipes but I don't make them consistently enough to do that, there are months long stretches where nothing gets made or worked on and then there are months long stretches where making pipes starts consuming all of my free time. Once a couple are finished I just pass the word around and show pictures




Thank you. Normally that's what I'll use to finish a pipe but there have been cases where a pipe is mostly rusticated and I've used shellac for that, this is the first time trying shellac on a smooth pipe. The grain doesn't really pop unless it's shining which wax can do but I wanted this pipe to look as wet as possible. With the added plus that it doesn't need to be waxed from time to time and with the stem being acrylic there's little maintenance that needs to be done to keep up its appearance

very very nice! Now let's say if this were someone's daily driver about how long do you think the finish would hold up? And I know that's a tough question just a really rough idea maybe... lol And if and when the shellac began to show signs of age would you just sand lightly and recoat it or would it be more involved???

 

[deluxestogie]

Nowhere, really. Word of mouth

If you are interested in an outlet, you might consider contacting the folks at:

Smokingpipes.com | Tobacco Pipes - Pipe Tobacco

Smokingpipes.com is your one stop shop for all your pipe smoking needs. From new and used tobacco pipes to tinned and bulk pipe tobacco, we have everything you need.

www.smokingpipes.com

Bob

 

[Belle-Beast]

This has definitely been my most fav thread so far! A big thank you to everyone who shared their creations! What a talented bunch of people we have here at Fair Trade Tobacco!
I think I just spent the past 4 hours (or more!) reading the details of each persons creative process and admiring everyone's art work. Bravo! And I look forward to seeing more!

 

[Controlled Chaos]

Me want...

The lathe circuit board should be packed up and ready to send out today or tomorrow so once the "shop" gets active again I'll keep you in mind whenever something is finished

very very nice! Now let's say if this were someone's daily driver about how long do you think the finish would hold up? And I know that's a tough question just a really rough idea maybe... lol And if and when the shellac began to show signs of age would you just sand lightly and recoat it or would it be more involved???

That's a good question. I've got a few pipes that came with a shellac finish and they're holding up just fine so far, hopefully this one is no different. If anything happens it's nothing a quick rub down with 1000 grit and another coat or two can't fix

If you are interested in an outlet, you might consider contacting the folks at:

Smokingpipes.com | Tobacco Pipes - Pipe Tobacco

Smokingpipes.com is your one stop shop for all your pipe smoking needs. From new and used tobacco pipes to tinned and bulk pipe tobacco, we have everything you need.

www.smokingpipes.com

Bob

I had no idea that was even an option, thanks for letting me know

 

[Belle-Beast]

If you are interested in an outlet, you might consider contacting the folks at:

Smokingpipes.com | Tobacco Pipes - Pipe Tobacco

Smokingpipes.com is your one stop shop for all your pipe smoking needs. From new and used tobacco pipes to tinned and bulk pipe tobacco, we have everything you need.

www.smokingpipes.com

Bob

An outlet for what???

 

[deluxestogie]

An outlet for what???

Click on the link, then click pipes | new pipes

They sell scores of custom pipes from individual crafters.

Bob

 

[Belle-Beast]

Thanks Chaos! I had a feeling it was probably just like a piece of well used furniture that needed a facelift.
Sadly my clear coat application is severely lacking. Its funny because I have always been extremely handy and I master most things I try but for some reason I can not get a nice smooth finish on anythint like you have on that pipe! No matter what I am trying to redo or touch up it always has ugly brush marks, fuzz or something mucking it up. lol It's never smooth and shines like glass the way the finish on your pipe is. I've yet to figure out what it is I am doing wrong. I can paint anything without issue but clear coats forget it and I have tried all the various formulas through the years. I doubt I'll ever attempt anything like that again. But it is sure pretty to look at and you nailed it!
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your process and hopefully my joy and enthusiasm didn't drive you or anyone else to nuts. I try to contain myself and refrain from asking you how, with what do you apply it with and what brand of shellac and what is the differnace between shellac and polyurethane and other clear coats other than ingredients of course and so you see that is how my curious ADD mind works. And do not answer a single one of those questions! I've got reading to do! I need to figure out if anything needs done to tobacco after it's been frozen and a few things about knucklehead's flake box.
I just received the budget grinder from WLT this past week but I can totally see where this flake box thing is going to work and probably pan out better for me anyway.
I will of course still try out and use my grinder as well but I still need to clear out a space and set up a spot for it so it may be a while yet before I get all that done. I've just been using scissors and they work its just a bit painful. I hate to admit it but I've been smoking cigs for about 40 years, rolling my own for about 30 of them but I just had the best cig of my life last week. That's crazy! I was completely amazed and figure it can only get better from here but I'll spare you the details! And then after seeing the young lady on this thread earlier with her cute hand made pipe I got thinking I may have to try out a pipe or two too! And that is just another rabbit hole of questions I will have to research to find the answers to and I just may drop over before this adventure is over! lol
Anyway thanks again and feel free to tag me if you share any new pipe pics! I'm a fan!

 

[Controlled Chaos]

Thanks Chaos! I had a feeling it was probably just like a piece of well used furniture that needed a facelift.
Sadly my clear coat application is severely lacking. Its funny because I have always been extremely handy and I master most things I try but for some reason I can not get a nice smooth finish on anythint like you have on that pipe! No matter what I am trying to redo or touch up it always has ugly brush marks, fuzz or something mucking it up. lol It's never smooth and shines like glass the way the finish on your pipe is. I've yet to figure out what it is I am doing wrong. I can paint anything without issue but clear coats forget it and I have tried all the various formulas through the years. I doubt I'll ever attempt anything like that again. But it is sure pretty to look at and you nailed it!
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your process and hopefully my joy and enthusiasm didn't drive you or anyone else to nuts. I try to contain myself and refrain from asking you how, with what do you apply it with and what brand of shellac and what is the differnace between shellac and polyurethane and other clear coats other than ingredients of course and so you see that is how my curious ADD mind works. And do not answer a single one of those questions! I've got reading to do! I need to figure out if anything needs done to tobacco after it's been frozen and a few things about knucklehead's flake box.
I just received the budget grinder from WLT this past week but I can totally see where this flake box thing is going to work and probably pan out better for me anyway.
I will of course still try out and use my grinder as well but I still need to clear out a space and set up a spot for it so it may be a while yet before I get all that done. I've just been using scissors and they work its just a bit painful. I hate to admit it but I've been smoking cigs for about 40 years, rolling my own for about 30 of them but I just had the best cig of my life last week. That's crazy! I was completely amazed and figure it can only get better from here but I'll spare you the details! And then after seeing the young lady on this thread earlier with her cute hand made pipe I got thinking I may have to try out a pipe or two too! And that is just another rabbit hole of questions I will have to research to find the answers to and I just may drop over before this adventure is over! lol
Anyway thanks again and feel free to tag me if you share any new pipe pics! I'm a fan!

Don't judge yourself too harshly in comparison. I used to do industrial wet spray painting and I've got my own HVLP gun and compressor here which is what I use when applying shellac because the smallest blemish on a smooth surface still stands out like a sore thumb to me after all these years. There have been a few times where I got a really smooth finish using those foam brushes that look like chisels but spraying with a paint gun is way easier to get that nice sheen and there's something really fun about painting using HVLP guns. Even spray cans are much easier than any type of contact application for getting a good gloss.

If you're curious about making pipes it's really not complicated at all once you understand why each step is needed. My most spot on drilled pipes are still the first two I made and that was using a small Chinese 8" drill press with a regular sized drill press vise and no lathe so it's true what is said about how tools and machinery don't make better pipes, they help you make pipes faster. Cherry turning blanks can be found on Amazon and they're already squared up for you so all you have to do is measure and mark them for your drilling. Watch this video and then watch part 2 except for the end with the lathe unless you want to watch him start using the lathe to shape instead of using hand tools but he shows how to use just a drill press and a vise and how to drill accurately so the bowl and draft hole align. Those two videos are the ones that got me started so if you're like me and you're handy and get good at most things you try then you just might have a pipe maker sleeping inside of you waiting to be woken up from its slumber. Once you nudge it awake and it hears that pipes can be made without the need for expensive tools just be careful to never let it eat after midnight and don't let it get wet