Using my Android Ebay app, I fell prey to this GBD 9438 in Tapestry finish. The seller described the damage to the stem button and included a large picture. In my haste to make an offer, I missed this glaring issue.
I checked into having Dave Walker make a new vulcanite stem, but he said that vulcanite in that large a diameter is no longer available to him.
So, I decided to cut the broken button off and shape a new one. This was my first attempt at this task and it was a little tricky. I'm in awe of the tools and skill level used by the artisan makers to craft their distinctive shapes.
I wrote up a full essay with pictures on Steve's "Reborn Pipes" blog:
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/gbd-9438-tapestry-stem-repair/
Here's what I started with and the finished product.
I checked into having Dave Walker make a new vulcanite stem, but he said that vulcanite in that large a diameter is no longer available to him.
So, I decided to cut the broken button off and shape a new one. This was my first attempt at this task and it was a little tricky. I'm in awe of the tools and skill level used by the artisan makers to craft their distinctive shapes.
I wrote up a full essay with pictures on Steve's "Reborn Pipes" blog:
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/gbd-9438-tapestry-stem-repair/
Here's what I started with and the finished product.