Bare minimum tools needed for pipe crafting

harrumphicus

Starting to Get Obsessed

Dec 9, 2011

136

0

The Water

• Jan 3, 2012

• #1

Just out of curiosity, perhaps in a couple months maybe a couple years down the line, what do you think would be the least amount gear needed to carve a pipe from a chunk of wood? I'm thinking pretty low-tech, no power tools. Something I can do at night when I can't sleep without bothering anyone. I'm sure any decent carving kit would do, but what about drilling the bowl and shank by hand?

 

ace57

Lifer

Jun 21, 2011

2,145

1

• Jan 3, 2012

• #2

I did one out of apple wood that took 22 hrs. to carve. All done by hand.

I used a small hand saw, a knife, sand paper, 2 drill bits, and a vise grip to hold the bits.

No power tools at all. 1st and last one I'll do like that.

Oh ya, some band aids as well. :rofl:

 

buckeye

Part of the Furniture Now

Nov 16, 2010

925

8

• Jan 3, 2012

• #3

I use a cheap 5in disk and belt sander combo,50 bucks.

Dremmel for final shaping.and rusticating if you want.

Gouger i made for 12 bucks for rustic work.

 

briarbird

Can't Leave

Dec 7, 2011

433

0

• Jan 3, 2012

• #4

I have been using some fairly minimal tools to make my pipes. I use a belt sander, a drill press, a dremol, and then I spend lots of time filing and sanding. I hope to buy a bandsaw and lathe at some point as well. Maybe try your hand at a pipe kit to start off, thats where my addiction started.

 

ichbinmuede

Part of the Furniture Now

Feb 17, 2011

643

1

• Jan 3, 2012

• #5

I would say the the absolute bare minimum would be a coping saw, a rasp, a drill, and sandpaper. If you're coming from a kit the drill won't be necessary.

If you want to get more bare drop the saw and make it a hand drill. Just be prepared to become very good friends with sore arms. :D

 

ejames

Lifer

Oct 6, 2009

3,916

22

• Jan 3, 2012

• #6

I'd go with a pre-drilled kit. Drilling without a drill press or lathe can be tricky,although it is possible. You would need a modified (re-ground) spade bit for drilling the chamber. Getting the tenon the right diameter and facing the block and stem can also be a problem.

 

unclearthur

Lifer

Mar 9, 2010

6,875

5

• Jan 3, 2012

• #7

Check out PIMO. They have an excellent book available on pipe making with minimal tools.

http://www.pimopipecraft.com/

 

tobakenist

Lifer

Jun 16, 2011

1,520

1,377

68

Middle England

• Jan 3, 2012

• #8

Swiss Army Knife. :wink:

 

kf5eqv

Starting to Get Obsessed

Mar 6, 2011

211

1

Oklahoma

• Jan 3, 2012

• #9

I'm working on a pre-drilled right now using only a dremel and various bits. If you get a pre-drilled then I can see a standard pocket-knife and some patience providing you with a pretty unique, if rough hand-whittled pipe.
I was in the position (still am really) when I decided to start that I had practically no tools and no money. I lucked into the dremel kit, but a lathe would make things a helluva lot easier. Making do with what is available is a great skill, but nothing beats having the right tools for the job.

 

unclearthur

Lifer

Mar 9, 2010

6,875

5

• Jan 3, 2012

• #10

I have more tools than a normal person should have. I love the lathe for drilling and partial shaping. After that it's a five inch Velcro disk mounted in a Jacobs chuck on the lathe to shape almost to the finished state with various grits of paper. To finish shaping it's an assortment of fine files and hand held paper followed by buffing and finishing. One handy hint is to apply your stain early in the sanding process. it will show you where you need to do more work. Stain, sand, restain and repeat until you are satisfied.

 

lonestar

Lifer

Mar 22, 2011

2,854

161

Edgewood Texas

• Jan 4, 2012

• #11

My advice for setting up a proper briar workshop is to take out a second mortgage on your house. Squeeze as much cash as you possibly can out of the deal (you're going to need it) and it will help if you sell your car also.

(-Advice from a man who's been buying tools for six months)

 

juni

Lifer

Mar 9, 2010

1,184

11

• Jan 4, 2012

• #12

All I have is a small handheld band saw and some files and knives and tons and tons of sandpaper.

 

hobojoe

Can't Leave

Jun 15, 2011

346

1

• Jan 4, 2012

• #13

I was born with a short attention span. So i have to have a few power tools.

An of brand rotary with a flex shaft ( Ace Tool ), 4 in bench sander (H.Frt.),

hand drill-bits-burs and sand paper. No knives, being unable to sharpen than is also

one of the things I was born without.

A good bench to set on,can of cold beer and of course your pipe.

Joe

 

smokindawg

Can't Leave

May 25, 2011

454

0

• Jan 4, 2012

• #14

I know it's not a tool, but lots of patience is also something any pipe maker needs. I try to have at least a couple pipes in the works at any one time, that way if I become disgusted/at an impass with one, I can pick up another and take off from there.
As said, if your new to this and just wanting to try it at first, go with a pre-drilled kit. Also, go with cheap to begin with, as most pre-drilled will smoke just fine and saving money on the first few will allow you to purchase more briar and better quality if you decide to keep with it.