Josh,
Nice first effort. Just a teeny bit of advice for any beginning pipe maker. Start with the classic billiard shape. Make one. Then make another. Then another. Keep making just billiards until you have perfected the shape before moving on to say, a blowfish.
Here's an example:
This is probably my 40th or so attempt at the classic billiard. Trust me, my first one didn't look like this. The shape looks simple, but it's far from it. Probably one of the most complicated pipe shapes in existence. There are subtle nuances to the proportions, the bowl height vs. shank length vs. shank diameter, bowl width, amount of curvature in the bowl sides, etc. Once mastered, only then should you move on to other shapes.
By forcing yourself to adhere to the shape parameter of the billiard, you will learn discipline in shaping. Striving to acheive the perfect balance of proportions will help you "see" the shape. Acheiving no gaps between the shank and stem takes practice. A seamless transition from shank to stem is the goal. These skills will translate to other shapes later on.
I understand this is your first pipe. I'm just trying to guide you and help you avoid some beginner pitfalls. Such as being a member of the "briar presvervation society", leaving as much wood as possible on the pipe. The result is often a pipe that looks an awful lot like the block you started with. Figure at least half of the block will be scrap, either trimmed or sanded away. That's the reality.
Of course, you just might have wanted to "make your own pipe" and nothing more. If that's the case, then ignore everything I've just said. But if you want to improve, and improve quickly, then start with a billiard. Lots of billiards. Practice, practice, practice.
Welcome to the fold. Best of luck.
CACooper
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