A Block Of Briar, 30 Sheets Of Sandpaper, And 4 Months

[zack24]

I usually work on a pipe from start to finish- normal working time might 8-15 hours. This one was an exception- I started it just after the Chicago Show and spent a 3-4 hours a week bringing it along. I'm not sure I'll ever do this again-

 

[buzkirk]

Awesome example of the work you can do !

Photos of that pipe could lead to a lot of commissions, showing that if they can dream it, you can make it.

Still think the Snapping turtle is the most awesome pipe !
Tom

 

[agnosticpipe]

Wow Zack!! That is a wild looking pipe! It almost looks alive, like it's trying to squirm out of your hand. I can see why it took so much time on this one. :worship:

 

[woodsroad]

That is...beyond exceptional!

 

[CherokeeBilly]

I don't even have the words to convey how awesome that looks. WOW!

 

[zack24]

Thanks guys!
Tom

Still think the Snapping turtle is the most awesome pipe

Yep- it's my favorite too...A fun design that I can adapt to a lot of different blocks of briar and actually complete one in a day...(or 4 in a week..

 

[papipeguy]

Just sandpaper? That's remarkable.

 

[zack24]

Just sandpaper? That's remarkable.

I use a technique that's fairly unique- I smear a little BBQ sauce on a chunk of briar, throw it to my Cocker Spaniel, and let her gnaw on it for a few hours- I end up with a nice organic shape (usually vaguely bone-shaped) that requires a whole boat load of sandpaper to remove all the teeth marks....

 

[conlejm]

Zack, your pipes are beautiful. You really are an artist extraordinaire.

 

[numbersix]

Wow Zack!! That is a wild looking pipe! It almost looks alive, like it's trying to squirm out of your hand. I can see why it took so much time on this one.

+1
Wow is the word!

I use a technique that's fairly unique- I smear a little BBQ sauce on a chunk of briar, throw it to my Cocker Spaniel, and let her gnaw on it for a few hours- I end up with a nice organic shape (usually vaguely bone-shaped) that requires a whole boat load of sandpaper to remove all the teeth marks...

8O

 

[mso489]

That is quite a pipe, a tour de force I might say. I'm trying to come up with a shape name (just for fun).

So far, maybe, given the curvature and the paw-like shaping on the bottom of the bowl, I'd go for

The Lion's Left Hook.

 

[zack24]

I'm trying to come up with a shape name (just for fun)

The initial idea was a blowfish...but it has some nautilus elements in it as well...maybe "Naughtyfish"

 

[grouchydog]

Bowl shape reminded me of the peghead on a violin, so I'd suggest "The Stradivarius".
Whatever you call it, that is spectacular work!

 

[newbroom]

I'd call it a tad pole. Really nice work!

I smear a little BBQ sauce on a chunk of briar, throw it to my Cocker Spaniel

A lab wouldn't be good for that, tender mouths and loyal retrievers. I bet a pit bull puppy could give you a head start.

 

[andystewart]

Zack that is amazing - another piece of technical artistry that showcases your extraordinary skills.
Andy

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

That is just insane! I honestly don't know how you keep turning out these masterpieces. You've even posted pipes on here akin to something I normally would not like... such as the black bamboo shanked pipe a while back. I really just do not like the look of bamboo on a pipe! But you manage to make such a pipe and it's beautiful. Amazing. Of course the snapping turtle is still my favorite so far. Beautiful pipes Keep turning them out and posting them here for us to drool over.

 

[macabra11]

That is a pretty wild design! How do you shape the stem like that?

 

[zack24]

How do you shape the stem like that?

That got a little tricky- the pipe cleaner gives you the best visual so you can see it- there are actually 2 changes in direction- I had to drill about 1/3 over from the center of the button with my draft hole. then I did my usual 1" deep funnel So what you have is a funnel meeting the draft hole that angles over to meet the bottom of the mortise and then it's another angle into the tobacco chamber(It does pass a cleaner without fiddling around). Similar to what I'd normally do on a bent, but it's sideways and had to be done freehand...Once that was done, most of the shaping was done with the JAlan French wheels and refined with files, scrapers, a Foredom tool, and lot's of sandpaper. I probably have 20 hours of shaping and sanding on the stem alone....

 

[ravkesef]

Zack--you make the most amazing pipes!

 

[warren]

I think most here know my taste in pipes. Still, I am very impressed with the attention to detail, finish and fit. You sir, are an artisan! I think a bit of an engineer also. The flowing curve is whimsical and looks as though it would be quite comfortable as a hand held smoke. It's the first wildly,non-classical shape that's ever really caught my eye. Good on you!
The pup should see an extra ration of kibble for his contribution.