Busy Weekend In The Shop...

[zack24]

Spent more time in the shop than on the beach this weekend...The past couple of months, I've tried several different blast medias trying to get a detailed, gnarly blast...I think this is getting pretty close....Came in at 4.75". 47 grams. .71" chamber 1.25" deep...

 

[gloucesterman]

It's a beauty. Looks like you have the right blast combo. The stem is quite nice as well. Love the grain like effect.

 

[shikano53]

That is a beautiful work of art.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Nice one Zack! Just simple beauty with a great blast.

 

[clickklick]

Wonderful author!

 

[jkrug]

That is a great looking pipe from every angle. A dark and "formal" looking pipe. Looks like you found what you were looking for as far as blast media is concerned. Well done. :clap:

 

[fishnbanjo]

I think you found a winning blast system Zack should please a lot of pipers looking for that in a pipe, I can't imagine how many hours and media changes one goes through to get the desired results but this pipe certainly hits a home run on many facets, good job.

banjo

 

[weezell]

Zack, if banjo says it's good, BROTHER it's good! I have a lot of respect for his opinions when it comes to pipes...

 

[georged]

The quality of your work is definitely going steadily upward, Z-Man. :D
The overall shape and flow is good, and the blast is outstanding.
The only sub-optimal things I can see from the pics are the stem is a bit "chunky" through its middle third plus the bite zone and button; and the shank is about a quarter of an inch too short.
Do you continue shaping a stem AFTER bending it, btw? If not, it's how most of the "perfection chaser" carvers achieve that final 10% of shape elegance. Recommended.
Absolutely keep up the good work. You've come a long way indeed.

 

[jmatt]

I'd buy it! Do you make for yourself, or do you sell? Either way, that one's a winner.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yes, a real looker. Nice work.

 

[captainprophesy]

Zack that is a beaut! I really enjoy seeing your work and look forward to every new pipe. :clap:

 

[lestrout]

zach - most bodacious! Actually, I think the shank and stem proportions are great.
hp

les

 

[zack24]

Thanks for the comments guys!
@fishnbanjo-

I can't imagine how many hours and media changes one goes through to get the desired results

I've tried 6 different medias in the past 2 months and tested each one at 5 different psi ranges to get a combination that would cut aggressively and still have good detail... I'm about to make a pipe using this blast as a start and then detailing further with a microblaster- that kind of pipe takes hours of blasting...
@georged-

The only sub-optimal things I can see from the pics are the stem is a bit "chunky" through its middle third plus the bite zone and button; and the shank is about a quarter of an inch too short.
Do you continue shaping a stem AFTER bending it, btw? If not, it's how most of the "perfection chaser" carvers achieve that final 10% of shape elegance. Recommended.

George, I never thought about shaping after bending- I'll have to try that!...and as far as the shank being a .25" short, you're correct- I removed .3" in length to work around a flaw in the briar...
G

 

[dustmite]

I'm not usually fond of blasted pipes, but that one is a beauty!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Do I deduce from the above that this pipe shape has written parameters re shank length, chamber dimensions, (etc.)?
Do many pipe styles or shapes also have such boundaries?

 

[zack24]

Do I deduce from the above that this pipe shape has written parameters re shank length, chamber dimensions, (etc.)?
Do many pipe styles or shapes also have such boundaries?

A lot of pipes like billiards, lovats, Canadians, etc. have certain proportions of shank length to bowl height. And then differences in shank shape from Rhodesians to Bulldogs...
It seems like in this case- from reading the rules for the KC carving competition on the author shape- that there are several variations like ball and chubby apple with a bent stem and round shank would fit into that description.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Thanks, Zack. Are there written parameters that are considered gospel? (Not including the competitions rules.)

 

[newbroom]

The blast is looking GREAT. I think the perceived lack of proportion in the shank could be minimized with a more symmetrical shaping of the bowl to shank at the top of the shank.

I look forward to more of your blast work and some contrasting grain colors.

 

[huntertrw]

zack24:
I am looking at my oldest Dunhill Shell Briar (a 1927 model) and comparing its blast to that of the pipe shown in your images above. All that I can say is that yours beats it all hollow. The Cumberland stem is simply icing on the cake.
Well done, Sir!