Carving a Tamper

[theboz]

I have a branch of cedar I would like to carve some, and make a larger diameter tamper for a specific pipe. Any suggestions?

 

[pstlpkr]

Cedar may not be the best choice for a tamper.

There is a reason that cedar is used for keeping moths and other critters out of clothes.

(Personally) I wouldn't use it because of its aromatic resins.
That's just my opinion.

::

 

[ejames]

I would put a metal tip on it. Should make a fine tamper.

 

[theboz]

So a metal tip to prevent the wood from scorching and imparting an off flavor and I should be fine?

 

[okrent]

A metal tip should do it. I've got a few ivory nuts lying around that I've been thinking of carving into a tamper or two. Mainly just to have a tamper with an angled base to help keep the burning tobacco in the center of the bowl.

Ivory nut wikipedia

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Is said tamper for a certain Nording Freehand? Somehow I think it is. Good luck with the tamper and be sure to post pictures.

 

[winton]

I love the appearance of cedar. If you add a metal tip and seal the rest of the tamper with the finish of your choice, there would not be any problems.
Winton

 

[theboz]

Anthony,
How did you know :wink:

We will see what I can do with the amateur carving skills...at least when you start cutting the wood gives a nice aroma. The tip is going to be the challenge...

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

well, you mentioned larger diameter, and I remembered trying to put a cork in my Nording... and it just fell through lol. A larger size tamper would make a pretty awesome addition to the Nording. Great idea Boz.

 

[theboz]

I've got the blank carved out and the basic shape, I will just have to find a cap for it...maybe some sheet metal since I don't have access to all my normal tools while at school and I don't have a .5 inch casing.

 

[ejames]

You could use a brass or steel bolt and grind or file the head of the bolt round. Drill a hole in the end of tamper and epoxy the bolt in the hole.

 

[theboz]

Here it is finished...not exactly what I wanted... but all I used was a leatherman and a small dremel and it has a bit more foot than a Czech tool. But for the future the more practice I have the nicer they will start to look. It also fits in my other pipes...but pretty much fills them completely.

 

[theboz]

I have a longer piece that I'm going to spend more time and effort on eventually.

 

[wolfie90]

I like the bolt on the bottom! Thats a very excellent and interesting idea. I know for me it always helps to keep my strop close by when carving anything. Especially when there is any fine detail involved. I cant wait to see your next one.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Looks good I hope to see the other when it's finished. It does the Nording proud.