Though I don't consider myself a "pipe maker", I do attend the Pipe Making Seminar occasionally because it helps me better understand what goes into making a high quality pipe. This year the instructors were master pipe makers Brian Ruthenberg, Andy Petersen and Michael Butera. Other artisans who stopped in and gave us the benefit of their opinions were Lee von Erck, Jaden Hew Len, Rad Davis, and Alex Florov. Seminar organizer Rex Poggenpohl (who is also a pretty fair pipe maker himself) was on hand to help out. Briar cutter Romeo "Mimmo" Domenico supplied the blocks and gave a presentation on what went into selection, curing and cutting briar blocks. It was truly an education experience that everyone should try to participate in once in their lives.
Brian and Rex talking pipes and pipe making.
I tried making two pipes and think I was mostly successful.
Pipe #1 - the Mimmo block
A Brandy/billiard starts to take shape
After some sandblasting and staining (and a LOT of help from Michael, Brian, Andy, Lee and Jaden) the Brandy Billiard was done. The hand-sewn tweed sock was supplied by my Immortal Beloved, Mrs. BigVan. This was the third pipe I've ever made and the first that didn't make me sad to look at (let alone smoke).
And a day later, carver Simeon Turner showed me his smaller version of my pipe, so I had to buy it to complete the set.
Pipe #2
This block was supplied by Ryan Alden (aka Lonestar). It was red briar, which means it was VERY hard.
Nice plateau!
I smoothed the rim but left the lowest point of the plateau, just because.
I got the stem about 90% done (again, with a lot of instruction from the pros) and started blasting it, but it was so hard you could barely tell. By the end of the 2nd day I wasn't able to finish it, but Ryan said he would take it back to the Lonestar State and finish it up. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. Stay tuned for the Lonestar/Big Van Special!
As you can imagine, it was a GREAT time and working along side some of the greatest pipe makers in the world was such a wonderful experience. HUGE thanks to all the organizers, instructors and my fellow participants.
Brian and Rex talking pipes and pipe making.
I tried making two pipes and think I was mostly successful.
Pipe #1 - the Mimmo block
A Brandy/billiard starts to take shape
After some sandblasting and staining (and a LOT of help from Michael, Brian, Andy, Lee and Jaden) the Brandy Billiard was done. The hand-sewn tweed sock was supplied by my Immortal Beloved, Mrs. BigVan. This was the third pipe I've ever made and the first that didn't make me sad to look at (let alone smoke).
And a day later, carver Simeon Turner showed me his smaller version of my pipe, so I had to buy it to complete the set.
Pipe #2
This block was supplied by Ryan Alden (aka Lonestar). It was red briar, which means it was VERY hard.
Nice plateau!
I smoothed the rim but left the lowest point of the plateau, just because.
I got the stem about 90% done (again, with a lot of instruction from the pros) and started blasting it, but it was so hard you could barely tell. By the end of the 2nd day I wasn't able to finish it, but Ryan said he would take it back to the Lonestar State and finish it up. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. Stay tuned for the Lonestar/Big Van Special!
As you can imagine, it was a GREAT time and working along side some of the greatest pipe makers in the world was such a wonderful experience. HUGE thanks to all the organizers, instructors and my fellow participants.
