Drilled my first pipe on a lathe today

[shaintiques]

I have in the past used a drill press which is a pain to get everything all lined up and it is hard to check your work, but on the lathe everything lined up easily and stays lined up, so easy to check depth. It was my first attempt and I couldn't be happier. I have talked about this pipe in other threads. It is dedicated to the U.S.M.C and is for a buddy of mine. I will post pics when it is done. Here it is before I cut the base shape.

 

[photoman13]

Very cool! You should make a youtube video on the whole process. I want to get a lathe one day but have no idea how to work it lol.

 

[vdubguy18]

Looks nice!! I like the dedication to U.S.M.C. can't wait to see the journey of this pipe! Keep us updated...

 

[igloo]

What a nice piece of plateau briar .

 

[philobeddoe]

Are you gonna smooth it out or leave some exposed plateau. It would be a shame to get rid of all that beautiful exposed plateau roughness.

 

[shaintiques]

I plan to leave plateau and stain it black. The pipe otherwise will be natural or maybe with red highlights, with carnuba and an inlaid marine corps medalion in the front of the bowl. I'm hand cutting the stem which will be red and black.

 

[philobeddoe]

Chesty Puller was a pipe smoker.

 

[ejames]

Dave,is that a Forstner bit? Did you drill the full depth of the bowl with it? I'm looking forward to see that pipe when you get it done!

 

[shaintiques]

It is a forstner bit, no I drill most of the depth with the forstner. It is 7/8 size. Then I use a 7/8 size steel bit. It is a huge bit but rounds the bottom nicely and is way more consistent than a spade bit.

 

[ejames]

OK,I thought maybe you were making a flat bottom !! 8O

 

[winton]

I am always amazed that such a ugly hunk of wood can turn into a piece of beauty. Yes, working on a lathe is a lot of fun. Be sure to post pictures of the final result.
Winton

 

[topd]

What a great idea... and nice work!

 

[tbradsim1]

Looks good Dave. The old cajun

 

[smokindawg]

Drilling on a lathe is a much more controllable endeavor. Congratulations on the advancement in your pipemaking.

A good set of jaws would make the process even easier. Spade bits can be very consistent and work well if you grind them correctly. Cutting the bit shorter helps as well.

I look forward to seeing the finished pipe.

 

[bentmike]

Good work Dave! I really enjoy seeing the shop photos. Keep it up.

 

[nsfisher]

Good work mate, I look forward to seeing the finished product. Bet it will be a beauty.

 

[cajundad]

Fantastic idea . Cant wait to see the finished product .

 

[martiniman]

Very cool! You should make a youtube video on the whole process.

:clap:

 

[gnatjulio]

Very cool. Looking forward to all the pics thru the process.

 

[mp31guitar]

I've been thinking about getting a lathe too. Don't forget to post pics of the finished pipe.