Eaglerico - Pipe #2 Out Of My Shop

[eaglerico]

Alright guys. I have had plenty of time as of late since losing my job a week or so ago. Its been a few months since I posted my first pipe out of my shop here. Officially, this is really pipe 10 or so. Lots of failures / learning in between the two. Let me know what you guys think. How did I progress?
That is a hand cut cumberland stem. I don't show it in the pics but the tenon and stem are one piece.

 

[eaglerico]

O and by far the hardest part of the whole thing for me is cutting the button. I spent as much time with that as I think I did the rest of the pipe and I am still not happy with the results but I think I was past the point of salvaging it with my current skill set.

 

[ithelouniverse]

That's pretty sweet dude!

 

[eaglerico]

Does the stem need more micro mesh near the button or is it just the pic?

No. It needs much more then micro mesh. I was concerned about getting too thin there and called it quits. It wasn't until I took the pics that I could see all the scratches still there. Between all the dust in the shop and me being a little cross eyed during the finishing, I didn't see it. I will smooth it out later.
And thanks for the compliments and honest feedback.

 

[ejames]

Looking good Glen ! Stems, and especially the button area is the hardest part for me also. I keep my calipers handy and keep measuring as I work it down. Looks like the stem could be a little flatter in the area in front of the button-not quite as much "hump".

 

[eaglerico]

Thanks Ed. I didn't even think to use my calipers. That would have eased some of my tension. Half of my failures have been learning my tools more then learning how to make a pipe.

Looks like the stem could be a little flatter in the area in front of the button-not quite as much "hump".

The more I look at it, I think you are right. I think this occurred when I put a slight downward curve to it. It caused the bulge. I will definitely have to rework this guy. I think in general I got excited about having a somewhat success and rushed the end. I have had to slow myself down and I did for the stummel, just not enough for them stem.

 

[lonestar]

That sucks about your job man, sorry to hear it. My wife got laid off last month after 17 years with the same company.

In other news, calipers, calipers, calipers!

.15" in the center of the stem, just behind the button.

The only way to get better is just keep making them. Also an insane, stupid, misguided, unhealthy amount of devotion and dedication will help a lot. :D

 

[ravenwolf]

That's a good looking pipe - I'd be happy with it! I concur that it needs a bit of help with the scratches, but I'm sure that is a minor fix compared to the amount of time and effort invested overall.
Job well done, I say. Keep it up!
I prefer this one to your first pipe (that you linked to.)

 

[igloo]

Very nice pipe the stem looks great ,good luck with the job thing .

 

[bentmike]

Nice work. Like Lonestar says just keep at it. Your methods and skills will evolve and refine as you go.

 

[antbauers]

Wow, nice. Great looking stem, nice shape.

 

[eaglerico]

Thanks all and thanks lonestar for the tidbit. I have to start writing all this down in one place.

 

[numbersix]

Really sorry to hear about your job. Wishing you lots of luck in securing a new one. But good on you for keeping busy tho - that's a great looking pipe, nice work!