Ebonite or Cumberland?

[zack24]

Just finishing another pipe. Ferrule is 40 year old ivory, bark out. I'm torn between a Cumberland or Ebonite bit...What do you think?

 

[zack24]

After looking at the picture a little more, I think it's time for a redesign on the bit- may cut it back to the half ball, and recess that in the ivory-

 

[bigvan]

I like it, Zack. And I think I get what you're proposing and I can't wait to see the result.
Do you have a web site?

 

[zack24]

Big Van- No web site yet- too busy making pipes at the moment. Probably have one up in a month.
Rothnh- I'm with you on the SEM material. This was my first shipment direct from SEM and I can tell a difference in the smell when it's heated during machining. Compared to material from some other suppliers, it's far superior. I think I'll stay with their Cumberland, Coyote Brown, Green, and Black...Makes for a pretty good complement when I stain the pipes (Not that I've been staining many- this briar is so clean, I hate to do anything but natural.)

 

[taerin]

I don't know if anyone really cares which you make it out of, very nice looking pipe though!

 

[mso489]

I'm infatuated with Cumberland though I have yet to get a Cumberland stem, but on this

pipe, I'd go with all black ebonite. I think it goes better with the shape and sets off the

contrasting stem piece and excellent grain better.

 

[zack24]

I tend to agree- I've been checking it against a couple of pipes, and cumberland tends to look great on a black understain with red highlights...