Thanks gents.
Actually, Stig, you're right, some of the Tru-stone blanks I have are heavier than others. I don't know if this is due to the inclusions or the resin chemistry. I've got about 25 different blocks now, some repeats of favorites, other as singles. The thing is you never know exactly what you're going to get because the stem is buried in the block. Regarding webbed blocks, you want to shoot for denser webbing because the diameter of the stem is such that it may land in a field void of webbing. So dense is better with regards to the spider webbing in the block.
Also I've noted that some Lucite block formulations make for better bits than others. Some are rock hard, almost like porcelain. Others are spongy and capable of retaining tooth chatter marks. Still others may wear white marks on the button. This is because they don't hold the buff as well as others. These Lucite blanks,were designed for the pen hobbyists, and were not designed for pipe stems. So it pays to experiment a bit with different blocks. Since they are all under $15 a block, this is doable.
All my stems carry Delrin tenons. I'm completely sold on this material. No more stuck stems, or waxing the tenon to insure proper fitting. Also no more loose stems. Sometimes if you don't smoke a pipe for a year, and you have temp. fluctuations, the briar and vulcanite will expand / contract differently so that a loose fit results. Delrin is magic. It seems almost sponge like, and self-lubricating, capable of regaining a perfect fit every time. I see why a lot of American carvers go for Delrin.
Lastly another shout out to Floyd Norwood of Norwood Pipe Repairs. The man is a craftsman extraordinaire! Not only is his work impeccable, and prices reasonable, but I defy anyone to find me a pipe repairman with a quicker turn around time. I mail him a pair of pipes on Tues from NJ to TN, and the following Mon the box is back on my door step, with the most exquisite stems imaginable. Less than a week - door to door - using Priority Mail with USPS! A true gentleman, and a high Artiste. Contrast this with another pipe repairman, who shall remain nameless, who got my pipes on April 23rd and as of May 21st, still no word. Anyways, if you're tired of vulcanite upkeep, and willing to give Lucite a go, Floyd is your man, and exoticblanks is your source. A match made in heaven.
Cheers,
Actually, Stig, you're right, some of the Tru-stone blanks I have are heavier than others. I don't know if this is due to the inclusions or the resin chemistry. I've got about 25 different blocks now, some repeats of favorites, other as singles. The thing is you never know exactly what you're going to get because the stem is buried in the block. Regarding webbed blocks, you want to shoot for denser webbing because the diameter of the stem is such that it may land in a field void of webbing. So dense is better with regards to the spider webbing in the block.
Also I've noted that some Lucite block formulations make for better bits than others. Some are rock hard, almost like porcelain. Others are spongy and capable of retaining tooth chatter marks. Still others may wear white marks on the button. This is because they don't hold the buff as well as others. These Lucite blanks,were designed for the pen hobbyists, and were not designed for pipe stems. So it pays to experiment a bit with different blocks. Since they are all under $15 a block, this is doable.
All my stems carry Delrin tenons. I'm completely sold on this material. No more stuck stems, or waxing the tenon to insure proper fitting. Also no more loose stems. Sometimes if you don't smoke a pipe for a year, and you have temp. fluctuations, the briar and vulcanite will expand / contract differently so that a loose fit results. Delrin is magic. It seems almost sponge like, and self-lubricating, capable of regaining a perfect fit every time. I see why a lot of American carvers go for Delrin.
Lastly another shout out to Floyd Norwood of Norwood Pipe Repairs. The man is a craftsman extraordinaire! Not only is his work impeccable, and prices reasonable, but I defy anyone to find me a pipe repairman with a quicker turn around time. I mail him a pair of pipes on Tues from NJ to TN, and the following Mon the box is back on my door step, with the most exquisite stems imaginable. Less than a week - door to door - using Priority Mail with USPS! A true gentleman, and a high Artiste. Contrast this with another pipe repairman, who shall remain nameless, who got my pipes on April 23rd and as of May 21st, still no word. Anyways, if you're tired of vulcanite upkeep, and willing to give Lucite a go, Floyd is your man, and exoticblanks is your source. A match made in heaven.
Cheers,
