mso- I agree completely. I had the stem inlay and stem cut and fit before I got to shaping the stummel. The original cut was a large apple with a chubby shank and saddle stem. Once the pits were found I chased them out, and just shaved the stem and inlay into a tapered fit. Too long for the stummel, but I was not going to make another one. Without a lathe, it becomes a very time consuming thing, so I had to say "good enough" and go on to the next piece.
Overall thoughts I have-
Some will argue that "good enough" is not acceptable for pipe making. But at the first year, hobbyist level at $100 or less, I'm not sure I agree. Every pipe I make is to the best of my current ability, I am not making high grade pipes, and I put love into each one. I figure that has to be "good enough" for someone. The market is flooded with high end artisans and hobbyists alike, some deserving the higher pricepoints more than others . . . I have no idea what direction I'm going, but I sure am having fun. Even if my pipes come out ugly, misproportioned, or plain old wrong. I have come to the conclusion that in the first year of ownership, if anything bad happens to the pipe, like . . . shank cracks, stem gets bitten through, the bowl burns out, or it just plain smokes like a dog, I will make the owner a new pipe free of charge. Even cover the shipping. They'll only have to send me back the original pipe. I don't know of any way else to learn what I need to do, outside of an apprenticeship, which isn't really practical. Lord knows I can't smoke all the pipes I make to put them through their paces myself. I've given over a dozen away to people initially. So time will tell. I hope that is enough for some to take a chance on my work. One thing is for sure, I'm still in my infancy, but you can be sure to get nothing but honesty from me.
Wait till you see my next one. It is terrible, but another salvaged piece. And when I say terrible, it is truly god awful looking, but for $50, I think it is amazing LOL! Which is what it'll be set out on my table for. I have more than that into it in materials, but it is SO fun!
