Michael Parks Commission, Beginning To End (PIC HEAVY)

[jefff]

That is a beautiful pipe. Congratulations.

 

[shaintiques]

Very beautiful job!

 

[newbroom]

An incredible journey with a wonderful destination.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

It turned out great! Congrats and enjoy it.

 

[jerwynn]

Splendidly MAGNIFICENT!!!! And stunning!!

 

[lohengrin]

You could expect the quality of manufacturing from such a pipemaker, but what I think was behind expectations is the beauty of this briar (clearly enhanced by Parks' skill).

Congratulations!

 

[lohengrin]

Sorry, I meant "beyond expectation".

 

[iamn8]

It DEF was a case of brilliant carver and stunning briar intersecting. It's interesting as this was my first commission, I never would've guessed such a pipe would come out of that block. Is this something carvers can see ahead of time? Or is it just luck of the draw?

 

[lifesizehobbit]

If that pipe were on display in a store amongst other high-end pipes, one would stop and go, "Whoa."
Congratulations!

 

[peckinpahhombre]

It DEF was a case of brilliant carver and stunning briar intersecting. It's interesting as this was my first commission, I never would've guessed such a pipe would come out of that block. Is this something carvers can see ahead of time? Or is it just luck of the draw?

There is some luck but it also involves reading the grain. Michael is one of the best at that. He spends a lot of time selecting briar and wetting the surface down to figure out where the grain is and then is meticulous in sketching out the contours of the pipe on the block to ensure he gets the grain precisely where he wants it.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

We missed you at the meeting last night, Nate. But, once again, the pipe is a knock out. Enjoy!

 

[iamn8]

Cosmic, I had my stuff packed and ready to go at 4:15. Had every intention of being there. Then I got these photos and chatted with Michael and he and Peck had referred me to a box maker and I heard from him and bam it was 6:30 weren't these meetings on Tuesdays? Figures that the one Tuesday I'd happen to be at the Briary at 5 is the one moved to Monday.

today I must meet with my surgeon and also get a CAT scan and am going by Briary after.
Peck, that's really interesting!! So is a good carver really able to make a straight grain pipe at will from a pile of random briar blocks?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

We meet on the second Monday at 5 now, so that Joe will stay over and let us meet at The Briary. Skip works Tuesdays with his wife, and he has to get her home early, so that is why we changed the day and time. We had about six new folks, very cool guys. One is a tobacco grower in Africa, so we had lots to talk about.

You were missed. Hopefully, you can make it next month.

 

[pruss]

So is a good carver really able to make a straight grain pipe at will from a pile of random briar blocks?

The odds are better, but there is never a guarantee.
I'd suggest that briar supplier, selection, and seasoning also play into the likelihood of getting a higher quality finished pipe. But at the end of the day there are flaws that can lay beneath the surface of any block that are only visible once shaping and finishing is underway.
-- Pat

 

[jkrug]

That's a real beauty Nate!! Love the tamper too. Enjoy. ::

 

[iamn8]

Next month is unlikely as I'll have just had my stupid surgery OR the surgery doesn't hurt and it provides an excuse to get out of bed.... unfortunately I know which is more likely.

 

[iamn8]

In case anyone's interested, apparently Michael made the beginnings of a second diplomat. He said he'd have in finished in 8 weeks. I WISH I could afford to have a set, alas there's no way whatsoever. If interested give Michael a virtual buzz.

 

[stanlaurel]

Very nice!!
I'd be interested to know the length and weight.

 

[iamn8]

Thanks Stan! Here are the dimensions. Unknown on the weights as of yet nor do I have the finished ones. I'll need to get that though. Thanks for reminding me.
Length = 6 3/4"

Bowl Height = 1 3/4"+ to 1 7/8"

Bowl Width = 2"

Chamber Diameter = 15/16"

 

[clickklick]

While the pipe is completely stunning on it's own . . . am I the only one here that thinks it doesn't really match the reference picture it was supposed to be a copy of?
Nate, was it your intent to make an exact copy or allow the carver to "interpret" some of it. I have to imagine with all of the measurements and writing on the picture, you were aiming for a copy.
Don't misread this either. This pipe is absolutely stunning, Michael Parks has a great reputation and knows a ton more than I ever will, I am just trying to understand as my eyes are telling me things aren't as they should be based on original intent.