pipe making

[uberam3rica]

a friend of mine is thinking about making a pipe. he doesnt know much about pipes so he came to me. he isnt a pipe smoker but is a cigar smoker. i know that briar is obviously the best wood, but what would you consider second best? i know that the wood from pretty much any fruit bearing tree is good. also if you got any tips let me know. when he starts working on it ill post pictures

 

[shaintiques]

I'm currently making one out of cherry. I have a pipe made of cherry and it s a great smoker.

 

[romeowood]

Fruitwood is economical and readily available; a good place to start is a local lumber yard or hobby/craft store.

 

[arinbjorn]

I would also vote cherry. Maybe olive if it is available - but I have a few pipes made of actual cherry, and they are great.
I have been warned that cherry is a hard, dense wood - also prone to having bits of metal (I don't know how or why) or air pockets imbedded in the wood. So be careful!

 

[smokindawg]

Walnut is another that many use, myself included. They smoke well, the wood works easily and they hold up pretty well to smoking.
Be warned though, a dust mask should be worn when working with the wood as from what I've heard, the dust can be toxic/dangerous if you breathe it while working the wood. The grain can be beautiful though when your finished.
I've used cherry as well and find it a nice wood for making pipes from. Also be warned though, I've found no wood that I have used thus far to be as hard and heat resistant as briar.
Olive is something I'd like to give a try sometime, once I find a place to purchase a nice block of!