Pipe Stem Polishing By J. Alan

[kcghost]

George is a member of the Greater Kansas City Pipe Club. If he is not the best pipe repairman in the country it doesn't take long to call the roll.

 

[ejames]

Think I need to order one of those fret files. I have a couple of files with safe ( or dead as he calls it) edges but think the fret file will work much better. Just happen to have a Stewart-McDonald catolog! I buy my CA glue from them.

 

[tpollock]

Thought you might like that Ed. Let me know the price on those files I may have to order me one as well!

Tim

 

[ejames]

Found them on line. They are not cheap at $38.00. They are also hollow ground-meant to file a ROUNDED surface. Can't see using one of those to do button work. Maybe the catolog has some different styles. May have to make do with my old Nicholson "Handy" file.

 

[tpollock]

Time for some research. Lol

 

[ejames]

I did a little more research Tim. I think I found what he was using. It a "nut seating file" which has flat cutting edges. Also cheaper. Here's a link-- http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/item/5055?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2013-10-gp&gclid=COiF5unNi7oCFevm7Aodn1QANQ&tab=Pictures

 

[tpollock]

I think you hit the jack pot Ed!

 

[ssjones]

I've been wrapping a popsicle stick with paper to do the button/crease work, a little fussy, but works well enough.

I also picked up a bar of the red rouge, wow, that takes the stems to yet another level (without removing material).

 

[ejames]

Recently bought some of these-- http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080764/29708/Micro-Mesh-12-x-5-34-Colored-Sanding-Sticks.aspx

They work great for button work on estate pipes or for finish work on a molded or hand cut stem. I use them wet.

 

[shaintiques]

Wow proud of the fret files aren't they, cool micro mesh sanding sticks Ed, I could see those being useful, I use the heck out of micro mesh for stem making.

 

[tpollock]

I've been wrapping a popsicle stick with paper to do the button/crease work, a little fussy, but works well enough.

That's what I've been using as well. Nothing fancy but it gets the job done.

 

[kcghost]

In case anyone missed it "J.Alan" is actually Jeff Gracik, one of the best American carvers out there.
J.Alan Pipes

 

[tpollock]

I've been watching his videos for quite some time and he seems like a really nice guy. Anybody that takes the time to put tips and instruction videos up for other to learn from is pretty cool in my book!

Tim