randelli's first build attempt

[randelli]

So I have worked with wood most of my life and I like to do little projects. I decided to try my hand at building a pipe. There is a firewood stand in my neighborhood so I decided to drop by and see if they had any pecan logs.
I ended up buying a single log for $2; and I also picked up a dowel at HD for the stem. Here is the log.

 

[randelli]

When I trimmed off a section to work with I discovered that is not a pecan log- but walnut! I assume walnut is OK for pipes? Anyhoo here is the block I ended up with

 

[mso489]

Briar is often finished in a walnut stain, but I'm not sure that walnut is an especially appropriate wood for this purpose. I don't hear it discussed as pipe material. But the carvers here will likely know. This is a lot of labor to invest if the material isn't right. I think it's confusing because pipe makers often call a pipe series walnut when it is only the stain they are talking about. I asked about a "walnut" pipe at Cup O Joes, and they assured me it was briar, only the stain is walnut.

 

[randelli]

I drilled out the bowl with various sized bits until I got a 3/4 x 1-1/2 opening. I am building a bent pipe so I had to drill the smoke hole and mortice holes at different angles. Walnut is really hard, and my drillpress is not very powerful, so the holes walked a bit. Here is the original design; and adjusted a little after the holes were drilled.

I have decided to go ahead and buy a stem before I shape it so I am sorta dead in the water until I find one. Where can I find a stem?

 

[randelli]

Ok, so, over the last week I have seen a website with pipe stems - specifically multi colored acrylic stems. Now I can't find it any where. Any suggestions?

 

[hawke]

PM Sent. Be sure and look over the list of Site Sponsors(on left) first.

 

[randelli]

Thanks Hawke, I didn't notice the sponsor list, I will check them out now!

 

[randelli]

Bits are on order! I ordered an orange/black acrylic and a vulcanite diamond saddle. Hope they get here so I can work on it over the long weekend

 

[jvnshr]

Walnut wood is very hard material to work on. It is not very popular however there are some pipes made of it. I guess it can stand against heat but not sure about the dryness of the smoke. Anyway, we are waiting for more photos. Good luck.

 

[jkrug]

Looks like you're off and running. Look forward to more pics as your pipe progresses. ::

 

[randelli]

Thanks for tne encouragement. I want to continue carving; but the most common suggestions I have read in other build threads is to have the stem in place as you carve.
I hope to use the diamond saddle - I hope I didn't mess that up by cutting off the bottom of the stummel? Anyway, I will plug in the stems and see what I have to work with.

 

[randelli]

Here is a pic with the stem I used to drill the mortise. I guess I will have to fit the stem to this opening.

 

[randelli]

Thks walnut is really hard! I wonder if I should invest in a dremel kit? I realize that a dremel allows you to go from great to crap in the shortest amount of time....
I am adding up the hours bent o ver the bench, in my head, and the dremel is starting to make sense - especially since I would have to buy rasps and files anyway.

 

[ejames]

I'd buy the Dremel and the rasps and files, and a ton of sandpaper.

 

[randelli]

Well, in typical randelli fashion, I couldn't wait to start. I trimmed up the sides on my miter saw, gathered up the tools I have on hand, and took it pretty far.

I need to have the stem before I shape the stummel, before I complete the cylinder, before I taper the top. All in all it was a nice days work.

 

[randelli]

I received my stems today from Mr. Norse - that was quick!
I did a few things that I wish, at this point, I had not. First I drilled the stummel to fit my son's stem; and then I cut off the bottom of the pipe. The bad news is that I can't use the diamond saddle that I really wanted. The good news is that I have a reason to build another pipe. The gooder news is that the orange black acrylic looks really great!

As you can see, the whole stem of the acrylic is almost the same size as my son's tenon (bottom), which means I have to think about the joinery. I can shape the tenon to fit it the hole; but I don't want the stummel too thin. Maybe a thicker stummel with a radiused edge - similar to a military pipe? Any suggestions would be great!
BTW: just how does one shape the tenon?

 

[randelli]

Yeah, ok, so back to square one. I got the stem to fit and realized that the hole is offset. I am going to start on an easier design, maybe an author, something short and wide perhaps.

 

[deathmetal]

Good luck man. You're totally homebrewing it. I couldn't do that, as I'd end up in the hospital using those tools. Can't square dance either.

 

[randelli]

Yeah, I can't dance either, I have absolutely no rhythm. It's amazing that I have children.
I am going to finish it for the lessons learned. Failure is the best teacher; you learn by making mistakes.

 

[randelli]

Thanks coyote! Hey you better slow it down. 40 posts in a day is quite a lot