Reconditioning an Old Pipe. Before/After (pics)

[danielplainview]

Here is an ongoing project I just finished up. It's been a while since I've been able to work on any of my own pipes. These LHS Sterncrest push stems are great old burners. The before pictures show that the previous owner thought so too.
Upon arrival: Charred, beaten, and severely out of round.

I started out by putting it on the topping board until I reached fresh briar.

Next I set out to correct the bowl chamber. It's not perfectly symmetrical but looks a little better now. The chamber had a few deep gashes from what I guess was a pocket knife. It would later receive pipe mud and a carbon coating.

I beveled the rim, then steamed and sanded the dents scratches. After the briar repairs I worked out the tooth chatter with heat, needle file, and wet sanding.

Once all the repairs are complete, it's time for the fun stuff. I mixed up some Fiebing's dark brown and added a touch of oxblood for the stain. Finishing with a coat of carnauba and adding the carbon bowl coating.

 

[voorhees]

Fine job. And no one is wiser that it was topped and rebeveled. except us of course.

 

[georged]

Nice work. The "angled rim bevel" a la GBD especially so. :clap:
If you have a suitable heat source, try straightening the now-slightly-upturned stem a smidge. It's unevenly cut (not your fault), but the lopsidedness can be minimized with some creative heat, I think.

 

[gloucesterman]

As usual, beautiful work. Your finishes always have such a nice luster to them. They don't shine, they seem to glow.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Oh, Lord, is that something! Just very nicely done.
How did you- or does one- remove a band, besides carefully?

 

[gtrhtr]

Excellent work and I really like how you tapered the rim. Beautiful.

 

[ophiuchus]

:clap: -Wow! That's such a nice looking pipe, now! Love that new beveling!

 

[mayfair70]

Amazing transformation. Excellent work as always. :clap:

 

[newbroom]

Stunning transformation. It takes vision to see potential. I'm pretty good at stating the obvious.

 

[scrooge]

Excellent job Dave! As always. Since I'm probably most of the reason why you haven't been able to work on your own pipes. Amazing! :worship:

 

[ssjones]

Masterful! I'm with George on the rim - do you do that by hand?

 

[tbradsim1]

That is such a sweet sight, kind of like a civilian turning into Superman, so beautiful, and it will survive for a long long time. :clap:

 

[jerwynn]

WOW!!!! A MIRACLE!!! (and skill!)

:clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[danielplainview]

Thanks everyone. This was a fun project. It's nice when they turn out better than expected. I love working on the briar part of restorations. Stems? Not so much.
George, thanks. That means a lot coming from the master. I may have put the stem in upside for the pics, but I'll give it a heat and bend if that's not the case.
Jpm, if you put the pipe in the freezer overnight it will usually make removing the band a bit easier.
Al, yes I do everything by hand with the exception of a few minutes on the buffer for wax application. (Sandpaper and lots of free time)
Scrooge, yes it's all your fault. Lol.

 

[davet]

Another beautiful job, you make it appear easy. Well done once again :clap:

 

[ejames]

Nice work Dave !!

 

[beestinger1]

Beautiful transformation

 

[papipeguy]

Well done. It's wonderful seeing old and battered pipes given a new life. Enjoy it.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Wonderful restoration Dave! I happen to favor beveled rims on smooth pipes, but don't always do it for some reason. (just lazy?) I take it the band was not a repair band, and I also thought the stem might be upside down too. Love seeing these restorations, keep em coming! :clap: