Rusticated Billiard with Saddle Stem In all its Glorious Imperfections— Carnauba Wax Only

[shikano53]

I had an epiphany about a month ago. I thought, "why attempt to cover up flaws that only make the flaws more visible?'
It's briar. Show them off. Whether you rusticate, smooth, or blast: Let those flaws shine! There are no leaks. It is leak tested and proven. Leakers go in the fireplace.
So that's where I'm at on my roller coaster, journey.
Here is a billiard with an acrylic, Cumberland, stem. The pipe is dimension-ally correct in all respects.
In time, it will turn a beautiful gold as it is smoked.

 

[jpberg]

Pretty fair shaping right there.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Looks good. Stemwork is very nice. ?

 

[LikeDadDid]

Nice!

 

[shikano53]

I didn't make the stem. I've started purchasing my stems. Saves me tons of time.

 

[shikano53]

After having my pipe crafting mentor look at the original pictures, he advised me to fill in the deep holes with a mixture of briar dust and wood glue. Larger dust, not the small particulate.
I did, and this is the first application. I will let it dry for several hours and if the paste draws in; I will add another topping layer and tweak the color/wax