Sharing My Excitement!
- Thread starter kenbarnes
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Hubba, Hubba! :worship:
Alright Ken, where's the youtube videos of this awesome craftsmanship? :
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Alright Ken, where's the youtube videos of this awesome craftsmanship? :
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I learnt a big lesson yesterday, I tried out the stamps I ordered last year (after considerable difficulties in communication) and realise that they are no good for the job as they do not have enough depth or sharpness. Originally, I offered to send them a sample so they could see the type of thing I was after but they convinced me that they knew what I wanted even after sending numerous photos of the dies and impressions.
I realise now that what I need are not actually 'stamps/punch stamps' but 'impressors' (my word for it). I wish that Bonzer was still around. He made dies for Dunhill, Charatan, Upshall and others and knew this specialised trade.
I now know of a company in the UK which has the most modern engraving machines which can make them to any sharpness and depth that I want. I will phone them on Monday.
I may be able to use these ones for the lambskin pipe bags that I am currently making.
In 1978 the Upshall, Tilshead England and Made by Hand dies cost £38 for the three. These two have already set me back £248.
Despite this, I am supremely happy and have unshakeable faith that I will get some dies that will impress 'deep and crisp and even'!!!
As Socrates once said "There are no mistakes, only lessons" :D
Charatan/Upshall pipes are most always sized larger than I like, but its a joy to see these pieces being turned.
I agree and 'this time around' I want to make some super classical shapes in Dunhill group 4 and some group 3s too.
The general demand in the 1970s and 80s was "Big, Big even Bigger". Today I am not under so much pressure to make what the markets want, rather to cut and make what I like.
These are the ones that are now ready for staining, touching up, mouthpiece re-working, bending, where appropriate, more mouthpiece-work after bending, final sanding of the tobacco chamber, stamping, polishing etc. etc.
They have all arrived at this stage, and no further, because I am still trying out different stains and finishes. I have always found this to be a really challenging stage, to find two or three beautiful finishes for these pipes. At Upshalls, I used to leave this stage of pipe-making to Barry Jones and the very capable finishers Shirley Pittman and June White.
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