Stem turning

[shaintiques]

For you guys that make your own stems either with a lathe or all freehand, what is the normal diameter or width of the lucite or vulcanite bar that you begin with? I see on the pipe makers emporium that their bars are 7/8 inch wide, would 3/4 be too small. Any comments or thoughts would be helpful.

 

[sasquatch]

3/4 is too small if you want to make a stem 1"across.
You can buy rod anywhere from 1/2 inch to nearly 2 inches, depending on material and vendor. Cutting a slim stem from a 2"thick rod wastes time and material, that's all. But for most pipes, 3/4" would be enough.

 

[acme]

I also use 3/4" for most of mine, but a big piece can support some occasional adventure.

anthony