The Making of a Gabrieli Bulldog (Pic Heavy)

[andystewart]

I first saw Dan Chlebove's work on this site about 9 months ago. Since then, I've been lucky enough to own two of Dan's pipes - a beautiful cutty and a stunning stack dublin (50th birthday pipe) - and I've seen his profile rise. A thread started by John (papipeguy) showed off a bulldog that Dan was making for him; I had to have one. That was September, so Christmas was just around the corner(!) and I knew what I wanted from Santa. Via Dan Chlebove.
In late October, Dan sent me a pic of the briar block he wanted to use for my bulldog and we were off! Look at the grain on this baby -

All went a bit quiet and then the pics came flying in. Dan has worked his magic to produce another masterpiece, stage by stage -

The keel has been cut and the sturdy yet graceful shapes of a classic bulldog are emerging. I'll post more as they come.
However, the best image for me is this one of Dan working on my pipe. It captures the pipe-maker at work, the craftsman putting in the patient care and effort that results in the friend we treasure for years to come -

Andy

 

[allan]

Great photos, thanks for sharing.
Hope it comes out the way you want. Have you chosen a stain?

 

[woodsroad]

That is going to be beautiful.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

She's looking great. Can't wait to see it at the end.

 

[fishnbanjo]

Those Black Palm accents always look sweet on a pipe will love seeing it finished.

banjo

 

[andystewart]

Thanks guys.
Allan - I haven't chosen a stain and won't. I hope Dan leaves her natural/light to contrast the black palm and black stem, but I trust Dans judgement.
Andy

 

[antbauers]

Love it, can't wait to see more!

 

[ssjones]

I can't wait to see what develops!

 

[papipeguy]

It is a thrill to watch your pipe "come alive" isn't it, Andy. FWIW, Dan has measured my Dublin 4 times to make sure yours is perfect. :lol:

 

[andystewart]

LOL thanks John! Latest pic is this -

Andy

 

[misterlowercase]

Wow!
That's gonna be one seriously beautiful pipe.
Love seeing the progress pictures,

thanks for sharing!
Lucky duck, you!
::

 

[okiescout]

Is the spotted material the black palm, banjo was addressing, or the rings or both? Beautiful.

 

[bluesmk]

Okie,

Yes the spotted wood is Black Palm and the two slices it's "framed" in sre Box wood.

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes

 

[andystewart]

Sorry for the delay in posting the updated pictures of Dan's work on my pipe - unfortunately I've been flat out on a deal and have just closed, so only now coming up for air.
These pics are after just 320 grit paper with brown tripoli compound and a buff wheel. There's still a few grits to go and a few more compounds and buffing before the wax. At least, that's what Dan told me when I asked - I really don't have a Scooby about these things!
Anyway...look at the grain on this beautiful girl!

Andy

 

[papipeguy]

Looking great, Andy. I know you'll be pleased with the final result.

 

[derfatdutchman]

That's a great looking Bulldog.

 

[andystewart]

...And so to the stain. Dan made an Executive Decision to use a light stain to enhance the grain (I left him no choice after totally abdicating any role in the process!) - so we had this:

The next pics are the lady almost there, with the excess stain wiped off with alcohol, sanded in higher grits to 4000 and ready for the 'brightening' stain:

Nearly there...
Andy

 

[andystewart]

And she's finished! Dan has done a simply wonderful job and produced a beautiful pipe, despite numerous other commissions and a personal tragedy last week. I can't wait for this stunning Gabrieli bulldog to make the trip over the pond. Thank you Dan!

Andy

 

[elpfeife]

Wow! You are a lucky guy. :lol:

 

[ivapewithfire]

That's very striking!
Congratulations on a great looking pipe.