Tracy Mincer - The Doodler Pipe - Custombilt

[durham270]

After sanitizing and restoring somewhat I was finally able to take the pipe on a test run. I don't suppose these would win a blue ribbon as being the prettiest pipes around but I'll say they do seem to smoke smoother and cooler. Filled the bowl with some Frog on the Bayou. I still need to pick up some Carnuba wax to really bring a shine to the briar and stem as well.

 

[fnord]

Durham:
You're now a Doodler head, friend. I own three and will caution you to be careful with yours. They are highly susceptible to cracking and burn outs due to the routing and drilling on the pipe bowls.
On paper the Doodler design is brilliant but all that work on the bowl hurts the structural integrity and yours should be smoked slowly and I mean very slowly.
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/doodler-pipe
Cheers,
Fnord

 

[fishnbanjo]

Nice looking pipe Durham. With what fnord had to say about the Doodler and burn out possibilities I had 3 on my radar, one that looked similar to Durham's but I opted for one with thick walls and a squat bowl. Don't have it yet but this is it.

 

[durham270]

fnord, thanks for pointing that out. I had been reading the success and failure story of the design for this pipe. Also thanks for the link. I might pay too much attention to detail but I've noticed most of the Doodlers have the printing stamped onto the side of the shank, this one is on the bottom. Also, it was fun cleaning out all those air holes.
fishnbanjo that's one mighty fine looking Doodler! Congrats!