US Pipe Maker - Balkovec Pipes

[badhk51]

Bigvan,

I had no idea that some carvers only put a few pipes on the table. Now I may have to rethink things. I could probably spit out 12-16 pipes a month if I had to get ready for a show.

 

[bootlegbonvivant]

Welcome to PM.com, Mark.
I think if you were to just build up a small sampling, you'd be surprised.
Cyndi and I were hoping to try and make it to this show. Not sure if it'll happen just yet, but here's to hoping.

 

[badhk51]

I may have to give it a shot bootlegbonvivant. Enjoy your weekend.

 

[pawpaw]

those are some great looking pipes glad to have you onsite

 

[thesmokindragon]

Mark, great to have you here with us

 

[unclearthur]

Mark, as one carver to another. WOW!!!!!!! Love your work.

 

[bubbadreier]

Yeah mark joined!! Hey buddy good to see you here!

 

[jcsoldit]

Welcome Mark... now get back to work... you still have a long way to go before you get to my name on your waiting list. :D
JC

 

[lordnoble]

Love the flame rustication... Normally, flames should only be on old muscle cars, but in this case it's excellent. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the open, twisted shank, Mark. (Pun intended) How does it stay in without the friction from the tenon?
At any rate, I look forward to more. Thanks!
-Jason

 

[onizuka]

Anyone know his range of prices?

 

[bubbadreier]

I have no idea but I have a feeling my pipe will cost between $200 and $400... 8O

 

[buckeye]

i have a nice poker from mark

 

[thesmokindragon]

My next pipe from him...think'in Billiard or Poker
These three on my mind/list

 

[badhk51]

Good to see ya Bubba and Dave. Dave I got your new tele. number. Thanks for passing it out. Thank you unclearthur for the kind words.

To Lordnobel, Here is a pic explaining how the twisted shank works and how the tennons hold the stem in place. It should shed some light on the subject for you.

Mark

 

[badhk51]

I will just say for the record that the twisted section on the shank was all done by hand. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. I did a test piece first on a dial rod to make sure it could be done. Then I did it on the pipe. I will be doing different designs on future pipes. There is allot of briar left on the shank to keep that shank strong. Once the stem is installed into the shank it is as strong and if not stronger than most pipe shanks due to the 3/4" diam. of the shank.

In summery, I hope that this is an Idea that I can call my own, and hope that other carvers don't start making a spin off on it.

Have a good weekend my friends.

Mark

 

[unclearthur]

Very clever idea. It's all yours as far as I am concerned. Just wish I had come up with it first. :worship:

 

[lordnoble]

Thanks for the explanation, Mark. The diagram helped a lot. If other carvers start making the twist stem, I hope they call it a Balkovec Twist. It'd make sense and you'd get credit in a way. By the way, I think you meant to write that the twist was very hard to do and very time-consuming and wouldn't be worth the hassle of trying to make. Wink wink nudge nudge... LOL
-Jason