1/30/2012

Getting some good consistent work time in the shop... not so consistent in updating the website... but, back today with some updates.

A couple of new pipes - one a classic billiard (although a little short in the bowl height at the customer's request); the other is a combination of two shapes - Rhodesian and Calabash.

I am working on a pipe that doesn't have an owner (now On Hold 2/4/2012), so, if you're interested, take a look at the following photos and then give me a shout. This pipe is an attempt at a chubby, rusticated Lovat... but I don't have the technique for creating the VERY craggy finish that the customer prefers. A fun pipe to make, but now it is homeless.

The pipe is 5 inches long (including the short stem)... with a shank that is 15/16 in diatmeter... the bowl has an ID of 7/8.

12/16/2011

Slow pipe production of late. But, when I get the chance, I am really enjoying the new shop. The biggest problem is, now that it is winter, I can't leave the door open, and the dogs don't like being on the outside... but aren't happy on the inside either... hmmmm...

Aside from the Pick Axe shown on the New Pipes page I have also been working on a big-bend, big bowl Rhodesian. Got the basic shape done, but more work needs to be done to refine the shape... and, of course, the stem needs to be bent.

9/10/2011

Time for an update... actually, as always, long past time. I have been working on a few pipes which are now complete - the Volcano is finally done; I completed two pipes for a groom and his best man; and I made a BIG Canadian for a 5 year wedding anniversary celebration. Just call me Cupid... on second thought don't... that's an image I don't need.

My mom's townhome has sold, so one less thing is out of the way as a hindrance to making pipe's ... which should be good news (I hope) for a few folks. Next up I believe is a Pick Axe pipe... and I want to start on a special commission for a LARGE Charatan copy... looking forward to them both.

7/23/2011

Believe it or not, I'm still out here! Unfortunately, I have been greatly side-tracked by the shop construction. On the bright side, it is now complete and, while I have yet to use it for making pipes, at least it is ready. Now, if I can get my mom's townhome ready for a sale closing by the end of August, I can get back to the real fun - MAKING PIPES!

5/7/2011

Pipes 043 & 044 are finished - I used a warmer version of a dark stain on the pipes. The stain seemed to accent the birdseye well.

The tree is also down and the pad is ready for the workshop/shed... but, alas, no shed. The "truck brokedown" ... at least that's the story. So, now I must wait a few more days.

Next up in the pipe production is a Volcano for a fellow GNPC member and I may also start a pipe for the KC contest. I'll post pics as the pipes develop.

5/2/2011

I seem to be having a run on Eskimos and Volcanos, but I did get to make a nice Freehand Calabash(?) that can be seen on the New Pipes page... along with an Eskimo with fantastic grain (Pipes 041 & 042).

Pipes 043 & 044 are in production - a couple of closely matched Eskimos - of the smaller variety. I hope to have them completed within the week.

In the meantime - a tree is to come down tomorrow (an aged Boxelder that keeps throwing limbs at us when it storms) and a gravel pad will be installed... all in preparation for my new shop/shed - should be quite nice... and my wife will be happy to see my tools depart from her laundry room! This shop project should be almost as much fun as making the pipes!

4/18/2011

On to the next couple of projects - a large Eskimo and a freehand Calabash? (not sure what to call it).

The Eskimo should have EXCELLENT birdseye and will be a healthy handful. But I do think that with the trimmed down bowl and long stretch, it should be a sleek looking pipe.

The Calabash? pipe will be smooth on the bowl top and blasted over the remainder of the pipe - with a black stain on the blast and a lighter stain on the bowl.

Thanks again for looking.

4/11/2011

The club pipes are done... and we ended up going with 4 smooths and 2 blasts. On the blasts I did a contrast between the smooth and blasted areas by using a thinned black wash as a base beneath the brown (Russet) stain. One of the smooths is a "Super" grade block from Mimmo. While all of the pipes have very nice grain, the Super is the only one that has solid vertical grain lines around 360 degrees of the pipe.

This project was a lot of fun. I was somewhat concerned that making 6 pipes of the same shape would become tedious. However, the "sameness" is balanced by the attempt to keep all of the pipes looking the same... while working around flaws and such. Overall, I'm pleased with the results... but I'd be lying if I said the pipes are identical... each is unique.

Thanks again for looking.

4/1/2011

The club pipes are progressing. Four of the six pipes have good grain and small, if any, flaws. However, two of the pipes have flaws that are large enough that a rusticatio/blast procedure is necessary. Now the question is, does the club want 6 pipes finished the same... or is the shape the only real factor... allowing for a difference in finish across the pipes. This is a question for any POY project. Some folks feel that POYs should all look the same, others are satisfied with a "family" of pipes that can have various finishes... including, in some cases, different stain colors.

If you have an opinion, let me know... Have you ever considered a POY? If so (or even if not), what do you consider acceptable in POY finishes? Thanks for any comments.

The first two pictures show the pipes as they emerge into a recognizable style. Two of the pipes have been set aside until the rustication/blast issue is resolved.

The next two pictures show 4 of the pipes as they near completion. The stems are bent and only finish sanding is required on the stems and bowls.

Thanks again for looking.

3/25/2011

FINALLY! I have updated my web site! I know I can get pretty lazy about the site, but the length of time between updates this time is not without some validity. I ended up having a rather unexpected and invasive surgery in late January. I won't bore you with details - I'll just say that I had a small section of my stomach removed. The recovery from which kept me out of the shop for an extended period of time. Now, I'm on a medication (for a year) that tends to reduce energy levels... but the prognosis is great... and I am back in the shop.

I'm working real hard right now on a 6-pipe package for a small pipe club in southern Minnesota (pictured below). Because of the surgery I'm a little late with these pipes. After they are complete, I'll be able to start working on the back log of other pipe orders that I have. I apologize to my fellow pipesters who have probably given up on ever seeing the pipes that they requested from me. They're is now hope once again!

I updated the New Pipes page (I changed the name from "Available Pipes" seeing as how nothing is ever available... usually pre-sold) with a couple of Volcano pipes and a unique Author that I never posted. All three were started before the surgey, the last of which was finally completed a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks again for looking.

1/1/2011

Wow - a month since I last updated... not good. I do hope you all had a joyous Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been a hectic last month to 2010, but not a lot of it has been spent in the shop. I did get the Bullpup and Rhodeskimo completed.... an in the process found a decent way to get a light blast.

I'm in the process of finshing up a pipe that started as a fairly standard Large Billiard, but somehow crossed into, what I am calling, a Elegant, Machismo Billiard. Flaws in the shank caused it to be thinned and shortened, so a long thin stem has been used to give it a more "elegant" look. The grain is outstanding. The stain color has yet to be determined. I would appreciate any comments on the pipe.

Thanks again for looking.

12/2/2010

Continuing to work on the "Rhodeskimo"... and after playing around to get the "balance" point for the sitter, I believe the pipe is looking very nice. The pipe is still rough and the stem still needs to be shaped. This pipe is not due for "delivery" until after the first of the year...pictures below...

Thanks again for looking.

11/25/2010

The rough Eskimo that I posted a picture of a few days ago is now complete. I was going to rusticate portions of the pipe because of there are a number of small flaws. The gentleman requesting the pipe talked me out of the rustication, and thought a dark stain would be enough... guess what, I do believe he was right. I like the result.

Today is a day of turkey, pipes, and football... NICE!

...again, Happy Thanksgiving! to you and yours...

11/22/2010

I finished up the Freehand Calabash yesterday morning... and then went to the Great Northern Pipe Club monthly meeting. So that means that yesterday was a pretty good day (we won't talk about the Vikings...)

The Calabash changed quite a bit from the pictures I posted last Thursday. With input from the "future owner," I rounded the top some and created the "overhang." Then the top seemed to beg for a different color from the main body to create the Calabash illusion...the band was added to enhance the effect.

So... now I hope to finish the Eskimo over the Thanksgiving weekend.

...and Happy Thanksgiving! to you and yours...

11/18/2010

The best of intentions do not always yield good results. The freehand Calabash that I had been working on ended up in the scrap pile. Too many flaws and I chased them too long. I should have opted for some rustication, but kept thinking that "just a litttle more" would take care of the flaws... WRONG! Walls got to be too thin... so now I have a really nice looking piece of junk.

I am now back working on several commissions. I received some new blocks from Mimmo so I have been able to start on the freehand Calabash that initiated the other disaster... hopefully things will go better this time... so far, so good.

I am also working on two variants of an Eskimo for two different gentlemen. The first is a "standard" Eskimo (whatever that is). It's looking good, but a flaw on the top of the shank will lead to some rustication. The second is a larger, bent version... with the capability of sitting... early stages for this one... but very interesting.

Thanks to you for checking in!

11/05/2010

I have been working steadily on some commissioned pipes. One pipe, a freehand Calabash, isn't panning out per the intended design, so I am going to have to back-burner this pipe and start again. Flaws and such caused me to remove too much material to maintain a nice freehand flow. This pipe should be a good one when it is done... but just not in the shape originally intended. I'll get some pictures of it posted in its current state in case anyone is interested in laying a claim to the finished product.

Of course, one thing leads to another... so when I looked for another block from which to carve out the Calabash, I found that I had nothing that will work. I need some bigger blocks. To remedy the situation, I have placed an order with Mimmo for 20 large blocks of medium to supreme grade. Hopefully I will be getting those in a week or so.

In the meantime, I have moved on to the next pipe in the queue - an Author pipe with some heft. I bored the holes last night and fitted up a stem. This weekend I hope to make substantial progress on its shape.

10/25/2010

Shop clean-up time. Every couple of pipes or so, I have to straighten up the mess I have made in my small shop space. So, before I can start my next pipe, I have do some organizing. It doesn't take too long... but it is not a chore that I enjoy. It's not so much that I don't like the cleaning (because I often find things that I forgot that I had), it's just that I know within days of the re-org... all will be a mess again!... seems like such wasted effort :P

The Eskimo pipe was a lot of fun to create... I almost hate to part with it. Thanks to my loyal customer Sean for talking me into trying it!

Next up is a Volcano or a Freehand... depending upon what blocks look good and the final decision of the potential owner.

10/15/2010

I finished up one of the two Volcanoes I have "on order" (pictures on the Available page) and the second one has been delayed... so it's on to the Eskimo. This should be interesting.

Continued wishes for a very spooky Halloween!

10/9/2010

I haven't added much to this page of late... been too busy. I just completed a Paneled Billiard for a pipe club pal and I'm off to working on a commissioned Volcano. After this Volcano I have another Volcano in the queue ... closely followed by an Eskimo pipe. Aside from the new pipes, I'm also working on a few more estates for a friend from work. There are three of them and they are all meerschaums that need some major TLC.

So, not that you asked, if you would like one of my pipes, contact me and we can discuss what you want. Otherwise, it may be a little bit before I can post any pipes that don't have an owner before they are finished.

I hope you all have a very spooky Halloween!

9/6/2010

I finished the Poker today. The final decision was to rusticate the bowl and leave the shank clear. The pipe can be viewed on the Available Pipes page. Thanks for following the creation of the Rhodesian and Poker pipes.

9/5/2010

The Poker is getting close. The grain is not too bad on this pipe. The cross-grain looks good on the shank, but a little weak on the bowl. There is some birdseye on the bowl, but it is also not real strong. After conferring with the potential owner, we have decided to rusticate the bowl and possilbly the shank. Hopefully I'll get started on that today.

The bent Rhodesian is complete and can be viewed on the Available Pipes page.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.

  The Poker

8/30/2010

More Rhodesian and Poker updates.

  The Rhodesian

  The Poker

8/26/2010

Making some progress on the Rhodesian and Poker.

  The Rhodesian

  The Poker

8/22/2010

It's been three weeks away from the shop for me... not a good thing. I miss the pipes (I'm not sure if they miss me). Time has been at a premium due to a significant sugery and TCU time for my mom. She's on the mend, but it is a very slow process.

I have two pipes in progress for a couple of gentlemen... a long-stemmed, bent FAT Rhodesian, and a rusticated Poker. Holes are drilled and basic shapes are started... so now the real fun begins as the pipe emerges from its briar block.

  The Rhodesian

  The Poker

7/31/2010

Pipe 025 is complete and posted. It was a fun pipe to make. Please take a look and send me a comment if you feel so inclined.

I haven't decided on what is next... but I do have some pipes to clean up for a friend at work. They will give me something to do while I ponder...

7/30/2010

Been having some good results in the shop of late and got one of the two pipes I've been working on posted (024). Unfortunately (if you were inclined to purchase it), the pipe is sold. I am hoping to finish a good-sized free-hand Calabash-styled pipe this weekend... and the grain may be EYE-POPPING. I'm really looking forward to getting some pics of it.

I got a fresh shipment of Mimmo briar this week. Lot's of good looking blocks in the box. Of the 38, 22 are plateau, with six of them being Mimmo's "super-grade" - woohoo. The other plateaus are of his medium grade (one step down from super). Looks like it could be a fun winter.

7/12/2010

I was able to complete the Rhodesian Cup & Saucer yesterday and I posted it this evening. This piece of briar was lovely as far as grain and birds-eye, but it was a bit challenging for its flaws. The finished product still has a few small blemishes, but they are not filled and they do not detract from the beauty of the pipe grain and character. I hope you enjoy the result.

7/11/2010

Got the news (and check) this week that my Kansas City Pipe Show Volcano sold. Thank you to the buyer... whoever you are. I greatly appreciate your interest (send me a note if you're out there). AND a big THANK YOU to Quinton Wells for all his work in arranging for the carving competition. From what I understand, there will be a nice write up about the contest in the November issue of Pipes & Tobacco magazine. All entries will be pictured in the issue.

I completed the second 'reject' piece of biar. The result is an interesting looking churchwarden now available on my Available Pipes page. I am pleased with how it came out.

I am in the process of finishing a Rhodesion shape from a great piece of briar from Mimmo. It is a combination Rhodesian and Cup & Saucer. I'm staining it today and hope to have it posted later this week.

In the meantime - thank you for checking in - I appreciate your interest.

6/28/2010

News from the KC Pipe Show is that I did not make the cut for the 7-Day set of pipes. So, along with about 30 other carvers, I'm an also-ran. I'm certainly not disappointed in the outcome, the competition was very strong. I am told that, while I may not have won, at least my pipe did not look out of place amongst the many entries... and that's a victory for me! I don't know as of yet if my pipe sold at the show. I'm hoping to find out by the end of the week.

In the shop I have been working on a couple of 'reject' pieces of biar. Rejects in that somewhere in their past, an unknown maker rough cut the stummels, shallow bowls were started, and the stummels were then rejected due to poor cuts or drilling. The pipes have caused me to do some creative thinking in order to try and get something usable out of them... more as a challenge than anything else. The result of one is pipe 021 on the Available Pipes page. I'm currently working on a second... and it will be a rather unique (maybe odd) looking churchwarden... hopefully ready by the July 4th weekend.

6/13/2010

Late this past week, I finally finished the pipe I am entering in the KC pipe show. It has really taken a lot of my time. It is nothing super spectacular... no bells and whistles... just a piece of briar with a stem stuck in it... but I wanted to make sure I got it sanded and finished as best as I could for the contest. I am pleased with the result - at least I don't think I will be embarassed to place along side the pipes that will be in the contest... which has entries from some of the top carvers in the country. Look for my pipe... it will be the Chevy in amongst all the Cadillacs.

I started back on the bent pipe that I had set aside while I finished the contest pipe... and ran into a really nasty flaw. It runs about an inch long, just above the transition from the shank to the bowl... I can sand it out, but the wall thickness would be less than 1/8 inch - which is no good of course. I can cut the bowl height down to leave a baccy chamber of about an inch tall ... but I do believe that would look ridiculous. So, now it gets put aside for future consideration.... Perhaps someday I will make a mini-pipe out of it, but for now I just don't want to mess with it.

What a pain in the neck the flaws can be. I don't have tons of time to work on things in the summer... and then the briar goes south on me. Four of my last five pipes have had significant flaws. The contest pipe was perfectly grained, so I am happy with that, but I've had to scrap two bowls (counting the bent billiard I mentioned above); I had my Cavalier develop a burn-through; and I had to change the design of the horn I made (the one with the white stem) because of a flaw (at least it came out as a nice looking pipe).

I think I'm afraid to pick up another piece of briar!!

5/2/2010

Once again, the shop has been reasonably busy... but there is not much to report in the way of new RMDavsion pipes. I have two stummels drilled - one is for a Volcano pipe, the other is for a Bent Billiard. The Volcano is off to a great start. I have high hopes for it. The Billiard does not appear to have much in the way of interesting grain, but hopefully will look better when complete.

I have been spending a LOT of time working on an old Medico Jetstream for a friend. The pipe was a mess. In addition to the clean-up, I also fitted a P-Lip stem to the pipe. The original stem is fine, but it is designed for a filter and, therefore, has a very large ID. The P-Lip provides a no-filter option.

I do believe the efforts paid off... I'll leave it for you to judge from the pictures.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

If you got to Chicago for the Pipe Show, I'm jealous!!!...and I hope you had a grand time!

4/11/2010

It doesn't show on the site, but I have been making some progress on some pipes. The horn pipe that had the bad internal flaw has been getting some attention. I had to change some of the shaping and used a different stem from the original plan. In the end I think I have a very nice looking pipe. I'll be posting it later today.

I also started what was to be a nice bent billiard, but again got bit by a bad flaw. The flaw didn't show on the outside of the block. When I trimmed the basic shape of the pipe with the bandsaw a very deep flaw showed up at the shank to bowl intersection on the underside of the pipe. Not good! This flaw will likely lead to my trying to make the pipe a churchwarden. I'm hoping to fit a churchwarden stem in close proximity to the bowl... meaning the pipe won't have much of a shank. The grain is so nice on the bowl that it is worth the attempt.

I also have accomplished some clean-up work for on some stems for a pipe forum friend. So he now has four nice shiny stems for his estate pipes.

Happy Puffing!!!

3/26/2010

After being away for a bit (we had a nice visit with my son and daughter-in-law in North Caorlina) I had a chance to get back into the shop this weekend. Unfortuantely, the results were not as gratifying as I would have preferred. I was hoping to make a nice horn from a plateau piece that was just screaming "HORN", but the briar gods were not kind. After drilling the air passage and the bowl, I drilled the mortise. ARGHH - a nasty flaw on the ID of the mortise. It is not visible from the exterior of the block, but it is large and deep... meaning the shape is going to have to change dramatically.

So, this block gets put aside for additional contemplation. I believe I'll try something else for now. I'm thinking a bent of some kind...In the meantime, if you have any thoughts about a shape you would like to see, send me an email and I'll see what I can come up with... and there is certainly no obligation. I am always willing to tackle some one else's idea... they're usually better than my own.

More progress reports to follow... I hope.

3/4/2010

I finally get a website going and find that things are a bit thin on the offerings page. This certainly is not how I intended it to be. But between the Great Northern Pipe Club Swap Meet on Sunday and getting this website going, I have had little time in the shop. Unfortunately it won't get better for another couple of weeks.... I have a few obligations to take care of and they limit my shop time. I should be back working in the shop by Mid-March.