Crotch pipe?

[oldbear58]

I saw a wonderful pipe made from a cherry branch for the bowl with a side branch for the shank. It was finished with some bark still on. the shape was somewhat of a tomato.

I cannot find other examples of this. Are most branches too unstable to use for pipe material? Am I just looking in the wrong place?

Oldbear

 

[MisterE]

I'm having trouble connecting the title of the thread to your question...:roll: 

Anyhow, check with Missouri Meerschaum. They have some Cherrywoods with bark still on them from time to time.

 

[oldbear58]

Well... OK, the title would catch your eye. I was referring to the crotch of a branch. If I ever find an image I will post it.

Oldbear

 

[MisterE]

Something like this, maybe?



http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/old-fashioned-cherrywood-pipes

 

[oldbear58]

This was more like what I saw:

(still learning our site ware)

Oldbear

 

[MisterE]

This might help with learning how to post pictures...

https://www.brothersofbriar.com/t3090-how-to-post-pictures-in-the-forum

 

[oldbear58]

The old maker seems to be mostly Ropp and the pipes were probably cherry branch wood. I can't get the images or links to cooperate.

What woods work (besides briar) for pipes. I see cherry used often. What happens with oak? Pecan?

Are any notoriously toxic or problematic?

What processing is necessary? Does simple boiling work to stabilize the wood or must it be aged for 60 years first?

Oldbear

 

[RDPipes]

Many woods can be very toxic, Walnut for one. Briar, Olive, Cherry and a few others are okay.
I don't know all the types that are toxic or okay to use in pipe manufacturing but, something tells me there not many that can be used judging by what types I've seen used.

I believe all manufactures boil there briar in water to release oils and saps from the the wood and then let set to dry for sometimes as long as 5 -10 years or more to cure. Naturally they'll be manufactures that don't let them cure that long and that's is where a percentage of poor quality pipes come from.

 

[monbla256]

ALL varieties of Oak are not good. They used to boil oak shavings to release the Tannic acid in it to tan leather with. Heat will do the same and the grain in Oak is to open to be stable and is prone to splitting with heat.  :twisted: :twisted:

 

[Kelhammer]

Hmm... I have two old cherry trees on my property that need cut down. I will have to go out and look it over for areas that want to become a pipe.

 

[oldbear58]

What area are you in? Might be worth some time.

Doing it properly might involve whacking off 100 branch crotches, then boiling them, pre-boring them and starting them drying for a few years.

A lotta effort for something that might not work.

On the other hand it might be a nice project.

I might start look for tree trimmers and keep a saw handy.

Oldbear

 

[alfredo_buscatti]

Ropp pipes are a good example of how not to make natural wooden pipes. I've yet to see one that looks other than simple minimally-machined to make a sale. The one I had bespoke the same definition.

 

[oldbear58]

I am still having a rough time with getting the BoB software to cooperate. I could post an image if it would.

What I was looking for was not the usual run of ROPP pipes, which were cherry versions of corncobs.

Oldbear

 

[Slartibartfast]

Ropp pipes are a good example of how not to make natural wooden pipes. I've yet to see one that looks other than simple minimally-machined to make a sale. The one I had bespoke the same definition.

One man's opinion.  My own experiences with the old Ropp cherry wood pipes have always been completely positive, and I still have two that I continue to enjoy regularly.  It's true that they are rustic in their appearance (though definitely not in their smoking qualities), but no more so than a cob IMO; and that very quality has it's own iconic appeal, obviously.  More importantly, they're fine smoking pipes with a taste and a charm all their own.  Personally, I was sad to see them go.

 

[gravel]

I am still having a rough time with getting the BoB software to cooperate.  I could post an image if it would.

What I was looking for was not the usual run of ROPP pipes, which were cherry versions of corncobs.

Oldbear

I believe you need to be a member for 30 days before posting pictures.

 

[oldbear58]

Another attempt at maneuvering through the BoB software:

 

[oldbear58]

This is what I was attempting to describe:

(software still might not recognize me)

Oldbear

 

[MisterE]

Did you watch the video on how to post pictures I posted for you?

 

[oldbear58]

Another try: