Thinking of trying pipe carving

[dervish]

Hello all, I just joined the brotherhood and am trying to find something to pass some time while I am deployed to the Philippines for the next 5 months.

What this deployment lacks in danger and excitement it more than makes up for in boredom and free time. With several hours of free time at my disposal each day I have been longing for something creative to do, so I have been kicking around the idea of carving a pipe using a pre-bore kit. I don't have access to power tools but can order any hand tools I may need such as files and rasps, sandpaper etc. My biggest concern is finishing the pipe. From what I have read a power buffer wheel will be needed to finish the pipe, namely applying carnauba.

If anyone out there has experience at hand finishing pipes I would love to hear from you and look forward to any input, tips, advice you all can provide.

 

[rothnh]

First of all, me being a retired military advisor for Department of Defense, with ties to what's going on and without letting out any state secrets, I can assure you that things will soon get a lot more interesting in the Philippines.  Maybe not in 5 months, but soon.

Now that said, I am not a pipe maker -- but if you've secured a kit to make your own pipe, I am sure you'll find it both and interesting and challenging project.  There's a ton of advice on the internet and the best advice I can give you is -- just go for it!

Good luck and please let us know how your project is working out  

 

[RAlden]

For hand tools, I'd get a good rasp, a couple flat files, a round chainsaw file for the bowl to shank junction. Sandpaper in grits 80, 120, 220, 300, 400, 600.
Truthfully, you don't absolutely have to buff a pipe when its done. If it is sanded well (go over the entire pipe several times with each grit from 220 up) it will develop a nice patina just from use.
Good luck !

 

[Crafty]

First thing KEEP safe. Retired military myself so I know what you mean by unending boredom followed by short periods of extreme excitement! I will say however pipe making is a great stress reliever and time killer. Get the few hand tools noted above and maybe a coping saw or Japanese cut-off saw to remove the excess briar before you start with rasps and files. Also, some form of a vise or some way to hold the block still while working it. Some hand made sanding blocks to wrap the sand paper around for details, or you can order a set of them from places like Woodcraft or Rockler. Take your time and enjoy working the briar. Not sure if you're on a FOB or a more established area but make some friends with the machine shop personnel if you have those types of facilities around they may be able to help you with some of the items, consumables, etc... :face:

 

[jefe1037]

Many a brother has been lost to the carving side of our hobby. I remember a young fella named "uberhuberman" that was just getting the smoking side of things down when he decided to try his hand at carving. Haven't heard from him in a while. On the other hand, this DSHPipes fellow seems to be all the rage now.

(for those that missed my tongue in my cheek, Huber is now making the big bucks from his creative side, from what I understand)

Have fun, be safe, and thank you for your service my good man.