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1. The Calabash Project
701TM -PITCHED
702TM -GIFTED
703TM -NFS
704TM: -NFS
706TM - NFS
707TM- PITCHED
708 -NFS
709TM
715TM
716TM
C 07270
C 14262
C 54611
C 63230
Folding your Pocketmod
Other News
Pipe 10: NOV06 -SOLD-
Pipe 11: DEC06 -NFS
Pipe 12: DEC06
Pipe 4: OCT06 -SOLD-
Pipe 5: NOV06 -SOLD-
Pipe 6: NOV06 -NFS
Pipe 7: NOV06 -SOLD-
Pipe 8: NOV06 -NFS
Pipe 9: NOV06 -SOLD-
Testimonials
Buy TM Pipes etc.
TM Pipes, The Shop
Contact
Thos. Martin
Shaping The Stummels
Sunday, 11 February 2007
The new blog
Topic: Other News

The contest is over, as is my weekend snowboarding....

I have been offline and out of the workshop doing a lot research the calabash, setting up a frgn exchange account, talking by phone with a framer in South Afirica, and emailing him through hi more computer savvy daughter. I will have some genuine SA calabash in months

Meanwhile I have been practicing with four gourds from WA state. Also, I must note that my "research" has become more of a study as I have found the definitive text on this topic: "The History of the Calabash Pipe" by Gary B. Schrier. Also moving forward, each pipe will have only 3 or 4 posts allowinf more time in the shop pursuing the Calabash... Neither will I post too many pictures that directly allude to the process as they will be considered propritary.


Posted by thos.martin at 5:26 PM EST
Permalink
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Tobacco Fiction
Topic: Other News
Altadis Voodoo Queen** in a selfmade Black Friar:

The blend was unabashedly laced with Perique and enough Latakia to smoke like a backwood distillery. I picked a stick out of the pouch and am fairly sure there were also a few rocks in it- like kidney stones I could not pass. After the first Jarring light, it seemed to be off-gassing as if I'd stepped in a bog, and tasted like I imagine peat would taste if I packed it my pipe and smoked it.

The "room note" was aweful, enough to chase away snakes, women, children, and animals: wild and domestic. Somewhere after the middle of the bowl I blacked out... woke up in a small woodshack with my head shaved and rope burns across my chest. Cloven hoof prints headed back toward the wood. Black magic.

Trying to regain my composure, instinctively I reached for my pipe. It was still burning. I puffed again at this Voodoo Queen and coughed until my shaven head ached! In the name of all that is Holy, I knocked the dottle from the bowl and swore to God I'd never smoke it again. I felt a stabbing pain in my chest as if struck by lightning. It was then I noticed, nailed to a cyprus beam, the voodoo doll in my likeness.

I grabbed it, crossed myself and ran. Voodoo Queen, I hated her for what she had done to me but I'll be back someday to finish what I started. Despite my promise. Despite myself. Someday.
_______________________________________

* I wouldn't smoke again if you gave it to me
** I"ll finish what I have but will not buy again
*** Would defineately buy it again sometime...
**** Would defineately buy it again by the pound

Posted by thos.martin at 9:16 PM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 27 February 2007 9:18 AM EST
Permalink
Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club Feb. Meeting
Topic: Other News
http://www.shpcboston.org, as always, the first Tuesday of every month: Shop Closed.

Posted by thos.martin at 10:10 AM EST
Permalink
Saturday, 3 February 2007
Our House is a very very very fine house...
Topic: Other News

http://www.mla-arch.com/residentialmtn.htm


Posted by thos.martin at 11:34 AM EST
Permalink
Friday, 2 February 2007
Guess What's Next & Win!
Topic: 706TM - NFS

Guess what Pipe 706 will be and win a free pouch of pipe tobacco!

Email Tom Martin at martinthomasj@gmail.com.

First correct guess wins!

(this means there's only one winner- sorry, one will win, many may play)

Entry Deadline:
Your email must be "postmarked" on or
before February 9, 2007.


Posted by thos.martin at 7:19 PM EST
Updated: Saturday, 3 February 2007 11:56 AM EST
Permalink
Gandalf Inspired Pipe Finished (C 63230)
Topic: C 63230

This pipe is the opposite of my many creations. Usually I try to make a pipe first for sale, and if it isn't saleable but it is serviceable, it becomes MINE. This pipe I made for myself, and it is saleable... so  its for sale. Its too nice to be wasted on me, I can make more...

 


Posted by thos.martin at 12:01 AM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 4 April 2007 10:27 AM EDT
Permalink
Thursday, 1 February 2007
...almost there
Topic: C 63230

 

Left to do:

Stamp shank "TM", Polish, wax, & pre- carbonise.....


Posted by thos.martin at 7:01 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 4 April 2007 10:28 AM EDT
Permalink
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
R&D instead of R&R
Topic: Other News
Get your FREE Pipe Tobacco Review Journal, a  Pocketmod which serves as a little pocket diary/log of the pipe tobaccos you've smoked and your impressions of them!


Learn to fold your Pocketmod with these instructions.

Posted by thos.martin at 10:56 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 2 February 2007 7:57 PM EST
Permalink

Topic: Folding your Pocketmod


 


Posted by thos.martin at 9:50 AM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 30 January 2007 10:52 AM EST
Permalink
Sunday, 28 January 2007
Update on pipe in progress...
Topic: C 63230

2007-01-2820:47:29 :    705 is shapes up nicely. Pics to follow.


Posted by thos.martin at 8:46 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 4 April 2007 10:28 AM EDT
Permalink
Pipemaking 101
Topic: Other News

Pipemaking 101- a willing and qualified woodworker goes home with a block ready for shaping. In effect, what he got was a pre-drilled block. But, he learned how to drill the holes the TM way, and fit the stem: Mortise & Tenon.To the student, it was worth cost of materials and gift of tobacco.  It was a good day, and learning experience for me as well.


Posted by thos.martin at 8:21 PM EST
Updated: Sunday, 28 January 2007 8:46 PM EST
Permalink
Saturday, 27 January 2007

Topic: C 63230

This one flaw (sand/stone) will dicate the carving of this pipe. It was then shaped and stained. The stain will hopefully lighten during the sanding process. This is a nice piece of wood, and my intention was nott to cover it, but to enhance it. The stem was then bent.

The quality control department (my wife) is not happy with the dark stain and thinks the curve is a bit too "curvey." I agree on both points.


Posted by thos.martin at 5:03 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 4 April 2007 10:28 AM EDT
Permalink
Friday, 26 January 2007
IN PRAISE OF MYSELF
Topic: Testimonials

Not to "toot my own horn,"  but if I did, it would be finely tuned. Pipe 704 smokes great and I am so glad that I am having the opportunity to keep and enjoy such a fine pipe.  I thought this pipe would fetch a tidy sum but I liked it so much I kept it with no regrets! The draw is awesome. Styed lit from Beverly to Boston; an hours drive.  I smoked my usual (McB's Plumcake) as a sort of control variable and must say that it tasted like plums. I happened apon flavors that I have noticed before. I did although have to be careful not to smoke it too hard lest the pre-carb produce flavor. Once I tamed the fire a bit, it truely was the most enjoyable smoke I've ever had!

There: I said it, for afterall, if I didn't believe in myself, and in my product, how could I sell them to you? I couldn't and wouldn't! T.M.


Posted by thos.martin at 11:44 AM EST
Permalink
Thursday, 25 January 2007
Blessed are the billiards
Topic: C 63230

Its an attitude....  I decided that the classics are harder than freehands so I stick with 'em for a while. The next pipe will most likely be a freehand but I am feeling a bit "out of control" in my life, and to do something structured reins me in. When I feel reconciled, I can better create.

705 is started, as a reminder of our roots; the billiard. Yes, the billiard. The billiard to me when not massed produced, but made by an artisan, is a thing of subtle beauty.

2007-01-25 // 20:35:51 So far the holes (or as I like to call the negative spaces,) are "spot on." Stay tuned.

 NOTE: This pipe did not end up as a billiard. It took on a less structured, more "organic" look.


Posted by thos.martin at 8:37 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 4 April 2007 10:28 AM EDT
Permalink
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
abStain
Topic: 704TM: -NFS

Well, I finished 704TM and wish I hadn't stained it (although not bad enough that I'd sand it back down to natural. The real issue is that I not as fond of the clear stem as I thought I would be. too plain, needs a shank extension ... I will although very much enjoy smoking this one (704TM, Right):

 I don't know why, but I photographed the worse side of this pipe.
Oh well, its still nice. But, the other side is even better!


 


Posted by thos.martin at 8:22 PM EST
Updated: Thursday, 25 January 2007 8:45 PM EST
Permalink
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
Floor Model
Topic: 703TM -NFS

Posted by thos.martin at 8:19 PM EST
Updated: Thursday, 25 January 2007 8:21 PM EST
Permalink
Sunday, 21 January 2007
all dressed up with no place to go
Topic: 703TM -NFS

Although finshed, this pipe will become mine because it is unacceptable for sale. My third (but not final attempt) at a dress black pipe, although "ok" is not great. I will enjoy this pipe greatly, but could not sell it to you. I will try again at an all black, smooth pipe, but I gotta say, it aint easy.

Time to watch the Patriots play the colts on their march to the Superbowl!


Posted by thos.martin at 4:57 PM EST
Updated: Sunday, 21 January 2007 5:04 PM EST
Permalink
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Bookmatch
Topic: 704TM: -NFS

I had to get this pipe "along" enough for me to bring it North Snowboarding this weekend. All that is left is to sand, stamp and dress. I can finish sanding it in NH next to the wood stove.

Here it is unfinished. The blemishes are what they are.  .   .    .

 but, what could be better than a bottle of Merlot (Ca.), a bottle of VT maple syrup, and an Italian briar? The clear stem looks better than in photographs.


Posted by thos.martin at 8:32 PM EST
Updated: Friday, 19 January 2007 2:22 PM EST
Permalink
Shine on, Roman Lighthouse
Topic: 704TM: -NFS

This wood from Michael Parks is very nice Italian Briar. Very nice. This will be a large pipe, sort of fluted with nice grain. (This isn't even the best side.)

The other side has awesome flamegrain with what looks like a seam down the middle. Have you seen the top of a nice guitar,or table. It appears bookmatched but is completely natural.

 

The stem is clear acrylic and is taped for protection. It just needed to be on the stummel during shaping so I could sense the overall proportions and line. I did unfortuneately drill the tobacco chamber a bit too deep, so I filled the bottom with "pipemud" which I believe will actually afford a drier smoke as it absorbs moisture at the heel, like having a built in charcoal filter.


Posted by thos.martin at 5:57 PM EST
Permalink
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
What Goes under a black dress?
Topic: 703TM -NFS

Not a black slip, an undercoat. This is one option I was told to try in order to achieve a nice black dress finish on a smooth pipe; a black under coat. This is it; can't tell you what it is because it is actually someone elses trade secret told to me in confidence.

This pipe, dubbed "the tophat," will be classy with its shiny black finish, black carbonised bowl (inside), and black lucite stem from pipemakers.org


Posted by thos.martin at 5:51 PM EST
Updated: Thursday, 18 January 2007 8:45 AM EST
Permalink

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