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Funny thing hapened while smoking Stokkebye's Bullseye Flake... This is a true story, and it could happen to you. I'm at a red light lighting my pipe and a very attractive woman walks by. Let's just say I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing, (lighting my pipe).
I can only imagine what would happen if I peeled the tags off my mattress!!!!! |
The second and third calabash prototypes are in the works:
Well, the first calabash is finished, made with American gourd, Stained ala Medico, acrylic bit mounted direct, meerschaum bowl from Turkey:
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.
http://www.mla-arch.com/residentialmtn.htm
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.
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...
Left to do:
Stamp shank "TM", Polish, wax, & pre- carbonise.....
Learn to fold your Pocketmod with these instructions.
2007-01-2820:47:29 : 705 is shapes up nicely. Pics to follow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
