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

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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

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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

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     BRUSHING THE BARK OF THE BURL: 

Posted by thos.martin at 11:13 AM EST

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