Beginnings of a carved pipe

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
I saw that youtube video of the gent carving is own pipe, and loved all the ideas. I didn't think you could use just any wood for it, but may be wrong! So I grabbed a big, round piece of firewood outside and set out to carve my own. I didn't have the biggest selection, so I had to choose a piece bigger than I wanted, which means lots and lots of carving.

I carved it down to its core, and then used a bowdrill method with some sand in the hole to speed things up. It's a lot different when I'm drilling for depth versus for firestarting. You have to carve out the deeper edges regularly then get started again.

I'm very lazy, then realized I like sitting on my ass more than the full body bowdrill. So I made a quick fire, grabbed some tiny coals, and put them in the beginnings of my hole (about a 1/2" at that point, and as wide as my thumb). Blew gently for quite a while, then carved the char, and bingo!

However, I did get a bit of tunnel vision when blowing at my coal, a teeny piece blew off and down without me seeing, and was taking it's time smoldering a 1" wide hole in my nice jeans!!!!! :eek: :mad: So future note: don't wear fancy jeans to do bushcraft stuff.

Anywho, craploads of carving really wore me out so all I've got is my hole and a rough shape. Lots of carving left to do.

I'll get pictures later. I'm starving at the moment.

Only two things I'm worried about: splitting the pipe evenly once the carving is done, and making sure the groove for the stem meets up when the halves are put together.

Only tool used was my Brian Andrews Bushcrafter, it's worked perfectly.
 
That sounds like a cool project. I too have just started my first carving project. Maybe I'll post some pictures when I'm done.

Anyways, I look forward to seeing your pics and hearing how it works.
 
If this one doesnt work out for you..while splitting it..next time look carefully at the grain of the wood..before you start carving. The piece in the video had nice straight grain. And I bet he took that and the rings into consideration. Gene
 
That sounds like a great project and I don't even smoke.

I would think it might be easier to carve the pipe and stem separately like a corncob pipe.
 
orrey45 said:
That sounds like a great project and I don't even smoke.

I would think it might be easier to carve the pipe and stem separately like a corncob pipe.
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I agree, but the only two ways to hollow the stem would be to find something naturally hollow like a cat tail stem or cornstalk piece (hard sorts of things to find in the city) or to use a piece of hot metal wire to slowly burn through it (doesn't sound fun).

But I'm gonna be trying the former after I finish this one, assuming it doesn't crack to pieces on me. :D
 
SpookyPistolero said:
Did I say fancy jeans? I meant army fatigues stained with the blood of my enemies..........
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So glad I had enough faith in you to scroll down to find a redeeming comment.;)

I cheated on my pipe. I made a single-edged, round-bottomed boring bit from a 5/8" spade bit to bore the bowl. I used a heavy sucker that sprouted from where I pruned a branch off an Apple tree. The orchard got away from me for a few years and they got pretty big, but wre perfectly-shaped for pipes and coat hooks. Wish I had saved nore of them. I would try making one using primitive methods.
 
Apple*, from what I've been reading, is supposed to be a great wood for making pipes with (next to briar actually). :thumbup:

I'm wondering, now, if I can find an organic corn farmer at the local farmers market, get me some bigger cobs for a pipe.

*Speaking of apple, I'm going to toss my ipod into the fireplace after sitting here trying to transfer my music to my new laptop. iHate Apple products.
 
Steve Jobs is Satan. Im sure he is watching me right now though, and the Apple choppers will be swooping in to get me. (jake dons tinfoil helmet)
 
Sounds like a fun project....one that I will never do! LOL. Fancy jeans? Hell no, say it isn't so! I'm looking forward to the pics, and stop bragging about the Brian Andrews bushcrafter! I want one!!
 
I saw the video and want to make one too. To many projects...good thing winter break is coming up!!
 
Marcelo Cantu said:
pass :barf:
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When you see my George Micheal-ish shots of me in my fancy jeans, you'll say otherwise!
bedazzled.jpg
 
SpookyPistolero said:
Apple*, from what I've been reading, is supposed to be a great wood for making pipes with (next to briar actually). :thumbup:

I'm wondering, now, if I can find an organic corn farmer at the local farmers market, get me some bigger cobs for a pipe.

*Speaking of apple, I'm going to toss my ipod into the fireplace after sitting here trying to transfer my music to my new laptop. iHate Apple products.
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I will see if I can find som for you. Most of it went to heat the house but a small piece turns up now and then. It makes excellent tools, tool handles, etc. I was surrounded by organic coron this year. In addition to already being pretty puny, we had a long dry spell at just the worng time and it was simply pathetic. I did not see an ear bigger than my thumb.
 
SpookyPistolero said:
Apple*, from what I've been reading, is supposed to be a great wood for making pipes with (next to briar actually). :thumbup:

I'm wondering, now, if I can find an organic corn farmer at the local farmers market, get me some bigger cobs for a pipe.

*Speaking of apple, I'm going to toss my ipod into the fireplace after sitting here trying to transfer my music to my new laptop. iHate Apple products.
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that is good to know.. we have few apple trees in the side yard...:thumbup: i might have to give this a whirl too...

anybody have a link to that video again...:o
 
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