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Where to Get Your Briar: Difference between revisions
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(New page: In the last articles, I covered the types of tools most pipe makers will use. In this article, I'd like to do a short piece on where to get your briar. In a future article, we can go over ...) |
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''by [[Kurt Huhn]]'' | |||
<ref>This article originally appeared in The Pipe Collector, the official newsletter of the National Society of Pipe Collectors [http://naspc.org (NASPC)], and is used by permission. It's a great organization--consider joining.</ref> | |||
In the last articles, I covered the types of tools most pipe makers will use. In this article, I'd like to do a short piece on where to get your briar. In a future article, we can go over the different qualities of briar from different regions, but, for now, let's focus on where to buy it from. Actually, first, let's take a quick look at block shapes, and then we can talk about where to get them. | In the last articles, I covered the types of tools most pipe makers will use. In this article, I'd like to do a short piece on where to get your briar. In a future article, we can go over the different qualities of briar from different regions, but, for now, let's focus on where to buy it from. Actually, first, let's take a quick look at block shapes, and then we can talk about where to get them. | ||
[[Image:briar_blocks.jpg| | [[Image:briar_blocks.jpg|thumb|400px|]]The two main shapes of briar blocks, as they come from the cutter, are ebauchon and plateaux. Ebauchon blocks are largely rectangular, are cut from the burl to maximize the number of blocks that can be created, and, as a result, usually have fairly random grain patterns. Most of the pipes that have ever been made from briar have been made from ebauchon blocks. They're typically very economical, costing much less than plateaux blocks, and they're easy to work with, having been squared by the cutter so that they're easy to clamp in a vise or chuck. Plateaux blocks are cut from the outer portion of the burl and still have bark on the outer edge. They resemble a quarter of a circle, by and large, and are usually quite a bit larger than ebauchon. These are typically cut to maximize the grain orientation, and so there are usually fewer garnered from a given burl. Because of this, they're also more expensive than ebauchon. Pipes with striking straight grain are almost always made from plateaux. I've included a snapshot with examples of each shape. | ||
Now, where to source the briar? There are three main venues for sourcing briar blocks: pipe-making supply retailers, other pipe makers, and direct from the cutter. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so keep that in mind when looking to buy your first blocks. I'll go over each in turn. | Now, where to source the briar? There are three main venues for sourcing briar blocks: pipe-making supply retailers, other pipe makers, and direct from the cutter. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so keep that in mind when looking to buy your first blocks. I'll go over each in turn. | ||
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And there you have it! No matter who you are, chances are you've found a place to buy as much briar as you need. Next issue, we'll cover how to treat your briar before you start cutting into it. And, yes, I promise that it's already half written by the time you read this. | And there you have it! No matter who you are, chances are you've found a place to buy as much briar as you need. Next issue, we'll cover how to treat your briar before you start cutting into it. And, yes, I promise that it's already half written by the time you read this. | ||
'''Editors note''': See also the [http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Pipe_Making#Materials_and_Supplies Pipe Making Suppliers Section] for additional suppliers. | |||
== References == | |||
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