627
edits
Talbert Pipes: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m
Fixed dead link due to mispelling on Ivarsson
No edit summary |
m (Fixed dead link due to mispelling on Ivarsson) |
||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
Paul had a great knowledge of briar and the techniques of pipe making (some of which flew in the face of popular ideas promoted by tobacconists), and I learned everything I could from him. I would send him long letters filled with questions and get page after page of replies written in a squiggly hand and covered with arcane drawings. A lot of the information he sent me was incomprehensible at first, but, as I worked, I gradually began to see how his instructions fit together. Paul was a perfect teacher for me. He would give me all the basics, answer my questions as I hit roadblocks, and otherwise remain neutral. While he held varied opinions about curing techniques, drilling, and staining, he did not attempt to push these on me as gospel (and, as a result, I gave them much more respect than I would have otherwise). Over he next couple of years, I continued to learn and experiment. I slowly bought my tools and became proficient in the basic skills of drilling and cutting. I reached a plateau faily quickly, for pipe making is reallly not particularly complex, especially compared with painting or programming. | Paul had a great knowledge of briar and the techniques of pipe making (some of which flew in the face of popular ideas promoted by tobacconists), and I learned everything I could from him. I would send him long letters filled with questions and get page after page of replies written in a squiggly hand and covered with arcane drawings. A lot of the information he sent me was incomprehensible at first, but, as I worked, I gradually began to see how his instructions fit together. Paul was a perfect teacher for me. He would give me all the basics, answer my questions as I hit roadblocks, and otherwise remain neutral. While he held varied opinions about curing techniques, drilling, and staining, he did not attempt to push these on me as gospel (and, as a result, I gave them much more respect than I would have otherwise). Over he next couple of years, I continued to learn and experiment. I slowly bought my tools and became proficient in the basic skills of drilling and cutting. I reached a plateau faily quickly, for pipe making is reallly not particularly complex, especially compared with painting or programming. | ||
At this point, in late 1996/early 1997, I began to take stock of things and started looking at ways to improve my work. My self-analysis was two-pronged. I looked hard at designs and shapes, with the intention of meshing the unusual styles that I liked with the practical designs that smoked well. I also began to think about the underlying engineering of the pipe, and that was where I started to apply my knowledge of airflow in duct systems. I began to use techniques adapted from this science to improve the follow in my pipes, and I discovered that, with some simple modifications, a good-smoking pipe could become exceptional. I vigorously attacked the causes of wet smoking and began to rethink my shapes and designs based on my new fundamental rules. Ironically, I have since discovered that the techniques I came up with are staples of ultra-high-grade makers such as [[S. Bang]] and [[Lars | At this point, in late 1996/early 1997, I began to take stock of things and started looking at ways to improve my work. My self-analysis was two-pronged. I looked hard at designs and shapes, with the intention of meshing the unusual styles that I liked with the practical designs that smoked well. I also began to think about the underlying engineering of the pipe, and that was where I started to apply my knowledge of airflow in duct systems. I began to use techniques adapted from this science to improve the follow in my pipes, and I discovered that, with some simple modifications, a good-smoking pipe could become exceptional. I vigorously attacked the causes of wet smoking and began to rethink my shapes and designs based on my new fundamental rules. Ironically, I have since discovered that the techniques I came up with are staples of ultra-high-grade makers such as [[S. Bang]] and [[Ivarsson, Lars|Lars Ivarsson]]. I have no idea how they arrived at their results, but it was gratifying to know that the odd tricks I had formulated were already accepted in pipedom's elite landscape. | ||
In the Spring of 1997, Pipes & Tobaccos inaugurated its pipe-carving contest. I debated about entering, since I was already fairly experienced, but I'd never sold any pipes commercially. I didn't want to be a "ringer"' and, thankfully, I don't think I was, since many of the other entrants had better tools and/or more experience than myself. Until that time, my only feedback had come from my friends and Paul Perri. I had begun giving away pipes to my friends as Christmas gifts, and the reviews were promising. I sent off my contest entries and the promptly put the whole affair out of my head. I was amazed to learn that I had won. Suddenly I began to get a lot of e-mail, and I started doing a good deal of networking with other pipe carvers. We all exchanged information and tricks, turned over the merits of ideas, and generally learned a lot. This process goes on today, and I'm always on the lookout for new ideas. Mark Tinsky has been a big help. Mark has patiently answered many questions and provided a lot of useful advice on tools. (As an aside, I will say that, while I cannot presume to speak for all pipe smokers, I find that a 5.32-inch air hole gives me the most satisfaction.) | In the Spring of 1997, Pipes & Tobaccos inaugurated its pipe-carving contest. I debated about entering, since I was already fairly experienced, but I'd never sold any pipes commercially. I didn't want to be a "ringer"' and, thankfully, I don't think I was, since many of the other entrants had better tools and/or more experience than myself. Until that time, my only feedback had come from my friends and Paul Perri. I had begun giving away pipes to my friends as Christmas gifts, and the reviews were promising. I sent off my contest entries and the promptly put the whole affair out of my head. I was amazed to learn that I had won. Suddenly I began to get a lot of e-mail, and I started doing a good deal of networking with other pipe carvers. We all exchanged information and tricks, turned over the merits of ideas, and generally learned a lot. This process goes on today, and I'm always on the lookout for new ideas. Mark Tinsky has been a big help. Mark has patiently answered many questions and provided a lot of useful advice on tools. (As an aside, I will say that, while I cannot presume to speak for all pipe smokers, I find that a 5.32-inch air hole gives me the most satisfaction.) | ||