Pic 1

In a dialogue between the nature of the block and my own ideas, a rough shape is sawn. I hope to have understood what the wood is telling me, but due to be Babylonic diversity of language, I can never be sure.

Pic 2

Grinding commences – a search for ideal structure and harmonious design, while simultaneously eliminating flaws. A truly horrific game!

Pic 3

At the lathe, the chamber is drilled with a cutting bit. Pure freehand work.

Pic 4

A moment of suspense: drilling the shank. Is the bit going to emerge at the right spot, just 1mm above the very bottom of the chamber? That's the only way to ensure that the smoker will be able to enjoy a bowl right down to the very last crumb of tobacco.

Pic 5

The tenon is fitted to the mortise. This part is routine.

Pic 6

Still life: the stummel and stem, waiting to be completed.

Pic 7

The most important tool in the entire workshop is the belt grinder, used for detail work at up to 600 grit.

Pic 8

Bamboo is sometimes used to extend the shank. It's no longer easy to get good quality material. And what's in the red cylinder? Titan tubes, which are normally only used in surgery. I insert them in the bamboo.

Pic 9

What you see here is… trash! These are stummels that contain too many flaws to become high-end pipes.

Pic 10

Exhausted! It's hard to remain composed after all the emotional strain involved in accomplishing the above steps.

The next tasks, staining and polishing, will have to wait.

To be continued...