| Author | Message | ||
     Bruce Archer Member Username: Bluknute Post Number: 1 Registered: 09-2005 |
I would've preferred to enter the forum with a profound observation or some witty humor, but, alas, here I am, my first time, and I'm going to ask what might well be considered an out-of-his-head type of question.... I cannot get past the idea of making a calabash-style pipe (meerschaum cap) out of a horn, either ox or buffalo. I'm hoping someone with knowledge of pipe-making materials will either disuade me from this potential folly or tell me that, other than the weight issue, it could work. | ||
| Neil Marr Member Username: Neilmarr Post Number: 307 Registered: 04-2005 |
Acquire the meerschaum insert and the ferule/stem before you shoot your deer or ox or buff and I can see no reason why it shouldn't work. Think of traditional gourd or mahogany; the holding bowl is trimmed to fit the insert as a rule rather than vice versa. As a lover of gourd meerschaums, I'd really like to hear how this project turns out, Bruce. Good luck. Neil PS: As to weight -- no problem. A pipe with a meerschaum insert can be supported in the hand with no discomfort from heat and with no damage to finish. I even have pipes, so large and hefty that they rest on my breast as I smoke. Wonderful pipes of peace. I don't make pipes, though, so I'd suggest you seek expert advice when it comes to most effectively attaching the stem -- the greatest problem to overcome and a real hassle for many lovers of pipes created in the way you suggest. N | ||
| Charles Spencer Member Username: Charles_spencer Post Number: 225 Registered: 03-2005 |
I believe that there are pipemakers out there who will make you a meer insert of whatever size you request, and I am sure that somebody in this forum knows and will tell you where. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Revelation in a WDC Wellington | ||
| Neil Marr Member Username: Neilmarr Post Number: 312 Registered: 04-2005 |
Right you are, Charles. They cost, though. My suggestion was a Scotsman's penny pinching idea to trim the cup to the bowl and save a few bucks. I've recently replaced the bowls in two big estate gourd meers, by the way. Expensive ... and even though I'd sent the gourd for perfect fitting, they were returned with the new (carved) bowls dangerously loose. Believe me, a little strip of scotch tape around the meer where it joins the gourd works a treat. Best. Neil | ||
| Charles Spencer Member Username: Charles_spencer Post Number: 227 Registered: 03-2005 |
Here is a web page describing how this man made himself a calabash: http://www.geocities.com/pipetabor/calabash.html Peretti's 7485 in a Wellington | ||
| Bruce Archer Member Username: Bluknute Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2005 |
I just wanted to interject a "thank you" for the suggestions, Neil and Charles. Charles, that web site is great. I'd also be interested in any on-line shops offering pipe-making parts. I've come across a couple (IK Meerschaum for the inserts Pipe Makers Emporium for stems seem to be my best bets at this point), but I'm always interested in building my resources. Thanks again for your offerings! Bruce | ||
| Melvin S. Schwartz Board Administrator Username: Schwartz Post Number: 2997 Registered: 02-2002 |
Bruce, A variety of resources: http://www.jhlowe.com/ http://www.pimopipecraft.com/ http://www.amsmoke.com/Services/PipeKit.html http://www.premierpipes.com/pipemaking.htm http://www.pipeandpipes.com/Home/My%20Work.htm | ||
| Sandy Row Member Username: Sandy_row Post Number: 48 Registered: 02-2005 |
Good links, Melvin. Thanks. Charles, thanks for that link as well. That guy certainly is creative! He made a very attractive pipe out of some things I would never have thought of. Unfortunately, I think he also made it using a few things I'd be reluctant to smoke. Not sure how safe some of those things are... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think I'll go on by the river with my cherry, cherry wine I believe I'll go walking by the railroad with my cherry, cherry wine If I pass the rumbling station where the lonesome engine drivers pine... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | ||
| Bruce Archer Member Username: Bluknute Post Number: 5 Registered: 09-2005 |
Thanks for the links, Melvin. I have to say, that JH Lowe site certainly has distracted me a bit from the ox-bull-cow horn calabash-style pipe. That's not to say that I'm giving up the ghost on it. I am still looking for the right size and shape horn. Thanks to the JH Lowe site, in particular, I don't think I'll have to go on quite the scavenger hunt that the maker of the Greek calabash embarked upon. |