| Author | Message | ||
     George Member Username: Pipesmoker Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2004 |
I thought I'd give making a pipe a try and I'm looking for some opinions on the pre-drilled pipe making kits. Where are the best ones located, where is the best price, etc. I've heard someone mention that they had bad luck with the PIMO kis. Ok, thanks. geo | ||
| Melvin S. Schwartz Board Administrator Username: Schwartz Post Number: 3053 Registered: 02-2002 |
First, your post was moved here from Pipe Smokers Lounge because you're starting a new thread with a question--Pipe Smokers Lounge is the only forum where new threads are not to contain a question. Aside from Pimo's, you can purchase a pipe-making kit from Mark Tinsky's website: http://www.amsmoke.com/Services/PipeKit.html | ||
| ron ryser Member Username: Ronnie Post Number: 136 Registered: 11-2004 |
They are always on ebay too. I'm not a tool-guy, so haven't made one myself thus can't recommend one or another. It strikes me as a cool idea/hobby though. | ||
| Dan Goldberg Member Username: Inept Post Number: 48 Registered: 08-2005 |
I bought one PIMO block that I would say was very poorly drilled. I complained and PIMO rectified the situation by offering me a significant discount on a second block. I took them up on the offer and the second block they sent is both of exquisite grain and properly drilled. I'm taking my time working on it now. I suppose that can't reasonably guarantee you perfect wood, but they do offer quality service. | ||
| Chuck Balue Member Username: Cblue Post Number: 178 Registered: 08-2004 |
I also had some bad luck with a PIMO kit. Then I tried one from Mark Tinsky. Much better. The PIMO kit was drilled 2.5" deep (way too deep for me), and the airhole missed the bottom of the bowl by a quarter inch. Nothing happens until something moves. A. Einstein | ||
| smokey strodtman Member Username: Smokey422 Post Number: 210 Registered: 08-2005 |
I have made two pipes from Pimo kits and had very good luck with them. The second one looked better than the first, but that's because I learned a lot from making the first pipe. The people were very helpful when I needed to call them for advice, too. That said, I would say that the Mark Tinsky kits are very good, if they are anything like his pipes. I have a new Christmas blast and it is gorgeous! Making your own pipe is a fun way to expand your pipe smoking experience. You need three things above all else; 1. Patience, 2. Patience, and 3. More patience. Remember that you can always take more wood off, but it is very difficult to put back on. Good luck and have fun! Butternut Burley in a Boswell smokey | ||
| david goliath Member Username: Fritzin Post Number: 163 Registered: 07-2005 |
Carved mine from a Mark Tinsky block. It's about a 7" Canadian. I started with his largest block which I thought was drilled very well, centred and with the hole lining up from the side RIGHT at the bottom. This kit was 38$ or so with a vulcanite stem. When it was still the block the sides both were quite straight grainned. BUT, when I shaped it down which took some time, it became birdseye but I still like it. Haven't got around to carving another but if it isn't drilled close to perfect I'll send it back if I can. After you get one that's drilled well and with lots of material to work with, TAKE YOUR TIME...not to raise my voice but to me carving a pipe is not unlike cutting gems. Briar took decades in a virtual desert to grow, respect it. Work with the grain even if your initial plan was another style. Ronny Thuney on here helped me and his experience helped me save time and frustration on finishing. His amazing pipes will show you how good a serious hobbiest can get in a pretty short time. So order one for this winter season and good luck. |