Making a Freehand Pipe--Pipemaking from Start to Finish
J. Alan Pipes J. Alan Pipes
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 Published On Dec 13, 2021

**To answer a frequently asked question about this video: the texture is created by sandblasting. Unfortunately, the footage I recorded of this process was corrupted and I was unable to use it for this video. If you would like to see how I sandblast, you can see it in these two videos:
   • How to Make a Billiard Pipe — Pipemak...  
   • Sandblasting -- Beginner's guide for ...  

This video demonstrates the steps taken to create a freehand pipe--from start to finish. In the past, I've shown how to make a billiard pipe, which is made in the tradition that uses a lathe to turn the primary form of the shape and to align and machine the holes. Freehand pipes do not rely on the precision of machinery to achieve symmetry (or asymmetry if that is the aim), instead requiring a trained eye and refined hand-shaping techniques to render the desired result.

In this video, you'll see me begin with the raw briar block, sketch a shape on it based on the natural pattern of grain within it, and then shape, refine, and polish the materials.

I've had a long of questions about some of the tools you see in the video. Here are some purchase links for some of them:

Machinery Recommendations (not exactly the same as mine, but good quality and can be used for pipemaking):
10x22 Metalworking Lathe: https://amzn.to/3Pxwmzo
Quick Change Tool Post & Holders: https://amzn.to/3B4r0r9
The Smallest Bandsaw I'd recommend for cutting briar: https://amzn.to/3yR734F
A much better Bandsaw equivalent to the one in my videos: https://amzn.to/3IT8J1V

Sanding and Buffing Arbor System: https://amzn.to/3B3H4cR
7" Shaping Disk Backing plate: https://amzn.to/3PqR5Fm
7" 36gr Grinding Disks: https://amzn.to/3oicLrb
Rough File Used to Shape Mouthpiece: https://amzn.to/3aWbYcn
Fine File Used on Mouthpiece: https://amzn.to/3OkC2vG
Swiss File set used on Mouthpiece Slot: https://amzn.to/3OkY3KS

As always, please visit my links to see what I'm up to currently, buy pipes, gear, or to learn pipemaking from me in person: https://linktr.ee/jalanpipes

Music licensed through Lumafusion’s Storyblocks library:
Falling in Love Instrumental by Fredrik Storm
Feel it too (Instrumental) by Szymon Szarpatowski
Half of your heart by Kyle Rhodius

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