Pipe Evolution

Below are several stages in the making of a pipe starting with the briar block. 

	The briar block is shown as it comes from the factory that cut the briar burl.  This is an M block, a designation that relates to the sloping front side.  This shape block is often used for bent pipe shapes. The outside of the briar block is brown from drying and aging.  During drying the block deforms, losing its square shape.
	The briar block was 'squared', which means that it was sanded to have parallel sides.  The sanding has exposed fresh wood that is lighter in color. A sketch of the pipe was made on paper, and the essential features of that sketch were transferred onto the briar block. The interior and exterior outline of the bowl is shown. The tobacco bowl will be 7/8"  diameter. The plane of the center line of the air hole is visible (on front).  The cross hairs (on top) show the center of the tobacco hole.
	The tobacco hole, mortise, and air hole have been drilled. The end of the block (at the mortise) has been squared (made perpendicular to the air hole)  to provide a flat surface for the stem against the shank.  Two initial cuts have been made to get rid of excess wood are shown.
	More cuts have been made to remove additional wood.  The outline (called the stummel) of the pipe is seen.  This pipe will be a Billiard/Pot shaped pipe.
	Sanding and shaping of the stummel has been finished.  The stem has been fit to the mortise and matched to the shank.. Fine sanding has been done to give the pipe a smooth finish and bring out the grain. Final polishing was done to bring out the grain pattern and give the pipe its luster. This pipe has a natural or virgin finish, i.e.,  no stain, just a final light wax buffing with natural Carnauba wax.
	Final pipe: Top View
	Final pipe: Top Right View