Welcome!

Welcome to my world of pipes. On these pages you will see some of what goes on in my workshop. A bit of work-in-progress, mess-ups (they do happen!) and also some other pipe-related posts.
I love talking about and discussing pipes, so feel free to contact me at charl.chillfactor@gmail.com.
Should you wish to have a look at my pipes, please drop in at my website (http://goussardpipes.com/).




January 23, 2013

On the bench

Today I have these 2 pipes on the bench, a Rhodesian variation and pear-shaped chubby.
 The rhodesian variation is sort of in the Danish fashion, with a flattened gently curving shank. I wanted to see  what the bowlrings would look like if I have one that is very shallow and the other a bit deeper. Not sure I like it this way, I definitely won't do it again. The stem fitted is a premold, the first in years. I used it because it's been lying around for ages waiting for a pipe exactly like this and I thought that I would see if I can still do premolds. I still like making my own stems much more!
 The chubby pear has amazing flamegrain. It goes from the heel of the pipe through to the bowl and to the shank. At some stage I was actually thinking of sandblasting, just because I felt that the resulting blast would have been stunning. But with me smooth always wins over a blast! A bit of bark has been left on the rim, with a stemring from protea nitida (waboom).
 The bowlcoating is to follow, then wax and polish and the pipes should be done.


January 18, 2013

Blowfish!?

I have always admired the blowfish as shape: the beautiful flow, graceful and delicate lines. The shape lends itself to the "shape first" way of pipemaking, which I really enjoy.

Although the shape is pretty much set in stone, you can get an amazing variety. From long shanked to more stubby, from intricate grooves and gullies to plain janes, even some with "wings"!
As some of you might know, I am not one for "frilly" pipes. All these ornate pipes with super-dooper triple whammy extensions and curves and wings and etc, just does not do it for me. Mostly, it is too much, looks too busy and distracts from the pipe itself.  
The blowfish for me sort of falls into this "fancy" category. It's got lines and curves that need to be in harmony. Not easy. I have been wanting to try my hand at one for a very long time, but felt that I needed to develop my skills more before I do. But eventually I succumbed. I got hold of a block and just could not help myself.
I learned a lot from this pipe, made some silly mistakes and some really stupid mistakes. But I will be back with more. What an intriguing, fascinating and wonderful shape!