How to Make a Billiard Pipe - Pipemaking From Start to Finish

In the last video, I described and demonstrated what to look for in a block of briar and how to lay out a classic billiard shape to yield a perfect straight grain. This video is the follow up, the meat, if you will, that shows you every step of making that pipe from sketching the shape on the block to stamping the finished product. Straight grained pipes also are the foundations for making ring grained sandblasts, as the growth rings that the sandblasting reveals run perpendicularly to the grain. You’ll notice that I am working with a model shape in this video. The model was a pipe that I made for a client in 2014. He recently requested that I make a black version of that shape for him, and I took the opportunity to film the process.
Machinery Recommendations (not exactly the same as mine, but good quality and can be used for pipemaking):
10x22 Metalworking Lathe: amzn.to/3Pxwmzo
Quick Change Tool Post & Holders: amzn.to/3B4r0r9
The Smallest Bandsaw I'd recommend for cutting briar: amzn.to/3yR734F
A much better Bandsaw equivalent to the one in my videos: amzn.to/3IT8J1V
Sanding and Buffing Arbor System: amzn.to/3B3H4cR
7" Shaping Disk Backing plate: amzn.to/3PqR5Fm
7" 36gr Grinding Disks: amzn.to/3oicLrb
Rough File Used to Shape Mouthpiece: amzn.to/3aWbYcn
Fine File Used on Mouthpiece: amzn.to/3OkC2vG
Swiss File set used on Mouthpiece Slot: 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: linktr.ee/jala...

[@r.dickeypipes9]

Great video Jeff! I really appreciate you making these. Stellar production quality as well. Please keep them coming. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@jalanpipes]

UnderShade thanks! Trying to up the ante. :)

[@kasperbunk9104]

Wow what a beautiful video production Jeff!. May I ask what the "powder" is that you are applying in "21.55" and then hitting it with a heatgun. Is it a "secret" ingredient?

[@jalanpipes]

Kasper Bunk I appreciate you comment, thank you! Not a secret at all, that is powdered carnauba.

[@304MTodd63]

mmmmm...carnuba

[@fathersnuts]

I respect the silence, you’re the only KZbind I know that understands the value of quiet

[@brandonedwards1181]

Only when we know silence do we know ourselves

[@Wortwort-Spooderbat]

Quiet*

[@jalanpipes]

*whispers* Thank you.

[@garbagemanpiper]

Jeff thanks for sharing! One of these days I will get you to make me a 9 mm Pipe🙏🍭🐓👶 Lobe the sand blast!

[@jalanpipes]

Garbage Man Piper I’m happy to share! A 9mm pipe is an option, though a rarity from my studio.

[@clubfoote1960]

Hi, Jeff! I really am impressed you have done so well in making your business grow and the work you do is so awesome, I remember you from The Kansas city pipe show. That's where I saw your work up close. I want to congratulate you on your work, great job!

[@jalanpipes]

Many thanks!

[@jc-ss]

great!!!

[@scottgodlewski306]

This is well on it's way to being my favorite channel. Great production and the pipe making ain't too shabby, either.

[@jalanpipes]

Scott Godlewski thanks so much!

[@danielleslie5651]

@@jalanpipes how much do you charge for a pipe

[@Carnefice]

@@danielleslie5651 $850 and way way up. Check smokingpipes.com and look for J. Alan. Absolutely beautiful pipes

[@jimmypagezzz]

since the construction of my first pipe, I have come to look at your page, because the way you work shows that to do something, just have the willpower. Thanks for the video, I don't like to replicate pieces, but that would be a pleasure to do. Congratulations and a hug from a friend from Brazil!

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks!

[@pixelguru]

What is the expanding tool you use to hold the inside of the bowl while you sand? I've searched for everything I can think of, but I've not found it...

[@pixelguru]

UPDATE: I found out it's a pipe reaming tool. Very handy while working on a stummel.

[@jalanpipes]

That's right!

[@gabrieltt3408]

Where do you buy the acrylic for the pipes ? I make pipes too and i don't now where i can buy it.

[@jalanpipes]

Try VermontFreehand.com

[@willcobble6147]

Great video. Who does the music?

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks. I think this one was a few free KZbin songs.

[@4one6Piper]

That's awesome!! First time I've watched someone sandblast a pipe. Fantastic. You have amazing skills, shows through in your craftsmanship. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jalanpipes]

George Coblin thank you! 🙏

[@timebomb1251]

This was an amazing insight into pipe making. The videography appropriately matched the beauty of both the craftsmanship and aesthetic of the pipe. I own a few factory pipes and only one handmade pipe but this makes me want to only own hardmade pipes moving forward.

[@jalanpipes]

I’m glad you liked it, and I support your move toward handmade pipes. :-)

[@vokinn72]

Hi Jeff. Amazing skills mate very beautiful pipe. What material are you using for the stem? Thanks!

[@jalanpipes]

I almost always use ebonite.

[@TheJstaten1]

Hey there, love your videos! Odd question, but where did you get that green rolling stool at 13:10? Love the design (almost as much as your pipes!). All the best, Joe, Rochester NY

[@jalanpipes]

Amazon! :)

[@pipesofold8066]

Hey Jeff , thanks again for the 2022 pipe seminar on the Lovat. My son said he smoked his and it smoked awesome. Great job on the drilling and mechanics of the fraised pipe. Hope to see you next year for more learning.

[@jalanpipes]

So good to meet you and have a chance to teach you about this craft! Get in some practice this year so we can hit the ground running at Chicago 2023! :)

[@chrisw7347]

Great shape that never gets old, and a beautiful looking pipe.

[@aaronnigro5284]

Do you have a list of machines one needs to buy in order to make high end pipes?

[@jalanpipes]

No. The machines make the work more precise and efficient. But you can make a high end pipe with mostly hand tools.

[@walterzed8907]

What’s the disc sander on an extended shaft called?

[@jalanpipes]

one's a grinding disk from the hardware store. The others are custom made French wheels/Sanding Disks

[@matthewlong5354]

Fantastic work Jeff, thanks for posting. I appreciate how much of your time it takes to upload this kind of content. What kind of drill bit are you using to make the tobacco chamber? I notice your spoon bits are for freehand only, are you customising a standard spade bit? Another 'actions speak louder than words' video would be great...saying that, you're a natural in front of the camera with a great accent for narration so we're all good either way. Keep making those pipes!

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, I would recommend reshaping a spade bit for use to drill this way. I've been using the same ones for almost 20 years.

[@easy-upmoldings1494]

Hey Jeff - great video! Can you tell me what medium to use to sandblast with? Les

[@jalanpipes]

Try the finest grit of glass bead available to you

[@thirteen13march]

Hello Mas Bro, I'm from Indonesia, iam falling in love with your pipe, how can I get that pipe? in my Country so hard to find pipe like yours. sorry my english not good, warm regards.

[@jalanpipes]

I don't have any distribution directly in Indonesia, but my work is available on my website in the link in the description.

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

This video helped me shape my first stem. I was like... I’ve got that file... worked perfectly. Also using the reamer to hold the pipe in place on the vice... really cool. Was worried about cracking the bowl or chamber and I’m sure you have to be careful but it works for you... worked for me. Wish you did more vids. Thanks again man.

[@jalanpipes]

Glad it was both helpful and inspirational. Yes, I wish I had time to edit more videos. I do have some on deck...but we'll see when they hit YT

[@gabrielroper4662]

What kind of reamer is that? Where do I get one?

[@BigQback22]

Awesome video!! These are so helpful. Thanks Jeff!

[@jalanpipes]

Glad you liked it

[@johnharrison6745]

And, here, I thought he was going to make a pipe-bowl out of cue-ball... 😁

[@jalanpipes]

lol. next time maybe. :)

[@fuzzy123238]

Thank you for saving me 23 minutes 😂

[@johnharrison6745]

@@fuzzy123238 And here it is 23 minutes later. 😉

[@thyranusrex2263]

My friend, great video, you have a lot of talent and are very capricious, I'm from Brazil, São Paulo, I smoke a pipe, and I'm a guitar & bass luthier, and I'll confess, after this video, I was tempted to make a pipe, very Thank you for this class, I wish you a lot of success, hugs.

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks! Greetings from California!

[@thejmjexperience]

Great video man! Im sure we all appreciate you sharing, I know I do! Quick question though, about 22mins in, you apply a powder with a toothbrush and melt it in. Is this shellac? Thanks again!

[@jalanpipes]

Powdered carnauba wax. :)

[@steveythefox]

I've been learning to make straight system pipes with the moisture well inside the shank like Peterson's of Dublin. I was wondering to you know, as Peterson has the patient on the since the 1900's would you or I be allowed to use their system or could a company like that take action?

[@jalanpipes]

Many many pipemakers have used variations on the 'system' without action from Peterson.

[@rickymiller76]

No offense to any other pipe maker, but I am beyond convinced that Jeff is the greatest pipe maker in America (& likely far beyond). Easily.

[@jalanpipes]

Very kind of you to say. There are many very talented pipemakers in America and abroad. I'm honored to be among such gifted peers.

[@banku666]

What lathe machine would you suggest for making pipes, wood or metal. And what size? Thank you

[@jalanpipes]

Depends on how you intend to use it. I use metal lathes, but some Pipemakers use wood lathes.

[@snoopybobber]

Is it briar or something else?

[@jalanpipes]

it’s briar

[@JonasTraber]

Very informative video ! Helped me refine the procedure I will use for making pipes of my own. I have a question. The cylindrical hand vise you use at 13:00 that goes into the bowl of the pipe, what is it called ? I'd really like one of those. I'm planning on doing some woodcarving on some and have a way to hold them in a bench vise would be really helpful.

[@jalanpipes]

I believe you're referring to an expanding pipe reamer. You should be able to find them at your local tobacconist or on amazon.

[@AzaIndustries]

Oof wish I had some of those tools. I made my first piper using sandpaper, hand drill and hand saw. It's only a little wonky. lol

[@jalanpipes]

I did much the same 20 years ago when I made my first pipe. :)

[@paridecorsetti7022]

thanks for this. trying to make one myself but without a lathe. it'll take lot more but watching this made me think how to avoid some problems I had. already thrown away two (poor quality) briar blocks.

[@jalanpipes]

paride corsetti I made my first 7 pipes without a lathe, and all my earliest classics without having a lathe large enough to turn shapes. In short, where there’s a will, there’s a way. :-) Keep at it!

[@ianaldridge227]

I notice you've switched back to one-piece stems from using delrin tenons... any reason for this? love your videos btw; once i have a garage i will make it a priority to start carving pipes; this channel is a huge inspiration!

[@jalanpipes]

Ian Aldridge glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. Re: tenons, yes I switched back a number of years ago.

[@ericgrubert7078]

What brand is the disc sander you're using at 7:40? Or did you make the setup yourself? Thanks

[@jalanpipes]

It’s my own J. Alan Design sanding disk. www.jalanpipes.com/shop/2

[@JasonDiggs]

Do you season the inside before giving to a customer? I just made my first one for a friend last night and I have no idea what to do to finish the inside.

[@jalanpipes]

Seasoning is just letting the block rest to acclimate to your environment. Sometimes this can take a while with wet blocks, but most of what you'll find through US-based briar sellers is already dry enough to work. I do coat the bowls with an activated charcoal coating to neutralize the flavor of the briar for the first handful of bowls

[@carlarthur4442]

Lovely pipe very neat , it reminds me of a pipe my Mum bought me when I was 21 , it looked very similar in colour and design to the one you've made , but it had a Meerchum lining and a very dark green stem with a small white rhino 🦏 stamped on the stem , but I have tried to get info on it but can't find anything similar. Of course that was 49 years ago . End product looks great . You make it look easy .

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks!

[@sajadnazm1121]

I offer to you don't use music in all of the video time. This is not interested . we love to lessen real sound and enjoy.

[@jalanpipes]

Noted

[@1cleandude]

The briar work and finishing is incredible but the stem work mesmerizing! Beautiful work sir wow!🙏🙏🙏

[@jalanpipes]

Thank you very much!

[@gabrielgelinas7]

If you don't mind me asking, what was the music you used for this video? Particularly the second song that was loudest in the video. Beautiful pipe; I gotta get one of those!! Or make one, if I can...

[@jalanpipes]

cool. I'm not sure. Probably stock music from my video editor.

[@OldGrayCzechWolf]

Great video. Love the careful handiwork. Have one request though, can you show how to make a pipe with just hand tools, no power tools? Some of us do not have lathez or special grinders.

[@jalanpipes]

glad you liked it. I'm a full-time professional, so I am showing how I make them.

[@vasyapupken]

15:17 - nice earrape man )

[@jalanpipes]

you're welcome

[@XagtaTV]

Are you useing a wood lathe or metal lathe? Amazing video keep up the good work!

[@jalanpipes]

Metal. Glad you enjoyed!

[@sirjames3771]

excellent - much appreciated God bless Jim

[@NormanMartineau]

Wondering somethis video. Is 4 years old. O, you do still some pipes? I would like to have information.

[@jalanpipes]

yup. every day for 20 years now

[@cswann8]

Incredible...I haven't seen a music video this good since the early 90's!

[@jalanpipes]

back when MTV showed music? :)

[@zaebally1598]

Wonderful! Would you tell me please, how much cost pipe like same?

[@jalanpipes]

It depends. You can see my pricing on my website or through my retailers.

[@ironmonkey1512]

Where did you get that arbor? that you sand on

[@TheAlibion]

Hi, may i ask, why you do first red dye and then black? Greetings from Germany 😁

[@jalanpipes]

Many black dyes have a bluish tint to them and the red helps to correct it.

[@YungMar650]

After melting the carnuba wax powder can you leave just like that or do you have to buff it with the wheel

[@jalanpipes]

either way. polishing lightly with a felt or sisel wheel will work

[@nabilghafar9150]

amazing amazing amazing! Thanks for sharing

[@nanangelza9553]

Nice

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks

[@ДмитрийЕрмакоа]

Все такие мастера на токаорке.😂😂😂. На коленке сделайте.

[@ДмитрийЕрмакоа]

Ни чего против станков, покажите как в простом варианте

[@TamerNaggar-eb2ef]

What type of tube was the mouthpiece made of, sir? Is it acrylic or another material?

[@jalanpipes]

vulcanized rubber

[@wachyupras]

Thank you for the great video 🙏😍😁❤️

[@jalanpipes]

you're welcome. :)

[@theSnakeDoctor]

As a woodworker and pipe smoker this is the ticket. What do you use for your bowl bit?

[@jalanpipes]

I handmade them from ebonite rod stock. You can buy stem blanks from vermontfreehand.com

[@shawnwerley1397]

Damn. Id love to do this for side money and my own pipes of course. Excellent work man. Do u make em for other people? I'd love to buy one

[@jalanpipes]

Glad you liked this. I’ve been full time for nearly 20 years. My work can be seen on my website, jalanpipes.com, and my dealers around the world. Check out smokingpipes.com to see some available work.

[@shawnwerley1397]

@@jalanpipes i may just actually buy one at some point. Thats really cool man. I can see why you're full time. Probably make a very good living from them

[@kyewski89]

Hello, can you tell what RPM you are using while lathe working?

[@jalanpipes]

depends on the operation. Turning briar is ~700rpm

[@LarsKiel]

👍👌

[@The-man-with-the-many-pipes]

Hello 😉 Great Work 😍

[@Randorf100]

easy for you to do, me I don't have a woodturner I have to craft with knife and chisel

[@jalanpipes]

I made my first pipes with only a Dremel, files, and sandpaper. You can certainly make the best with what you have. Turning classic shapes like this is the traditional artisanal way to make them.

[@sunset3052]

Just simply awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@jalanpipes]

Thanks for watching!

[@elijahhutchinson3031]

Thanks so much for the helpful videos. I just finished a similar one using this instructional!

[@jalanpipes]

Great!

[@ΚΩΣΤΑΣΒΑΡΒΑΔΟΥΚΑΣ-ν8γ]

great pipe my friend looking so nice.can you say what are you using for paint the pipe or better make a video of this

[@jalanpipes]

I’m glad you like the videos. The color is from an alcohol solvent analine dye. These can be designed for wood or leather, it doesn’t matter.

[@ΚΩΣΤΑΣΒΑΡΒΑΔΟΥΚΑΣ-ν8γ]

@@jalanpipes thank you for reply my friend !!

[@gautamkhanna6199]

Amazing craftsmanship. I never realized how much work went into the stems. Labor of love. Great work

[@jalanpipes]

So much time.

[@croweater6814]

Making me wish I had a lathe. What timber was used to make the mouth piece.

[@jalanpipes]

They can be lots of fun! The mouthpiece is made from extruded vulcanized rubber.

[@pioner1030]

Amazing 👍👍👍

[@Jake-zc3fk]

Jeff, can I ask what media you are blasting your pipes with?

[@jalanpipes]

Sure. Glass bead gets good results. Aluminum oxide cuts extremely well, also, but the briar needs to be cleaned up with glass bead when you’re done.

[@Jake-zc3fk]

@@jalanpipes Thanks Jeff!

[@steveythefox]

What is the powder you are applying?

[@jalanpipes]

Carnauba wax

[@BryanMiller]

You create this really serene video and a blaring add pops up right in the middle of it...ruins the whole experience of watching your artistry and craftsmanship.

[@jalanpipes]

I don't pick the ads. Glad you enjoyed the rest of the video.

[@BryanMiller]

@@jalanpipes But you do chose "where" in the video to play them right? I know you gotta eat but maybe plopped right in the middle of a chill section of the video isn't appropriate.

[@jalanpipes]

@@BryanMiller It's done automatically by YT

[@caskwith]

Always curious when I see this, why do you drill the bowl first and not the shank?

[@jalanpipes]

caskwith I used to do it the other way. The problem is, if a flaw is revealed in the bowl, the shank has already been turned and I’m stuck. This way, if I find a flaw in the bowl, I can make some adjustments to remove it. Then shape the shank. If a flaw is revealed in the shank, I can just make a bamboo. The bowl, in my process is the focus.

[@caskwith]

@@jalanpipes Fair enough, a very sensible reason. Thank you.

[@jalanpipes]

caskwith of course! Actually, it was Jess Chonowitsch who convinced me to change the way I did this.

[@af4od02]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@jalanpipes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cylecervantes4154]

What did you add to the outside of the pipe for that dark finish?

[@jalanpipes]

Analine dye with an alcohol solvent. Most leather dyes are this type.

[@pickingandpiping]

Love your pipes. I recently started carving my own. What red or cherry coating/dye did you use in this video?

[@jalanpipes]

Check out the various shades of red from Fiebings leather dyes.

[@pickingandpiping]

J. Alan Pipes will do, thanks.

[@dalepiper6693]

Just found your channel & subbed

[@jalanpipes]

cool

[@Gigizverka47]

Great vid and thank you for sharing!!!! Could you tell me whats the size of your stamp?

[@jalanpipes]

I’m not sure. Maybe 3/8” diameter?

[@Gigizverka47]

@@jalanpipes thank you!

[@bryanlau2697]

Who made your stamp?

[@dirktucker77]

Very beautiful pipe!

[@chrisstockdale2667]

Awesome

[@catfeline1530]

Your videography skills are great, this cinema level quality and color grading.

[@jalanpipes]

Much appreciated.

[@weldtec1986]

That’s a damn nice looking pipe

[@jalanpipes]

thanks!

[@Currypowpow89]

what is the tool called that you are using to hold the pipe in the vise while you sand it?

[@jalanpipes]

Charles Curry that’s an expandable pipe reamer

[@Currypowpow89]

J. Alan Pipes thank you

[@tonylugardo3160]

How long does it take you to make a pipe like this?

[@jalanpipes]

I work full time and finish 2-3 pipes in a week.

[@MrFuckinGarrincha]

Hi Jeff, I would like to ask you a question of curiosity. To make the conical shape of the tobacco chamber on the lathe, do you move the turret slide? so give the gradation them? Thanks

[@jalanpipes]

Not always. Normally, I use a drill bit that I've shaped to the profile I want. I also have a single bladed bit I use in the turret.

[@petrihonkaniemi8204]

That what you make stem, It's that bakelite?

[@jalanpipes]

No, it is ebonite-or hard vulcanized rubber.

[@georgerogers5954]

Hi Jeff. Only just found your channel so sorry this is a bit late. I think this video is the best twenty odd minutes I've ever spent on youtube. I think you are a fantastic craftsman and I will enjoy discovering all your other vids. A very big thank you to you!

[@jalanpipes]

thanks so much!

[@robertcornelius3514]

Great work on the film speed. I am soo not liking to watch videos done at high speed.

[@jalanpipes]

It's not for everyone. but I'm not going to upload a 20hr video. ;-)

[@robertcornelius3514]

@@jalanpipes , thanks for getting back to me.

[@josephnorthrip4952]

What shaping wheel where you using?

[@jalanpipes]

36gr grinding disk

[@chrispydog7251]

Dam that’s good!

[@ABCXYZ-sz9gh]

Who works in such terrible lighting

[@jalanpipes]

Evidently this fool does. It's actually quite bright when I normally work--I just liked the lighting for the purposes of shooting the video.

[@Currypowpow89]

what kind of finish is safe to use and do you put it in the bowl as well?

[@jalanpipes]

Charles Curry I use a variety of finishes. For sandblasted pipes, I use a thin coating of shellac followed by powdered carnauba wax that is melted to coat the bowl. The inside is painted with a thin layer that helps make it black and neutralize the flavor for the first few bowls. Basically, it’s a mixture of charcoal powder, a texturized, and a binder. You can find lots of recipes online to experiment with.

[@Currypowpow89]

J. Alan Pipes awesome! Thank you so much for explaining this! Would a “Wen 8” X 12” lathe be good to start out on? As far as turning these for a limited experience never turned anything outside of wood shop back in high school guy?

[@Eric19781]

I wish you did more videos like this

[@jalanpipes]

Stay tuned! I have one coming in mid-December

[@harryortega6869]

Hi! I'm starting......Where I can get that material to make the stem? is it acrylic? Thanks! Very nice video.

[@jalanpipes]

There are several US based suppliers for Pipemaking Materials. Google is your friend. ;-)

[@sinaalai899]

Thanks for the video really like the doing instead of talking. Is that a power steam or something in "19:50" which gives it a nice antique look?

[@jalanpipes]

That is a sandblaster to wear away the briar and give the pipe texture.

[@junainoakuma]

Someday, I am going to start collecting American pipes. I will start with yours.

[@jalanpipes]

Thank you!

[@calvinwendland8373]

Can I mount a sanding disk into my lathe, or make one from a faceplate? I don't see why not, but what speed should I use? also I plan on getting a 4 piece removable jaw chuck and rough turning by hand on a tool rest, I have a small three jaw circle chuck now and drill my hole first then chuck it and turn around the hole , I drill on the lathe too, I make billiards now but my stem is turned separately on a mandrel like this shape shown in text [ ] ___. Great video by the way, I'm glad I discovered your channel and will be checking out more stuff. I am a long time turner, mostly pens but just started the pipe making.

[@jalanpipes]

Sorry I missed this. You can, but I wouldn't advise it because the chuck will get in the way as you shape in some areas of the pipe.

[@calvinwendland8373]

@@jalanpipes I've actually started hand turning tenon fit carb pipes between centers with acrylic mouthpieces, and they are coming out beautifully. I'll let the masters handle the more traditional style.

[@FredGreenGB]

When someone makes work look easy its because it isn't. Great craftsmanship

[@firstnamelastname5721]

Which material did you pop inside the hol of the pipe

[@Awegner176]

Awesome video, Jeff! I also do all my pipe (and stem) turning on an Atlas lathe. I've modified a few things to make it friendlier for the pipe maker though. It's a superior option to a new bench top lathe in my opinion. The only knock I have on them is that the flat ways and gibs tend to wear badly and cause slight tapers when turning tennons- no matter how much you level (or twist) the bed ways. I just drill and ream my vulcanite to accept nylon tenons to overcome this.