Part 1 - Briar Pipe Making Start to Finish

The title should be An Amateurs Guide to Briar Pipe Making Start to Finish, but it was too long. Keep in mind I am not a professional, but just do this as a hobby. There is 7 parts to this build series. Instead of trying to cut the process down and make quick videos I shot video of every part of the pipe making process.
I've had a lot of people ask me different questions about different parts of the pipe making process so I decided to do a start to finish video. Keep in mind that I am NOT a professional and am using pretty cheap tools. My only intention is to help those that want to give pipe making a try as a hobby and not how to make a professional pipe.
2021 Note: I have created a new pipe making video series showing how I make one of my Danish style pipes. If you'd like to check it out go to the playlist at:
• SederCraft Pipe Making...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1 Video - • Part 1 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 2 Video - • Part 2 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 3 Video - • Part 3 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 4 Video - • Part 4 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 5 Video - • Part 5 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 6 Video - • Part 6 - Briar Pipe Ma...
Part 7 Final Video - • Part 7 - Briar Pipe Ma...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Materials needed:
• Briar block available from online pipe supply or on eBay. I suggest only using briar.
• Pipe stem (Lucite or Vulcanite). I get mine at www.pipemakers.org/
• 5/16" Delrin rod. Also goes by a few other names. You should find a lot of info online regarding it.
• 2 part epoxy (5 min, 12 min or 60 minute. I use 12 minute epoxy).
Tools used:
• A good quality forstner bit is essential in squaring up your stemel where the stem will meet the pipe. Get a forstner bit that is big enough for your stem area on your briar block.
• Drill Press for drilling airway, mortise & tobacco chamber.
• Tobacco chamber bit in 3/4" or 7/8" available from Pimo Pipe Supply (www.pimopipecraft.com/)
• 11/64" long drill bit for air hole in shank.
• 5/16" drill bit for the mortise and mouth piece. Be sure this is accurate because cheap drill bit can be way off. I suggest a precise bit from Pimo.
• 1/8" drill bit for drilling a hole in the Delrin rod.
• Set of files.
Optional:
• Dremel tool with carbide cutter bits of different shapes. (to me a Dremel is essential for shaping the pipe and rusticating). A good quality Dremel can be had for about $40 to $70 and you can use it for numerous projects.
• Lathe
Tips:
• Take your time. It's taken me several pipes to learn to slow down, especially on shaping the vulcanite stems. A little extra time with a file, then 400 grit sand paper, then 1500 grit sand paper makes a big difference when you finally buff it with Tripoli buffing compound. After tripoli I change buffing wheels and use carnuba on the pipe and stem.
• Use a piece of tape to mark the depth on your air hole and your tobacco chamber.
• If you plan to rusticate your pipe do not light the pipe on fire to cure the dye. Lighting the pipe on fire works great on a smooth pipe but leaves a green film in the rustication on a rusticated pipe. All the green is very hard if not impossible to buff out with Tripoli compound.

[@gj3072]

Just watched the first 2:18 minutes, and I already know that I am going to love this series. Keep em coming please!!

[@funjunk2835]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.

[@GodHammer227]

A very good video for a hopeful pipe maker. Thank you for all the insight.

[@ryannixon8540]

This is a great video, loved that you encourage people to give it a go, even if their equipment might not be the best

[@SnowTiger45]

Great Video. However, when you speak of the bit used for your Mortice, you keep referring to it as a "15/16ths" bit. When in fact it must be a "5/16" inch bit. A 15/16" would be almost an Inch in diameter. I explain this solely so those following your instructions, do get the right bits/tools for the job. Keep up the great work and happy smokin' !

[@BeardlessPipeSmoker]

Thank you so much for posting this bro, this really helps a lot. You know that I am into pipe making myself, and this video is just like having a guide next to you all the time. Peace BPS

[@williamj056]

The Devil Makes Three kicks ass!!

[@Pipefriendphil]

Great Video... Thanks for showing me how it is done. I clean up my pipes and old estates, buff and clean. Learned that from videos just like yours. Maybe I will give a pipe a try one day. Phillip

[@StarsWithScars]

The Devil makes three!!! Love that band oh and nice work! ;)

[@paulgilson2011]

Awesome video. I've been thinking about making pipes myself

[@timsmitchell]

Great video! Thanks for making it!

[@mbnyus]

Nice video, I like the "The Devil Makes Three" song in the background :-)

[@kaput808]

Man this is so cool!

[@glenm5034]

Like the way you use measuring tools to mark out the briar block.

[@TurkeyDart]

Really great video.

[@kraigseder]

Thank you and I'm glad you liked it. If you want an updated video and some of my updated techniques I uploaded a new pipe making series last month. kzbin.info/aero/PLdVI9G9_bD_AkYlW6TFXJxaMC8J2YOfWz

[@kraigseder]

You definitely can make the stem and many do using Vulcanite, Ebonite or Acrylic. I don't have a precision lathe so I buy pre-molded stems and shape them to fit my pipe.

[@TheMaskedGoth]

just found this vid its very cool subscribed!

[@jerseyhovidea]

Nice vids mate!

[@mikeyratpoo]

You should use a marking guage to find your centre of your chamber and for your air hole especially if the edges are slightly rough and the block is not square. Hope this helps.

[@StuartSmithHandForgedKNives]

I like your Hinderer folder.

[@disinformatique]

Very nice Kraig.

[@kraigseder]

Thank you very much.

[@YardPimp]

Like the painters tape idea a lot!!!

[@kraigseder]

I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@jackwoods2358]

Love the Devil Makes Three, didnt think anyone else listened to them

[@jimkoh3025]

hey Kraig, great set of videos man. I ordered a block of briar on ebay. it arrived today and I know the way you make pipes might not work with everyone but it helped me a great deal. is there a way I could send you a photo of said pipe? your way of making sure that the stem and bowl holes line up and center worked for me. I did have a worry moment but it was simply that I hadn't made the stem hole long enough. thank you man.

[@kraigseder]

Thank you.

[@wafflepack]

My Pleasure!

[@alexjhall8206]

Awesome

[@mrgroovestring]

I would like to try to make a few pipes. Could you please do a tutorial on making a spoon bit and sharpening it, after I get it shaped. Thanks

[@goldendreamer2122]

The tenon hole15/16?? That looks more like 5/16..

[@John-to2ki]

Nice Hinderer...

[@kraigseder]

You are completely right Sir. It is 5/16ths. I thought I made an annotation in the video with that correction. I'll be sure to add that and thank you for pointing that out. Take care.

[@ianman6]

Wonderful! Can you recommend any books or resources (other than your great videos) on pipe making? Thanks!

[@mapleleafpiper2484]

Really appreciate these videos very informative thank's for taking the time to do this by the way have you heard of the book Pimo's Guide To Pipe Crafting At Home was wondering if it was any good iv also subbed your channel thanks again for this great video

[@weedsnager]

Where did you buy the Delrin rod? You said it goes by other names also?

[@howtoart7190]

Let's work together with our respective fields of art. Hopefully useful ...

[@joepoulson9398]

I like the XM-18

[@newnew2005love]

Hi, would you tell me the name of the bit that you drill the big hole for top of pipe? THX!

[@TitouanDebray]

That folding knife at the beggining looked awesome! Benchmade?

[@100wyatt]

Hey I noticed you answer some comments, I like making pipes to and I was wondering if you would post the website where you purchase the delrin rods?

[@Pinknee77]

Ps. This series was awesome

[@arifzr7605]

Thanks for learn us how to making... Btw, where buy for drilling tobacco place???

[@akasmr5385]

Awesome video, thanks man. I thought I heard seth Rogen when the video started haha.

[@kraigseder]

Glad you liked the video. I've heard the Seth Rogen thing more than once,.. ha ha.

[@annafraley5388]

Very interesting piece for back in 2013, BTW, we just watched the video of your shop now from 4 months ago. Question, was that Robert Johnson playing in the background at around 14:30 while on the drill press.? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤔

[@kraigseder]

You can get it several places but I got mine on Amazon. The title was "Acetal Round Rod, Meets ASTM D6778 Specifications, Black, 5/16" Diameter, 36" Length". Acetal Rod and Delrin Rod are the same thing.

[@garyg.4451]

I have a ton of scrap ipe that I got for nearly free. very hard and, I believe it's the most fire resistant of all wood. have you ever worked with it and if so, any advice?

[@kraigseder]

Oh yea, I almost always have that knife with me in the shop or working around the property. That's my beater knife.

[@brocksdaddy081910]

Hey where did you get the bag of stems? Great video btw

[@04Stefan07]

Great videos, I watched the whole lot. I am getting into pipe making myself and this has helped a lot! I have most tools but still have a few I need to buy.

[@lucadionisi6910]

🔝

[@Hearshotkd33]

Is that Devil Makes Three in the background? If so, props. If not, then who? Cause I'm diggin' it;]

[@kraigseder]

Yep, Devil Makes Three is one of my favorites.

[@weedsnager]

What exact stem did you use for this pipe? They have various sizes on their website. Thanks

[@TheBriarSquire]

Really enjoyed the video. I noticed in your other videos you note having pipes for sale on EBay but I have not been able to locate your store or listings. Let me know the link to your eBay store. Keep up the great work!

[@Pinknee77]

Where did you say you got all of your supplies from? Thanks!

[@whteagle2003]

Brother... can I buy you a pencil? Great video, by the way. I always just pictured you sitting there, sipping scotch, carving away with one of your fancy pocket knives, while that awesome dog of yours just snores the evening away!

[@wafflepack]

How about using a 5/32, like Northwest Pipe Smoker did? He opened up the hole and passage for an easier draw.

[@randalljames1]

I have around a dozen blanks of 50 year old dark briar burl cuts (no cracks etc) bad place to start?

[@Zwerx1]

Were do find / buy your Briar wood? I have been looking all over for some.

[@whitefordpipeshandmadebymi7238]

Hello I like your videos are you still making pipes ? It's April 15 2017 now just wondering if you are still at it ?

[@Maggot00679]

Where can one purchase one of these fine works of craftsmanship?

[@artillerysmith1]

Went downstairs and checked. Its a combination square. Be sure to get a steel one. Aluminum ones will bend.

[@davidsorrells736]

Did you make the bit you use to make the tabacco chamber? If not where did you get them from?

[@kraigseder]

David Sorrells You can get these bits at vermontfreehand.com on the tooling page.

[@OmarHernandez-Diaz]

were did you say you got that deal on the pipe stems?

[@TheRoxboroLegacy]

can you please send me a link of the lathe you use? Thank you!

[@Quinnrstudios]

Nice tunes... Devil Makes Three

[@tobaccopipes9832]

Hi Kraigseder!!! Excelent pipes!! I want to do a questions...Can I use cherry wood to make a pipe? I know that there is much.

[@kraigseder]

Tobacco & Pipes Thank you! Yes you can use cherry wood for pipe making though I've never used it. I'm not sure how durable it is to heat but give it a shot. I remember reading to make the walls a little thicker when using cherry wood. If you make one definitely coat the inside of the bowl with honey that has been thinned with water just a bit. Coat the inside of the bowl using a Q-Tip and let it sit for 20 minutes before your first smoke. This will help start a carbon layer to help protect the softer wood. Have fun.

[@kraigseder]

Tobacco & Pipes Read this forum thread on using Cherry Wood. www.pipemakersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=39

[@tobaccopipes9832]

kraigseder Thank you very much!! The forum is very complete and interesting. There is woods very nice, for example the "the wood morta" and Boxwood. The coment to use honey is very useful, I use it to make "the culote" in the bowl. Thank you!! Excelent advice!

[@abbin2]

Can i make a pipe in "2 pieces" and then glue them together?

[@ddekiw]

is that Devil Makes Three in the background?

[@kraigseder]

Definitely

[@kraigseder]

Yes, I was trying to unclog the bit so it didn't generate so much heat.

[@delphinevalkyria9000]

Hi good vidéo. I have a question what is the name of the tool of the drill to make the hole chamber of the pipe ?

[@kraigseder]

It's called a chamber bit and is made specially for tobacco pipes. You can find them at vermontfreehand.com or rawkrafted.com.

[@artillerysmith1]

Oliveira, you can order them from drafting supply companies, or take it to home depot or lowes. They can order you one, because I know for a fact that they carry them. I can't remember the exact name of the tool, so be prepared to show them a picture.

[@brendagraham2370]

If you are still around, what is the name of the paddle bit used to drill the bowl?

[@kraigseder]

Hi Brenda. I'm still around and I actually made an updated pipe making series a few months, although I do use a metal lathe in the new videos. The new videos do show some updated steps even if drilling the holes with a drill press. I have two links for you. One is for the economy bits I used to use and the other is for heavier duty bowl bits I now use. Economy chamber bits - vermontfreehand.com/product/chamber-spade-bits/ Good quality carbide chamber bits - rawkrafted.com/carbide-chamber-drill-bits/

[@oliveirarogerioo]

Where can I find a set square like yours?

[@guitarplayer4life17]

It's called a vice...

[@austinnorris2742]

Since briar is a root wood, those “corroded” areas you see are sand pits. That’s broke out during the cutting process.

[@MrNormallan]

hey great vids, where on ebay did you find 9 blocks of briar for even close to 40$ ? do you have the username of the ebay seller? thanks.

[@123noelle123]

I'd like to know too. I paid almost $27 for one!

[@JonathanDitren]

Which wood should I use ?

[@weedsnager]

What is the benefit of the delrin Rod? Couldn't I use a stem that already has a tenon on it instead ?

[@kraigseder]

weedsnager The delrin rod is stronger than the vulcanite or acrylic and is self lubricating. Nothing wrong with just machining the tenon from the stem material but I prefer delrin rod.

[@JamiasSs]

have you ever used them for smoking or they're just for decoration? would'nt the wood burned of if you smoke with it ? (silly question i know)...! great work by the way i am gonna make one for sure!!!!! :)

[@kraigseder]

The wood used is briar burl which is extremely heat resistant. Most tobacco pipes are made of briar though I know a few other woods are used. Briar is by far the most common. Also once the pipe has been smoked a bit it builds a carbon layer which adds a little more insulation from the heat. I have 20+ pipes I've made that I smoke and I've sold three times that amount. Good luck on making your own. It's a fun hobby. Thanks for watching!

[@JamiasSs]

kraigseder :) thank you !!! great videos!!

[@llikwodash]

can you use any wood for the pipe? and could you use a bowl router bit to drill the chamber?

[@kraigseder]

There are some different hard woods that can be used such as briar, olive, cherry and a few others. Briar is by far the best because it is so heat resistant. You want to make sure you don't use any resinous woods like pine, cedar and others since they can be harmful if not poisonous to use as pipe material. I'm not familiar with a bowl router bit but if it makes the right shape I'd say yes. There are so many different ways to make it and no one way is right. Professional pipe makers don't make pipes the way I do but it's what I have and it works for me. Good luck bud and have fun making a pipe.

[@aubep1323]

[@darinvaughan2268]

Thomson Cigar Co or C. I. International may still sell's pipe blank's.

[@kraigseder]

Thank you. Generally I do wear safety glass, got distracted making the video. Not good,.. I need those things to see with. Take care. - Kraig

[@jessiereyes4735]

were you touching the bit at 13:03 ?

[@jamesrakestraw7125]

hello.. I am think to make a Peace Pipes. Want do i need to make a pipes? Can you send me a list do need to make one...

[@miles2378]

6:11 I watch wood working videos to watch saw dust fly why no cuting.

[@kraigseder]

Honestly I would like to get a 5/32 bit. When I got started in this hobby I bought the bit from Pimo Craft. The draw seems to be very good with the 1/8 bit but I will definitely try the 5/32. Thanks for the tip!

[@carlclausen7448]

what kind of bit do you use for rusticating a pipe

[@kraigseder]

Sorry for the slow response. For rustication I use a Dremel small round carbide bit.

[@83project]

👍🇮🇩

[@inverted311]

Zero Tolerance blade there in the beginning?

[@Intruder450]

What size is your air hole (Bit) to the tobacco chamber?

[@kraigseder]

I use a 11/64" bit that is 5 3/4" long.

[@BaliBooking]

where can i buy the drill eye to make hole's chamber ? what is the name of it [ technical name of drill's eye ]. any one can help me ...

[@kraigseder]

You can get the tools at vermontfreehand.com/tooling/ . Good luck!

[@kraigseder]

No. It wouldn't hold up and would burn where briar wood is very heat resistant. Also the glue in the plywood could be very harmful. Certain woods also let off irritating if not slightly poisonous vapors when hot. Briar is very safe and I also know certain fruit hardwoods can be used but I honestly don't know too much about that.

[@karlin4086]

What bit do you use?

[@kraigseder]

For the tobacco chamber it's a 3/4" bit, 11/64" for the air hole and 5/16" for the the shank where the stem tenon fits into. The tobacco chamber bit is a special one I got at Pipe Makers Supply.

[@1okimow]

Where did you buy you're spoon bit?

[@kraigseder]

Vermontfreehand.com has a great selection of supplies including the spoon bits.

[@1okimow]

Does the spoon bit have an edge? Or is it grinded straight on the cutting edge?

[@kraigseder]

I just put the link where I get my stems in the notes for you under Materials Needed. It's from pipe makers dot org. Sorry I can't type the full URL in comments.

[@raymondo162]

Safer to use a piece of scrap wood??

[@tteezzrreell]

hey man can i use cedar plywood? like the smooth caramel color one?

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

I swear it’s Seth Rogan speaking without his laugh :)

[@daxpace]

Peter Piper truuuu

[@HavanaWoody]

Order yourself some new bearings and make that drill press great again.

[@Spungetake]

Hinderer xm18 :-)

[@RealPeterWentz]

Kraig, you helped and inspired me to get into the fun hobby of pipe making so thanks for making these videos. Here's my first video of a poker sitter I just finished - New Handmade Poker Sitter for a friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmileKGYlqmfiZI

[@kraigseder]

Very cool Peter! It is a lot of fun. I'm glad my videos were some help. I'll definitely go and check out your video.