Big pipe users (1"+) --your favotires and why

[David Patchen]

Ok, I searched the archives for 'favorite pipe', 'favorite tools', 'blowpipes' and surprisingly didn't find a thread addressing this topic.

I've been planning on buying a couple more large pipes and punties at GAS this year (so I can handle them all first), but I just found out that I won't be able to make it to the show. So...I'd like to hear what other large pipes users like best and why.

When I say large pipe I'm referring to a shaft of 1" or more that usually has a head of 1.5" or more. Those who use these--what do you use, like and why? Feel free to vote in the poll or just comment. thanks!

[Glenn Randle]

I've bought all of my 1" pipes from a guy in FL, his company name is TJS. I'll have to search around through my files to find his number. The first one I bought was only $120 including shipping. It was the thinnest walled 1" he offered, I think the head is 1.25". It never gave me any problems, but he said he'd stopped making them that thin because some folks had had trouble with them. The last one I got was $150-165, can't remember. I don't abuse my pipes and they last me forever, almost.

I like to use the lightest pipe which will support my work and stay true. I really like 1" pipes and use them for all but my smallest pieces. It's so much easier to grip a 1" than a 3/4" for me. Actually, I'd rather use a 7/8" but that's not a commonly available size.

I choose a small head because I feel that it's more versitile, and don't see the need for the extra weight. I guess it comes down to what type of work you make.

I'm not a pipe snob. If it's straight I'm happy using it. I don't see a good reason to spend twice the price for a "name" when the steel all comes from the same mill. Hand tools are different. So is beer. ;)

[Rollin Karg]

I do use other sizes and brands of pipe but the 1" Steinert is the one I use the most. When I started he was the guy and we have just stuck with him. We get 12" of knurling in the middle and that helps a lot. They are very comfortable to my hands.

[Terry Craig]

oh well i have a rather large collection of pipes, i almost have one from everyone. as for BIG pipes i have some from a local co. called Buick pipes and punties that i have had since school and have made some real monster work on it and some big heavy solid stuff (30 lbs of the rod) on the matching punty and love this pipe set... sadly the guy sold the company to another guy and the quality seems to have dropped off. i have a mega pipe from cr. and i can't say enough good things about it, its massive with a 1 1/2" barrel and 2 1/2" head its a killer! i don't know about jeff's big pipes because i have never had the pleasure to try one but if they are anything like the rest of his tools and pipe i'll bet they kick ass.
terry

[Brent Hickenbotham]

I recently had Jeff Lindsay make me a set of pipes that are 1-1/2 " shaft and the head on the blow pipe is 2". I have a line of ideas that are going to take me down a road of big pieces for a little while. I have had the chance to use them a few times and love the way they work. i thought that the 1-1/2" shaft would be hard to turn and its suprisingly not. And I've had a few pieces that would start to rival some of Rollins bigger solid work. nothin has made it to the annealer though. the pipes are heavy but a pipe that big is not going to be light. David, How is pubic glass anyway, i mean public (sorry). love the piece that you sent steve.

[Randy Kaltenbach]

Originally posted by Terry Craig
Buick pipes and punties <<sigh>> Gee, I miss those Buicks... Probably the thing I liked most about them was the way that moile glass scaled off so cleanly and quickly as they cooled. <<sigh>>

[Marcel Braun]

I have a 1.5 shaft, 2" head by CR machine (pipe and punty) that I LOVE. It weighs half of what others do and the knurled brass handles never slip. Great balance (IMHO). The pipe has a brass mouthpiece shaped just like a standard 3/4 mouthpiece so your blowhose will fit right on if you need it to.

They are expensive but they have features that most pipes do not, from the steel to the two piece head design and brass handles they are in their own category. Frederick can tell you all about it...

Best of all, they look pretty.


BTW, I bought my first CR pipe at GAS Seattle after doing just what you suggested...lol

[Doug Sheridan]

CR sent samples of all their pipes and punties in past years of the glass festival. They really win for style points. They are worth every penny if you are the type that only wants to handle very fine tools. The tiny ones were so finely balanced and delecate, the massive ones felt so very nice to the touch much like handling a fine musical instrument. It is painful to return them after the shows. sigh.

[Scott Novota]

Anyone know how to contact CR? The website is offline, has been for about 2 weeks or so.


Scott.
.

[Brent Hickenbotham]

We used to just call them because their site was always down when we tried.
603-889-9871

[David Patchen]

Hey Brent,

You got some monster pipes! I'd love to see what you plan on making on them. Any more than 5 gathers and it's more workout than I really enjoy.

Public Glass is hanging in there as well as your average challenged art nonprofit run mostly by volunteers can be expected. The glass is usually pretty nice though. Still don't have the second Stadelmelter turned on yet, but not sure we need it as our consumption isn't all that crazy high on the first one. I feel like I should get my name on the list for a 300lb-er since the wait's got to be a year.

Cool you like the piece for Steve. I dig making them. I've begun making them out of 100% complex murrine and they're not too shabby :)

[Brent Hickenbotham]

i'll give you pics as soon as they make it out of the annealer. Are you increasing in size that much? and when is public glass going to have us finish that other furnace? it would make it easier on the person that batches and give you the ability to get super clear perfect glass, not trying to batch so much in a short time.