cheryl

We've been online friends for awhile, so several months ago our own Max
sent me a pipe he made. Normally, I'm not extremely fond of a potential
pipemaker's initial efforts (which this was). But I gotta tell you - if
he decides to keep making them - he'll be one to watch.

He'd apologized for not quite finishing the sanding of the interior bowl.
In my very humble opinion (I know, it's only me), a slightly rough
interior makes for quick initial cake forming. It was true in the
instance. (someday I'll start a thread about collector's insistence that
the interior be as smooth as a baby's bottom - but that's for another
time, I may be offline for a few weeks) I decided to try almost a full
bowl for the initial smoke - and it began caking immediately....

Anyway, only the first bowl or two had a "briar" taste. After that, this
pipe has smoked wonderfully. He has some finishing techniques, etc. to
improve, but for a first few pipes - he shows some *real* promise. Since
I haven't seen him talk about this new hobby here (but I've missed a
lot), and I know it isn't a secret, I thought I'd post a "heads up".

If he sticks with it, you might be hearing his name a lot more....

Thanks Max.

Cheryl