How to Carve a Wooden Pipe
Carving wooden pipes is a traditional handcraft. Wooden pipes were carved by the hearth during the evening. Pride and care went into carving a wooden pipe. The bowl was often carved intricately with a design or character such as an animal. Although hand carved wooden pipes are not as common as they once were, you can carve a wooden pipe with simple tools and some creative inspiration. You can use it as a display piece for a mantel or an element in a larger carving design.
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Things You'll Need
- 1-by-2-by-4-inch maple block
- Pencil
- Steel ruler
- Drill press
- Band saw
- Carving knife
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Wood finish of your choice
Instructions
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1
Mark the center on one end of the maple block. Draw a pencil line from corner to corner using a steel ruler starting from each corner. The point where the lines intersect is the center.
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2
Drill a 3 1/2-inch deep hole in at the center mark using a drill press and 1/8-inch drill bit. This is the hole for pipe stem.
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3
Measure in one-half inch from the end opposite the stem hole on the maple block. Drill a 1 7/8-inch deep hole at this mark using a drill press and 3/4-inch drill bit. This is the hole for the bowl.
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4
Draw the outline of the pipe on the side and top of the maple block using a pencil.
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5
Cut out the outline of the top view of the pipe using a band saw. Cut out the side view of the pipe.
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6
Refine the shape of the pipe by carving it with a carving knife. Make small cuts to remove chips of the wood at a time. Round the stem and bowl gradually using this method until you are satisfied with the pipe's shape.
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7
Sand the pipe using fine grit sandpaper. Apply a wood finish of your choice. Allow the finish to dry before handling.
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Tips & Warnings
Carve a design into the bowl of the pipe for added visual interest.
Be sure to use a food safe finish for the stem if the pipe is to be used for smoking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pipe image by Anthony CALVO from Fotolia.com
