How to Carve Your Own Meerschaum Pipe
Meerschaum is a soft, white mineral often used in making pipes. Meerschaum doesn't conduct heat, making it ideal for pipe designs. Since meerschaum is so easy to carve, it is the perfect material for beginners who wish to make their own pipe. Meerschaum is both pleasing to look at and functional, which makes it one of the top choices for pipe carvers throughout the world. Whether you purchase a meerschaum carving kit or start with a block of raw meerschaum, carving your own pipe can be rewarding and relaxing.
Instructions
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Soak the meerschaum block in water for about 1 hour before you begin carving. This will soften the block, allowing you to use a carving knife to shape your pipe. Inexperienced carvers may want to draw a design on the meerschaum block to aid in the carving process. If you do this, use a pen that will not fade away during the soaking process. The size of the block you start with depends upon the size of the pipe you want to make. A variety of sizes are available to choose from.
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Carve your meerschaum block with a small, easy-to-manipulate carving knife. Ensure that the blade is extremely sharp. Cut away slivers of the mineral along the lines of your design until the general shape of your carving begins to unfold. The process is time-consuming, even with a sharp knife and well-soaked meerschaum. Continue to carve away at the lines of your design, deepening each cut until the pipe takes shape.
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Work the bowl into your pipe once you have carved the outer surface. Begin by digging a small hole in the top of your pipe and use the knife to widen it gradually. When you have carved the bowl as deep as you want it, smooth the outer surface of the design and the edges and inside of the bowl with sandpaper.
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Cut a small hole in the backside of your pipe design and widen it with a small drill bit. The hole should break through the back inner wall of the bowl. A small hole will do, but the wider you make it, the more smoke you will get.
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Widen the hole on the outside of the pipe bowl. Do this gradually. The aim is to make it wide enough to fit the end of the pipe stem into snugly. Once you have fitted the stem, your pipe will be ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Beginners should start with a simple design until they get the hang of carving intricate patterns.
Take your time. If you have to carve over several days, keep the meerschaum in a cool, dry place. You may need to soak it before each carving session.
Do not glue the stem. You want to be able to remove it to clean it properly.
