How to Make a Stone Pipe

Setting a pinch of something herbal on fire and inhaling the smoke is a human tradition dating back at least several-thousand years.

Stone pipes can be made out of several 'soft' stones, but soapstone and pipestone (Catlinite) are two of the most popular. I have the most experience with soapstone, as I can get it reasonably cheaply; true pipestone is a much more expensive material.

Before creating your own smoke-able masterpiece, a few words of warning should be heeded. The soapstone used should be from an asbestos-free area; keep in mind that breathing in dust or small particles is bad for your lungs. While shaping the soapstone, dust will be created, so take care not to inhale the stone dust. Also, be aware that drill bits and other sharp implements can damage human skin if used incorrectly, so take care to keep the cutting edges pointed away from yourself at all times.

The size of the pipe has to be smaller than the size of the stone block. Since soapstone is commonly found in odd shapes, study

the block closely to determine the best fit. Also, check for any cracks or veins that may cause a failure in the pipe. It may be helpful to use a marker to draw the general shape you have in mind on the block.

Soapstone works very easily; with a coping saw or hacksaw and a small rasp (along with a little patience) you can roughly hew the general shape of the pipe. Care must be taken not to remove too much material, as this is a subtractive process - you create by removing, and cannot add material back.

Once the basic shape is roughed out, drill the holes for the draw and the bowl. This is the most dangerous

and least forgiving part of the process. Drilling the holes early in the process saves on the amount of time invested, should a catastrophic failure occur.

When working with soapstone, drill very slowly and clear the passage often. Carefully drill an eighth-inch to a quarter-inch hole from the tip of the mouthpiece, up the stem and all the way to where the bowl will be. Take care in making sure that the hole is straight or it may come out of the side in an unwanted location, or might run close enough to an edge to create a weak point. Extra care must be taken with long, thin pipe stems, which are not only more difficult to carve but are also more prone to breakage.

Drill a quarter-inch pilot hole in the center of the bowl (hopefully finding the end of the hold along the stem) and then widen the hole with a half-inch or so drill bit. If all goes well, the two holes should meet.

At this point, you should have a rough and primitive (but potentially functional) pipe. Use a small rasp and/or rotary drill to smooth out the side and also to carve any decorations into the pipe.

Finally, sand your pipe smooth with a fine-grit sandpaper and finish with a wet-polishing sandpaper. Rinse well, then polish with wax if desired. Fill your creation with Cannabis - and enjoy!

Peace, love and puka shells,
Grubbycup