THE BILLIARD
the Comoy 127 perhaps the quintessential billiard shape |
a Dunhill, considered by many to be the ultimate billiard |
2. The billiard's bowl has a slight (2-3%) tilt forward
3. The height of the billiards bowl from the top of the shank is equal to the length of the shank
4. The length of the stem is equal to the length of the stummel and shank, or in simpler terms the stem equals half the length of the total pipe.
5. The Billiard does not have straight walls but a very gradual belly to it. This belly is largest just below half way, creating the most wood where it will be most needed when smoking. This belly then gradually returns and rounds under to meet the shank.
The truth about the billiard is simple, you either did it correctly, or you did not. It may be finished poorly, with an ugly stem on it, and have zero aesthetic appeal, yet it will still be a proper billiard. On the other hand it can be gorgeously finished with some wonderful flair and originality and yet not be a proper billiard. There is very little wiggle room here. Which is why it is such an amazing study as a craftsman. It will be done properly, or not and will be judged so. This is a daunting challenge. With many of my favorite pipes you can apply objective rules to them, yet they are very open to interpretation. Not the billiard, so as a craftsman I want to challenge myself to make exactly what I set out to make.
Tom Eltang makes very elegant classics |
I hope you share your own thoughts along the way. And please, feel free to take part in the study by purchasing one of these works of my hands.
rev