Welcome to Precision’s Workbench
19th October, 2007 by gmdibos in General
Hello, and welcome! Since the most logical subject for a blog’s first entry is an explanation of what it will be used for, here’s a good analogy: A few years ago there was a morning TV show with a recurring segment called, “Everyone Has a Story.” The gimmick was to throw a dart at a map of the United States, and then interview someone chosen at random from the town nearest to where the dart landed. A reporter would travel to the town and simply call from the phonebook until a willing participant was found.
“Don’t worry that you don’t think you have a story,” the reporter would have to assure him, “You do.”
Indeed they did. Always. Some brilliant television was the result.
Most pipe smokers and collectors, I’ve discovered, don’t think there’s much to briar repair and restoration, when they think about it at all. One reason is it tends to happen out of sight, I suppose, and another is because “repair work” in general brings to mind getting one’s automobile, plumbing, or teeth fixed. Unavoidable annoyances. Consider, though, watching a team of expert mechanics and fabricators bring an old Bentley back to life, step by step, from a neglected relic to a Best in Show winner. TV shows have been made with that as the subject as well, and they’ve been hits. The old car absolutely “had a story.”
It’s all in understanding what is going on. The background. The engineering. The history. The personalities. The materials. The choices. The techniques.
To the *informed* observer, all manner of mundane undertakings and processes are fascinating.
And there you have it—the inspiration for this blog. There are a few pipe carver/artisans who document and explain what they do on their websites, but so far as I know Precision Smoking Pipe R&R will be the first to do so for repair and restoration work. In my experience, people who are passionate about pipes and tobacco are keenly interested in all facets of the hobby. Several scholarly books on the subject have remained in print for generations, and the number of websites and forums devoted to the hobby is large. In every case, the desire for information is the bottom line. Passion generates curiosity, and knowledge fuels passion.
So, check in occasionally to see what’s been going on behind Precision’s curtain. I promise lots of photos, step-by-step explanations when applicable, and sufficient information to make what you see meaningful. Your own pipe may even one day have its 20 minutes of fame.
All the best, and Great Smoking,
George 10-20-07