Handcrafted Pipe Tampers |
“If a man works with his hands, he’s a laborer. If a man works with his hands & his head, he’s a craftsman. But, if a man works with hands, his head, and his heart, he’s an artist.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
A pipe tamper must be a functional work of art. It should display grace and elegance for without it, it is reduced to a simple tool (a roofing nail can function as a tamper too). All the pipe tampers you see that I craft are true pieces of handmade art. Presently, in my opinion there are about 3 pipe tamper makers in the world who truly elevate the pipe tamper to an art form. Am I one of them? I don't know, I don't dwell on this thought; what I do enjoy is the notion of making a pipe tamper that challenges me from a perspective of design intent and child-like imagination. So what do you ask makes my pipe tampers so special?
- Every component of my pipe tampers is made "in-house". I do not use anything pre-fabricated, assembled in a kit, or machined in another company. I make everything myself. I cut and chase the threads, machine the inserts, do all the polishing, carving, engraving, metalworking, profiling, etc etc.
- My pipe tampers have on average 40 separate design steps, no two are ever alike. Design/fabricating time takes from 1 hour to several days depending on the complexity and type of tamper model.
- I do not cut corners or take design short cuts, if a tamper is not up to my expectations (I am my own worse critic) then it will not make it into a client's hand.
- All my pipe tampers are guaranteed for life when used for what they were designed for.
- I am constantly experimenting with different materials. I try to add variety to my designs; I shy away from repetition since I believe it is boring and lacks challenge not to mention imagination.
- The raw material I use is the best of its kind, it is exhibition grade. Because of this, I pay a premium for it. I wouldn't have it any other way because the end result is breathtaking and practically impossible for my competition to duplicate. For my fellow pipe tamper makers who have duplicated my designs I say: Thank you, I'm flattered.
- Should you have a custom pipe tamper design in mind, by all means communicate it to me. Chances are that I can make it a reality and you will be very pleasantly surprised. Unlike my competition, I readily accept custom orders, challenge me.
- Bottom line...I am the Workforce. I insist on actual quality versus perceived quality. The success I realize is due, in part, to the commitment I make to ensure that no compromise exists in the design, materials, construction, or finish of my pipe tampers.
I firmly believe that my high standards have been a bit easier to achieve because I do work alone. I have no apprentice and employ no outside help, either in my workroom, or in the form of subcontractors. From beginning to end, I do it all. And that includes answering the telephone. If you want to know more about my pipe tampers and how they are made ... if you have a question about design or construction, anything at all, call or email me. I will be the one answering your call, and I would be very pleased to tell you more.
Thank you.
Tom
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