Finally back from a brief trip to the north shore of Lake Superior and I feel rejuvenated. After an evening of sanding you can see the first layer of stain is mostly removed. It sinks deeper into the softer part of the grain so by sanding the surface you are able to leave the stain only on that area, showing more of a contrast with the second, different color, which will go on tomorrow (thus the term “contrast staining”).

Now things become exciting for me as I should be able to finish these tomorrow. Once they’re buffed and the stems heated and bent, all that is left is the final finishing. I’m very pleased with the grain these four display. They’re going to make someone in the club a great pipe.