Make a Primitive Bush Pipe

I don't remember exactly what inspired me to construct a bush pipe; It may have been a video by Mitch from Native Survival video; but, I became fascinated with some of the medicinal herbs that are out there and how smoking is a faster way to medicate, in which dosage can be controlled effectively via biofeedback.  I will write about some of the herbs I use in a later post.  Today I will be going over the learning process as well as the construction of my first bush pipe so maybe you can make one, too.

Materials List:
1. non-toxic wood for bowl and stem
2. pine pitch
3. black coal from fire (powdered)

Tools List:
1. knife for chopping and carving
2. hand saw
3. clothes hanger
3. fire

The Hunt For Materials 

Winged Sumac

The only criteria I had for the type of wood to use was that it was safe for use as a pipe.  We want no poisons, toxins, or noxious properties in our pipes.  The key to this is finding a local expert to help you identify what you have around you.  I utilize the Green Deane Forum to post questions about identification and properties of plants in my area.  To be able to identify plants in your "home range" you have to adopt a diligent attitude and constantly try to notice new things about your surroundings.  Never take an old plant for granted and at the same time always look for new plants.

From the forum I learned that maple is a good, safe wood for a pipe.  I learned from a friend that he uses sumac to make pipes.  When I discovered while scouting for boar sign that I had what I thought was winged sumac in abundance, I posted a pic to the forum and got a quick reply...it was winged sumac.  I decided to use maple for the bowl and winged sumac for the stem.  Don't think you have to use the same wood that I did.  Apple and sycamore are great also.  Basswood makes great stems.  Common reed grass is great for a stem as well.  As always, do your own research for safety sake.  I don't consider myself an expert.

Maple Bowl

Gathering and Construction

I cut both with my Tom Brown Jr. Scout knife.  I used a hardwood "staff'" to strike the knife into the wood.  If there is a name for this technique I'm not sure.  This is much easier than chopping.  I sawed the bowl to size with a hand saw back at home and carved out the bowl with smaller sharper pocket knife.  The key is to go slow.  Only carve as fast as you can decide what the finished shape will be.  Continuously reevaluate if what you are doing will lead you to your desired end result.  "Let the wood tell you what it wants to be."  That's what they say.

I cut the winged sumac branch to size.  I chose a trunk with a slight bend in it to make an interesting stem.  I made sure that the length would place the bowl at the desired distance away from my face.  I ended up having to cut it shorter because the bend was a little too much and I couldn't burn the wire all the way through.  I used a coat hanger heated over fire to burn out the pith of the stem.  I had to do a lot of twisting with force to get it all the way through.  It was necessary to send it through multiple times to get all of the loose material out.  Constantly heating and pushing it through.

To glue it together I used pine pitch.  On multiple excursions I collected hardened pine sap that had dried

solid on scars on the trees.  I didn't need much; only about a teaspoon.  After melting near a fire I added an equal part of powdered coal from the fire and mixed it until consistent.  While it was still soft I added it around the lip of the pipe stem and pressed the stem into the bowl.  The pitch dried almost instantly and is very sturdy.  It only gets a little softer when taking long drags on the pipe which produces the maximum amount of heat.  But it is also unpleasant to the hand holding the pipe, so I don't do it that often anyway.  I love the fact that this sturdy of a glue can be found where most people least expect it.


The Result and Lessons Learned

Pine Sap

This was really an easy build.  The most involved part was discovering the right wood to use.  But something I've found with learning about different elements of nature is that one thing leads to everything else.  In searching for wood for the pipe, I inadvertently discovered at least 5 other types of trees nearby.  I also learned how to effectively make pitch which will undoubtedly be very useful in many other projects.  I now have a fine bush pipe with its own unique style that is functional in utilizing medicinal herbs and is also a great conversation piece.  I'm now a little more connected to my "home range" which is connected to the entire world.  You should try this.  If you have questions I'm here to help.