OK (1) Hard wood! NOT pine! (2) Drill the hole in the stem first. This is where you will mess up, if you are going to. The bowl is easier. A jig or clamp to hold the pipe straight will help! (3) Take your time! This is something you will have for a long time (hopefully), so do a good job! Take pride in your work! That extra hour or two is always worth it! - Granny (who has made many of her pipes):hippy: