Ryan Quagliata

Ryan Quagliata

(from ryan's site)

My first memories of a pipe are of my great grandfather sitting in his over
stuffed armchair reading the paper and
smoking one of his many pipes, as I played at his feet. I think most pipe
smokers have a similar memory or strong male influence that sparked the
interest for them.

I Started smoking a pipes about 8 years ago. The enjoyment I got from smoking
a pipe in the beginning led me to want to learn to make a pipe of my own. I
thought it would be a challenge to make a pipe with my background in
cabinetry, machining, and jewelry making. So, I went to my local tobacco shop
and bought a pre-bored block of what I now think, was Grecian Briar and a
Vulcanite stem. That first pipe I made, made me hunger to learn more and
perfect my pipes.
I learned about Pipe Maker’s Emporium from the helpful people at Stag
Tobacconists. They steered me toward the owner, Paul Hildebrand. Everyone
there told me that Paul was a very nice man and that he teaches a class on
pipe making. Unfortunately, I was unable to afford the class. After going to his
shop and getting advice numerous times, I found out that his former assistant
that was repairing pipes with him was no longer able to. I asked if I could repair
with him in exchange for the opportunity to learn to make pipes. Paul agreed
and I began learning how pipes are properly engineered and how to utilize the
tools in my shop for pipe making.

I begun crafting my own stems from Ebonite and Cumberland and using Delrin
tenons. With out the help of my friends and family I couldn't have gotten as far
as I have. I have been motivated and inspired by the work of Jody Davis and Jeff
Gracik of J Alan pipes.