In the April newsletter, I suggested compiling a NASPC resource guide, consisting of individuals and companies engaged in any kind of pipe repair or the selling of materials relating to making or repairing pipes. As submissions are received, I'll print them in the newsletter and maintain a running compilation here on the web site. Send submissions to: bill@naspc.org.

The Beall Tool Co. of Newark, OH is an excellent source of all things woodworking, including motors, spindle adapters, chucks, buffing wheels, buffing compounds, and much more. Call them at 800-331-4718 to get one of their catalogs.--Bill Unger

Having received my new copy of the NASPC newsletter yesterday, I was reminded that I had intended to drop you an e-mail regarding an inquiry you made in the previous issue. I don't recall your exact request, but you were asking for sources of pipe repair information and supplies, if I recall correctly. At any rate, I thought I would direct you to my web site as a resource. While not directly targeting pipe repair--it is a pipe-making web site--I would think that it would provide some good information and sources, and there is a discussion specific to repairs on the site. I hope this is a useful resource. Please notice, when looking at the site, the pipe-making instruction section, the links to materials, and the discussion forums, as I believe these sections will be the most useful. --Tyler Lane Pipes: www.tylerlanepipes.com.--Tyler Beard

In response to your great idea regarding a resource guide, I really cannot speak highly enough about Randy Krempp. He is a member of my pipe club and does repairs and refurbishing for collectors around the country. He can duplicate just about any stem and can repair even the ugliest breaks in a pipe bowl or shank. He once repaired a stem on a Cooke of mine that I thought could not be repaired. Randy can be reached at 3717 Manor, Waco, TX 76706; 254-662-0562 (evening) and 254-399-2220 (day);--Steve Fallon

Mary Ann Keller, owner of the American Smoking Pipe Repair Company writes that she has been in operation for 14 years as a full-service repair company, offering Lucite and vulcanite stems, logos, bands, and reconditioning. Her turnaround time is 7-10 days. For more information about getting your pipes repaired or offering this service if you are a retailer, write Mary Ann at PO Box 153, Pocono Lake, PA 18347 or email her at prepair@localnet.com. You can also check her web site at www.smokingpiperepairs.com.

We have received Vol. I, Issue 1 of a newsletter from the Pipe Makers Emporium, formerly Joe Giardina's Pipe Repair and Imports. The Emporium's mission statement is "Pipe Makers Emporium will provide outstanding customer service. We want to help our customers achieve their ultimate goal in making quality pipes by supplying them quality stems, tools, supplies, pipe repair and more." The newsletter contains a page of new products (briar, stems and rods, etc.) and a section on "Specials." The Emporium's web site is www.pipemakers.org, but portions of it are still under construction. For information or to get a copy of the newsletter, you can also write the Emporium at 21423 N. 11th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, call 800-843-9460, Ex. 214, fax 800-843-9460, Ex. 373, or e-mail andrea@pipemakers.org.

In the "From Past Newsletters" section, you will find an interesting essay by Ronni Bikacsan. If you would like to contact Ronni about repairs or alterations to your pipes, you can write him at NightOwl Pipe Works, 720 Virginia Ave., Nashville TN 37216, call him at 615-226-1756, or e-mail him at info@nightowlpipeworks.com.

We have heard from Frank Storm of Restoration Pipe Repair, P.O. Box 3, Stacy, MN 55079; 651-462-0187; frsams@frontiernet.net. Frank writes that he started to learn pipe repair in 1970 by working part time repairing pipes for the local Edwards pipe shop and other Edwards stores. In 1976, he purchased a tobacco store that was about to close down that contained the equipment that he had learned on, and he started doing his customers' pipes. He currently has one national account, Savinelli, for whom he has been doing repairs for 20 years, 75-80 shops coast to coast that he repairs for, and another 80-plus individuals. Frank sold his retail store early in 2004 and semi-retired to his home north of Saint Paul, where he built a detached workshop on his property in which he does repairs and custom pipe making as a hobby.

Frank says that there isn't much in repairing pipes that he cannot do. He doesn't do restamping or much on logos, though he can do Dunhill dots, GBD inserts, and Sasieni blue dots. Frank says that because this is a hobby that he enjoys doing, his prices are as low as anyone's. His turn time is in today, out tomorrow, unless he's fishing. During the summer, it's a couple of days.