NOVA machines are used to craft globally esteemed Raimo Riberg Pipes

We spoke with Estonia's sole pipe maker, Raimo Riberg, whose beautiful pipes are crafted on our mini metal lathe. Raimo left a bustling job in Italy and now makes stunning designer pipes back home. However, an essential part of pipe culture is the Mediterranean skill of taking time for oneself. The craftsman shared many interesting details about pipes and the advantages of NOVA machines.

Raimo Riberg's creations (photo: Raimo Riberg)

Life often passes by as if on a hamster wheel, without us knowing how to take a break. Yet, dedicating time to one’s favorite activity is relaxing and helps maintain mental health. Raimo is one of those fortunate people whose hobby has become his day-to-day work.

From the hustle of Italy to the quiet of Estonia

Before Raimo began making pipes, inspired by his grandfather's pipe (his first pipe was made in 2019), he ran his own media company in Italy and contributed to the film industry. Craftsmanship has always appealed to him, which is why he didn’t shy away from building a set kitchen by hand on a Netflix film set. Raimo, who had never built a kitchen before, managed to complete one in four days. He has since put his golden hands to work, giving life to hundreds of pipes.

Pipe making takes the master several days (photo: Raimo Riberg)

His grandfather's pipe was something that immediately caught Raimo’s eye – a work of art with a practical daily purpose. His success is largely due to his passion for the field and his desire to master it. It turns out that the world of pipe masters is large, very cohesive, and supportive. The first pipes were made alongside other activities, but as orders increased, he had to make a significant decision.

Days of peace and quiet

This title aptly describes the pipe-making process. To make a pipe, one needs hours to tinker alone. This tranquility increasingly enticed Raimo until he left his other work and activities and, from the last day of 2021, focused solely on making pipes.

Raimo began making pipes on the NOVA MC330 mini-wood lathe. Now, the NOVA CJ-300A mini-metal lathe and the NOVA FM-230 dust collector, which allow him to enjoy the work process, assist the pipe master. The NOVA sandblasting cabinet also plays a significant role, bringing out the beauty of the wood and giving it a unique natural texture.

The pipe is given a unique texture in the Nova sandblasting cabinet (photo: Raimo Riberg)

But how long does it take to make a pipe? Pipes have been made for millennia, and at first glance, it may seem simple – you need an L-shaped block to drill holes through. However, Raimo spends 2-3 days on a single pipe, working about ten hours each day. A pipe could be made in a few hours, but a perfect result requires a lot of work. On the first day, the pipe is shaped – a crucial task for Raimo, achieved using the NOVA CJ-300A mini-metal lathe, which allows him to achieve the desired result with precision. The following days are spent refining the outcome.

A craftsman learns his whole life

Raimo has set himself an admirable goal – to become the best. He aptly stated that there is endless room for improvement in his field. Just as da Vinci and Michelangelo honed their skills until death, he too continues to develop his skills.

The world of pipe masters, according to Raimo, is free from competition. This is true in the sense that he has no competitors in Estonia and also in that it is a supportive community. The demand for handcrafted pipes is high, and ordering a pipe from Raimo involves a 7-8 month wait.

NOVA equipment is indispensable for the pipe master (photo: Raimo Riberg)

NOVA metal lathe is the craftsman's favorite machine

On the indispensable NOVA CJ-300A mini-metal lathe, Raimo can do everything related to the wood of a pipe: turning and sanding are straightforward. He also uses the lathe for working on metal and horn parts. Before using the NOVA machine, achieving precision was a major problem because even the smallest flaw in a pipe is noticeable. The metalworking lathe ensures the necessary precision in wood processing: 90-degree angles are straight, work is fast, and the pipe is finely finished. Previously, the demanding master had half his yard full of unfinished blanks, but not anymore.

Pipes are made using the precious wood of the tree heather (photo: Raimo Riberg)

But what does the craftsman do with the leftover material? According to Raimo, not much material is left over, and most of it is sucked up by the NOVA chip and dust collector. He uses fire-resistant precious wood, Erica arborea, for making pipes, and the leftovers are given to jewelry makers.

NOVA machines meet the highest expectations

We recommend visiting Riberg Tobacco Pipes' website to explore Raimo's products. Interesting reading and photos can be found on his Instagram and Facebook accounts.

We are pleased that such a dedicated master uses his creativity with NOVA metal lathes and dust collectors. Koneita's durable equipment makes sanding and drilling easy and allows dedicated professionals to shape the magic of wood.

Riberg's pipes on the shelf (photo: Raimo Riberg)

Recently, Raimo fulfilled the largest order from a European cigar and pipe store, sending them 10 pipes and a special shelf. As the pipes were selling like hot cakes, another order was quickly placed.

We wish Raimo continued success and are always ready to help select a quality wood or metal lathe.