Thanks guys.
Jim L. I'm still working up the nerve to use the BOW you sent me.
Gary, I purchased some 2" square stock from CSUSA several years ago for decorative trim on my pipes. It is different than any wood I have ever used. The grain is open, with relatively hard grain lines and relatively soft wood in between. Sanding across the grain produces some unusual effects leaving a very 3 dimensional surface(if that makes any sense)
JimGo I use a pipe cleaner as a wire burner. I remove the fluff from the center, leaving an inch on each end to keep from burning my fingers. It works better than music wire.
William, I get most of my briar from Italy and Algeria. It is hard, dense and has a very fine grain which polishes easily to a high gloss. The problen is obtaining blocks long or tall enough to cut a blank over 4" long.
Thanks again,
Mike