The fat part of the pipe is made so you can set the pipe down on a flat surface and the pipe will not fall over and spill . All the exotic wood used in this pipe is slide over a one piece 1/2 aluminum tubing . I use a 1/4 inch heated brass ram rod to clean the pipe . The brass bowl shown in the pipe isnt the right bowl for this pipe .. The right bowl is in my shop because it fits too tight . So far the pipe hasn't broken because of its length i figured it would of gotten broken by now . Been dropped a lot and even stepped on once . The pipes I am making now has the 1/2 aluminum tubing inside the exotic wood but also 10mm glass tubing . The glass does restrict the internal air ways some . As far as I know none my pipes that are lined with glass tubing has broken . I have made my pipes that are glass lined where i can repair them . but it requires machining and redoing the fiberglass resin finish . I am retired and haven't made any pipes in 4 years due surgeries . I do want to make a black and white tuxedo using Gabon Ebony from Cameroon Africa and either pre band ivory or deer or elk antler inlays . The other pipe will be made from Black and white ebony from Cambodia . where does Gabon ebony come from - Bing The pool cue is made from Black and white ebony . I want to make a matching pipe just like the cue . Been sitting on some black and white ebony wood for 15 years .. should be ready to turn .