I make them out of any hardwoods I can get my hands on. Elm is one that gives off a poisonous fume when smoked so that's out but the harder the better...Some wood just doesn't cut it as far as being nice to smoke from. Zebra wood is one I made a few beautiful pipes from.....taste like zebra shit when smoked out of....Cherry is good..boring colors though....Oak I don't like working with....Walnut is good, some can be soft though and some have allergies to it . The only pic I can find at the moment is my fail wall