i carved a tobacco pipe this summer. it works. just cave it into the shape you want then drill out the holes with a dillbit. what i did was dipped it in wood coating (i forget the name as of right now) then took a lighter and burned most of it off cause its not good to inhale, let alone smoke. the bowl will turn black though with use
yea they are generally a bit more harsh because you are burning some wood but nothing to be afraid of. its also way more fun to smoke something you have made anyways.
the harder wood you use, the better. just dont use a torch lighter, and dont hold the flame there too long. some of the wood will burn the first few times u use it, but after that it should be all good.