I was just reading and couldn't resist replying! When I was doing a little smithing (more than what I'm doing now), I loved forging pipe!

The picture is of a set of shelves I did a few years ago. B/c of the time it takes to draw down a schedule 40 piece of pipe down to an dull point (like for the roots), I would often draw the pipe down to about 5/8" to 3/4", cut 90 degrees and simply weld a forged solid piece on the end. I would make sure to chamfer both the forged pipe end and solid end really well to get a good penetrating weld. After grinding the weld smooth, I would usually re-heat, lightly forge to blend the two pieces and bend as desired. I've done hundreds of pieces this way and only had a problem a couple of times - usually trying to bend the welded section when it was a little too cold and would break the weld. But even then, depending on the piece being made, it would add a little interest to the piece as well.

This is a standing votive holder , displayed at the Brook House Gallery.