Custom Wood Chess Board with Custom Metal Pieces
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@goldendog: agreed. I understand completely. And I state again that normally this is not the type of board I make. Usualy a lot smaller...conservative and classic. At much lowet cost...This is...like you said...a niche item...not an everyday board. That comment was more directed at ignorant people who feel they need to bash it. I do forums a lot and this thread crapping isnt tolerated.
Maybe start up a blog of the more practical boards you have made. That's something many average players here would like to see (count me in; I have a nice file of great and interesting boards).
Why do you want to sell your masterpiece?
It's not that people don't realize the work you put in, it's that they don't care...it's your work, not mine. When you consider that for the same price one could buy, for example, the entire HOS Artisan Collection
Match them with some boards
and still come home with some change in your pocket, it's not surprising that your set isn't too appealing to people. $6900 goes a long way.
@bigpoison: Making more boards!!!! Besides...currently drawing up a new master piece...gaboon ebony dark squares...paper white holly light squares...belizian sinker mahogany (BURL!!!) which I was able to acquire. For the case and delimiter with ebony and holly accents. My mouth drools at the very thought....
I like the OP's set. I told him that up front. And, there are some reasons not to like it but he doesn't want the criticsm...constructive as it was, from several posters.
Niche it is. Nice it is.
BUT...dollars for doughnuts, I'll take one of the above sets any day of the week. And, at a price that doesn't require one to be a billionaire.
I still stand by what I said. You want to make money, commercially, you need to find out what people want and what they will pay. Otherwise, be like Vincent VanGogh...cut off an ear, shoot yourself and maybe in a hundred years your work will be worth millions.
Meanwhile: 
P.S.: I already have a jade and ivory set, which I actually prefer over machined parts. Thank you very much.
@arctor: I respect your opinion. But this is unlike any of the boards you posted. I make boards like those. Much easier to make. Which obviously means their cheaper...and makes them more appealing to the "majority". As to the pieces...i love HOS...god I do...i have several sets. But this metal set is simply unique. There is only one. But hey...like I said before...i do consider offers.
Im not going to argue with you anymore.
For the last time...i am not trying to sell commercially...this isnt about money. I enjoy doing it. Its a hobbie...thought I made it clear. As much as you entertain I think ill just drop it.
@arctor: that wenge/maple board you posted above...the design looks familiar? Ive made a few almost identical. Where did you find that picture. I know theres a site that sells boards like that...they run between $ 600 and $1500 dollars.
Its the second to last board you posted...
Im not going to argue with you anymore.
Smart decision, on your part.
For the last time...i am not trying to sell commercially...this isnt about money.
But...why'd you solicit for money if it's not about money? Duh.
I'm curious about the differences in construction between your "regular" sets and your masterpiece.
Is the difference entirely in labor time, or is the construction itself more arduous?
F'er instance: cheaper board the tiles are glued and in the masterpiece they are mated to their neighbors with some kind of a groovy joint?
Dont tempt me. Not sure how old you are...but you could use some growing up.
I guess you expect me to give it away then...i know whats invested and I know what it would takevto part with it. It isnt about the money...i knew it would be hard to sell...i wouldnt have made it if it was about the money.
@bigpoison: labor time is huge...i could make 10 in the time this one took. My regular boards dont have that entire drawer assembly and extra base atvthe bottom. So instead of 7" high...their usually 1 1/2" to 3" high. There was a tremendous amount of layup work done to this board (all the different "lines"). Much more wood involved...more paint. The drawers....everything is just much more complicated. In regards to the jointed...you cant do groove joints...i mean...you could...but they would be visible when.looking at the end grain of the squares since they are raised above the board.
Arctor wrote:
@kuko92
Pallisander/Maple $995: http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/brdwscii25apcm.htm
and the maker has posted here, offering his work for less than the HOS prices. Offhand I don't recall his handle.
Boards look great for sure.
@arctor: ahh I see. I was thinking of a different site. In any case. Thats the type of board I normally make. I could replicate that board. And it would cost less than that...with a better finish.
@arctor: ahh I see. I was thinking of a different site. In any case. Thats the type of board I normally make. I could replicate that board. And it would cost less than that...with a better finish. I can understand why he could do it as well.
kuko92 wrote:
In regards to the jointed...you cant do groove joints...i mean...you could...but they would be visible when.looking at the end grain of the squares since they are raised above the board.
DeCristoforo makes all his boards this way. Whether the joints show or not, it makes for a more permanent piece. I was bidding on this one (Rosewood/Curly Maple 2-3/8th") but bowed out. Nice board but I really needed a 2.5" rather than the smaller one. The joints don't bother me. With other designs his joints don't show, naturally.
None of which makes it a desirable purchase for most everybody. Doubling all of the above just puts it more out of reach for the market, and the aesthetic issues still aren't resolved.
It's just a very, vey niche item.