Polling interest in group buy

I'm exchanging emails with a manufacturer at the moment, are there people interested in framed folding board like the one that came with original Dubrovnik 1950?

If there are interest out there, I can try to set up a group buy for lower price. It's a renowned manufacturer that also makes boards for Official Staunton.

Update April 13

Got words although they are not specialist in folding boards, they're willing to try to make it. They didn't react on my proposal of group buy so it looks like they're not eager to commit themselves to group buy yet but I also didn't hear a no. So I will keep trying to get them to consider it. You know, me and Dutch entrepreneur mentality

The manufacturer it's Giglio Asla, they're based in Italy. As I've said before, they make boards too for Official Staunton. There is a thread here about that board:

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/new-official-staunton-ochre-walnut-chessboard

They sent me some pictures samples of boards they're making, 

So I have confidence they are capable of making a high quality beautiful framed folding board at their first try.

Update April 19

They have had short break holiday so I got an update today. They only can give the right price / quote when they know how many orders they get. I did tell them there are 6 tentative's. This is a bit odd as when they give me a quote I still can say no thank you so they might as well give me a quote now based on hypothetically 6 orders.

With Mr. Felonet we have 7 tentative's now. So I'll send them a reply tomorrow I'll be asking a quote for 7 orders. This for a framed folding board like the original, 2.25" in walnut/birch veneer.

Update April 20

I've asked for the quote, meanwhile they asked me for measurement of the frame externally and internally. Also they have asked will it be a single shipment order or several single shipments.

I've got good feeling about this, this to me says they're really taking this seriously to make an exact copy (besides the size) which I've asked.

About the measurement, I've asked Mr Novak and he's willing to help us out by measuring his board. About the shipment, we can discuss that below to keep this update section uncluttered.

Update April 22

I received a quote yesterday, tried to negotiate but to no avail. This is it.

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U.S.A. / Canada

The unit cost amount to Euro 495 net

Shipping cost to USA/Canada – Euro 100

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What do you guys think?

Will it be 60mm like the original? I'm interested but not sure I can commit without knowing the particulars.

If they agree to make it, depends on the number like the bigger number of interest the more interesting it is for them to make it. 

For me 60mm it's also too big. I was thinking of 2.25" /57mm.

Btw, I'm just polling for interest, no commitment yet as there is no agreement yet with the manufacturer.

I might be. Let me know how it goes.

If it's similar in quality to the board commissioned by @Plaingom I'm sure it will be beautiful. 

Photo and original post by @Plaingom

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/noj-dubrovnik-chess-pieces-on-a-custom-folding-board

Please keep us posted with details. I'm interested. 

Understood. 60mm is also too big for me as well. Keep us posted and put me in a tentative. Thanks T1CM

I might be too, let us know how it goes.

Cool guys, I'll let you know how it goes. We just start exchanging emails this morning. Judging from the board they make for Official Staunton and still does, which one of the member here bought 5 years ago I'm pretty sure it will be of high quality.

Oh btw, it's an European manufacturer so for the other side of the pond, you might want to consider the extra shipping fee that way.

I think you did the right thing. If we can get such board than you know you want to get a Dubrovnik to go with the board

Update April 13, see OP.

It seems I have three these boards - #2 from F.Camaratta, #3 and #9 - from HoS. Perfect quality, can recommend to everyone.

Actually they sent me more pictures of their boards but showing them all would make the update too long. If I did that you'd probably say #2, 3, 9, 12, 14, 17 and 21 right? 

@TheOneCalledMichael  Has there been an estimated price discussed? 

No not yet, I still need to give the specs of the board and type of wood. I'm still trying to find what wood and type is used for the original...veneer or solid.

I was thinking solid wood would be nice. What say you?

Solid wood, 2.25" folding board, with storage, and the pieces inside, will be pretty heavy. It may be a lot of stress on the tiny screws and hinges. It might be better with veneer to keep the weight down. I'm not a woodworker, but I imagine veneer on plywood is much stronger and stable for a hinged folding board. And also with veneer, you can get the really nice "fancy" wood grains that you rarely see with folding boards. 

It might be wise to use some basic specs first to get a ballpark price. And use that as a baseline. Just so everyone has an idea before going further.

valid point, but I was thinking of thin solid wood, not as thick as regular solid board. I have few folding boards that has solid wood but thin layer. It's heavier than veneer folding board but not that much heavy.

But that's a good suggestion asking woodworker pro's...Mr Wits, Mr Bryan you still there? We need to know for durability of framed folding board what is best, veneer or thin solid wood?

Now that I think about it, the lid to my solid walnut storage box is constructed similar to one half of a folding board. The edges are 1/2 inch thick. On a basic level, a folding board is two box lids hinged together. But of course, each half will be much larger at about 18 inches long. And constructed of 32 squares glued together. If there is a way to make a large thin solid wood folding board stable, strong and not warp that's great. Let the wood professionals figure it out.