Ultimate Chess Sets in Metal

Anodized aluminum would be my choice as well. But the black/silver and black/gold sets may not fly.

@ShelbyLohrman

I found this set online.

https://www.bestchessset.com/janus-silver-and-bronze-extra-heavy-metal-chess-pieces-with-4-5-inch-king-and-extra-queens-pieces-only-no-board/

Its comparable to what you're discussing @ a weight of 5.34 lbs. It's electroplated zinc.

Yah, for me that set is totally no go. That silver is so shiny you would blinded be ceiling lights and/or staring at 16 reflections of yourself whole game. Way too distracting to play with.

the light (silver) pieces are too highly polished, shiny and reflective - i.e., too distracting...

the finish on the dark (gold) pieces just looks like crap...

IMO, of course....

@RussBell I agree totally. The main reason I don't buy metal chess sets. Either you have to plate them or paint them. One is distracting and the other takes away details.

@ShelbyLorhman -

I would suggest that you give serious consideration to the recommendations given thus far by others for aluminum pieces....however instead of anodized aluminum, I would suggest checking out what may be a better, more robust surface coating process for the application....

ELECTROPHORESIS....recommended here to be a better, more durable coating than anodized....

https://www.sunshielder.com/aluminum-surface-treatment/

and instead of a shiny, highly reflective finish, go with more of a "flat", or "matte" finish...

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-flat-and-vs-matte/

http://www.perfectionindustrialfinishing.com/news/16-new-anodize-finishes

https://www.sharrettsplating.com/blog/which-metal-finishing-option-is-for-you/

A question for those who might know - can aluminum pieces be produced from a mold....i.e., pouring molten, aluminum into a mold?  If not, how would the pieces, particularly the knights, be rendered from solid aluminum?  As well as creating the desired type of surface coating/finish - polished, flat, matte, etc....

I only shared that as an example of weight and reflection. The more I look the less I'm into metal pieces. More of a Collecter's item. I just bought in on the buttery set. Don't know if

I'll reorder them or wait for the new run. But this is definitely my favorite set right now.

@ShelbyLorhman -

Gotcha.  I understand your point of view and can't take much issue with it.  I just wanted to toss in my two cents to prompt you to consider every possibility that I and others have thought of.  However, it sounds like you know what you are doing!

Keep up the good work Shelby!

Shelby you wouldn't see or feel the screw if you counter sink the hole. I used to be in machining and done many counter sunk holes. If you CNC the pieces out of aluminum. You will be amazed how quickly they will be made. Much better fit and finish than casting them. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuED2IbdcOs

No extra queens!? (Just kidding). I'm not normally a fan of metal chess pieces, the only exception so far being a Don Quixote set for non-chess reasons...but I might make an exception for these. I feel like I will end up with every variation of the Ultimates...they just tickle my fancy for some reason!

Haha! Extra queens... I'm not a fan of metal sets either but I think these came out well. I really love the box though. That's a great way to store the set.

This has to be an April Fools joke, right?  You'd have to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.

Just checked out the youtube.  9.85 lbs for the set, eh?  You're in the running with Chessable's Bongcloud lessons for best April Fool's joke of 2021.  Nice one...

If it's an April Fool's joke it has the best setup ever - I seem to remember that Shelby posted "work in progress" pictures last year (2020) prior to shipment from the manufacturer.

Look at it this way, if these babies crack then humidity is the least of your worries.  ;-)

OK, my bad.  I should have read the entire thread before jumping to the conclusion that it was an April Fool's joke.  I did not realize that there was a market for heavy, shiny, metal pieces but apparently there is.  Obviously not my cup of tea, but I suppose as display pieces for home (or business) these could be quite stunning in the right setting.

Whatever grudge PolarChess is holding seems to have nothing to do with Shelby's contributions here or his service and commitment with ACE. Whatever it is, it doesn't belong here.

I agree. It seems like there is something extra here not related to Shelby.

Anyhow back to chess stuff... I agree with @Baddogno. I did not think there was a market for a heavy metal set. People complain about distractions from a shiny boards, the tops of rooks being polished, not enough contrast with black and white boards and pieces, etc. However, I think there are people who would want something like this as a display piece similar to themed sets. I think unlike with many themed sets people can actually use this set to play since the pieces are easily distinguishable from each other.

A number of years ago, cgrau ripped into PolarChess.  I was a bit stunned.  In that time PolarChess only seemed to post silly stuff about obscure Chess sets and stuff.  In fact I believe cgrau might have mentioned PolarChess as one of the characters on here that was the reason for cgrau leaving.

Then awhile back, PolarChess posted something that I found preposterous.  Of course, I ripped back and had no problem telling him and others how it really was.

The result is that PolarChess Blocked me, lucky me.  Now I have the babbling and/or insulting KnightsForkCafe and sound67 Blocking me as well, the cowards.

Anyway, PolarChess might actually be bipolar, all puns intended.  Here he is ranting and ripping about something he does not know about.  PolarChess, get back on your medications.

I think the set is very pretty but wouldn't own one myself. Just imagine all the cleaning and polishing have enough of that already!

Also would it start to rub on the metal if used for play over time? With wood that doesn't seem to happen and you can get that lovely patina. I'd worry this could end up looking a bit ugly and tarnished.

Nice as an office type of set and can imagine certain people liking it.

Having seen many of his posts when searching here, it’s sad that cgrau is gone.