New Pipe Racks…Opinions and Criticisms

[TheIronMonkey]

Something came to mind as I was brushing my teeth earlier. Years ago, I used Fiebing's dye on some leather, and it did tend to rub off. I would have concerns about the dyed version staining my lighter or raw pipes. Would the loops be sealed with something after being dyed?

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'm impressed by your ingenuity. Well done!

 

[Laurent]

Looks nice. I like the design. Simple & effective is often the way to go.

You live close enough to me Laurent, if you want to build an extra one and bring it down... well, I'd be more than happy to to check it out over a visit, a whiskey & a pipe.

Sounds great!

 

[Laurent]

Make them without leather. How about folded canvas?

I’ll have to look into that.

Something came to mind as I was brushing my teeth earlier. Years ago, I used Fiebing's dye on some leather, and it did tend to rub off. I would have concerns about the dyed version staining my lighter or raw pipes. Would the loops be sealed with something after being dyed?

Yes they are sealed.

 

[clynch]

Aesthetically, it's easy on the eyes. I do like the suggestion by @RalphiesDad about being able to open up one end. I have a number of pipes that vary in width within the same marque, or style, and shape; it would be nice to have the flexibility to add or remove a loop. Being able to sort by material, or country, or brand and be able to adjust the space between would be ideal.

Very clean and neat! If it had three rods you could open the end and alternate the holders back and forth. Almost double the capacity.

 

[Laurent]

Here’s a sneak peak at the next two, seeing you mentioned darker stain. These are not stained but they are burnt with a torch for color. They’re sealed with carnauba wax so they don’t smell. I love how white ash is effected by the flame

 

[BROBS]

I’ll have to look into that.

Yes they are sealed.

Because
a. I don’t buy leather
b. I don’t like setting pipes on or in leather because it stinks like ass.

 

[pipingfool]

I love the design.

I also second the suggestion of possibly being able to detach a side and being able to add/remove loops as needed.

Or...

You could sell them modularly. For instance...

You could sell the wood portion in a few different colors, the loops in a few different materials/colors, and the metal rods in a couple of different lengths.

So a customer could buy the wood finish they like and the number and material of loops they want and the metal rods long enough to hold 7 pipes.

Then, as their collection grows, they could just purchase longer rods and additional loops to accommodate new pipes.

Even better if they were made so they could be stackable.

The aesthetic of these screams customization and improvisation to me, but of course, I'm not the one making them.

 

[Laurent]

Because
a. I don’t buy leather
b. I don’t like setting pipes on or in leather because it stinks like ass.

I built the rack to my own liking but seeing you pointed out not everyone is a fan of leather, I think having a alternative to leather is a great idea. Thank you.

 

[Laurent]

I love the design.

I also second the suggestion of possibly being able to detach a side and being able to add/remove loops as needed.

Or...

You could sell them modularly. For instance...

You could sell the wood portion in a few different colors, the loops in a few different materials/colors, and the metal rods in a couple of different lengths.

So a customer could buy the wood finish they like and the number and material of loops they want and the metal rods long enough to hold 7 pipes.

Then, as their collection grows, they could just purchase longer rods and additional loops to accommodate new pipes.

Even better if they were made so they could be stackable.

The aesthetic of these screams customization and improvisation to me, but of course, I'm not the one making them.

Those are all great ideas and as I get going definitely one that should be looked into.

 

[BROBS]

I built the rack to my own liking but seeing you pointed out not everyone is a fan of leather, I think having a alternative to leather is a great idea. Thank you.

Yes for sure. Not trying to be a dick or anything but I feel there is a larger demographic who will buy leather but also a good number of people who may be interested in an alternative. Especially if the canvas ended up being less expensive than leather.

 

[BROBS]

I love the design.

I also second the suggestion of possibly being able to detach a side and being able to add/remove loops as needed.

Or...

You could sell them modularly. For instance...

You could sell the wood portion in a few different colors, the loops in a few different materials/colors, and the metal rods in a couple of different lengths.

So a customer could buy the wood finish they like and the number and material of loops they want and the metal rods long enough to hold 7 pipes.

Then, as their collection grows, they could just purchase longer rods and additional loops to accommodate new pipes.

Even better if they were made so they could be stackable.

The aesthetic of these screams customization and improvisation to me, but of course, I'm not the one making them.

Great ideas IMO

 

[pipingfool]

Those are all great ideas and as I get going definitely one that should be looked into.

That's one of the main reasons I haven't purchased any racks or such for my pipes. My collection ebbs and flows, and the ability to increase or decrease the capacity of the rack without having to purchase a brand new rack would be a huge plus for me.

Plus, just the repeat sales aspect of it could be beneficial. If a collector had the ability to increase their rack's capacity at will by just purchasing a few components, it could add another revenue stream in addition to people purchasing complete racks.

Again, I love the design, and please keep us updated. This could be right up my alley.

Good luck!

 

[Laurent]

Yes for sure. Not trying to be a dick or anything but I feel there is a larger demographic who will buy leather but also a good number of people who may be interested in an alternative. Especially if the canvas ended up being less expensive than leather.

Absolutely not being a dick, I want all the opinions and criticisms, good and bad, it’s how things grow. Canvas would be a cheaper and easier on my hands. Right now, I’m hand cutting all the leather. If this takes off, a old company I worked for that makes die cutting tools, I’ll have them make me a press to cut them out instead.

 

[Laurent]

So if the racks were, let’s say growable, at what length would be considered long enough?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I think they could use some 14k gold and diamonds... maybe some ivory. They just look so cheap without them.

 

[pipingfool]

So if the racks were, let’s say growable, at what length would be considered long enough?

I would think you could offer two different lengths of rods. A shorter one that would accommodate up to 7 loops, because people like their "7 day rotation", and another that would accommodate 10-12 loops.

After that, if the racks are stackable, then you could just grow "up" instead of out.

I would limit the selections for the lengths to just the two to cut down on what you would have to fabricate and carry at one time.

Of course you could always offer custom lengths for the people who have 9 pipes and never plan on getting more. But those people seem very rare in this hobby. LOL.

 

[OzPiper]

Great design. Love the look.
Could they be stacked ? Option to go 2 or 3 tiered would mean more space efficiency.

 

[dunnyboy]

Your photos show mostly straight pipes. You might want to test your rack with full-curve pipes to see whether they will lean back enough to be stable. I agree with the suggestion of accommodating larger pipes but don't think leaving more space laterally will do the trick. Unless you offer longer slings, the larger pipes will end up sitting higher than pipes with smaller bowls. Having said that, the design is very elegant and functional.

 

[Mopiper]

I like it. Unique.