Pricing Question

[taikodragon]

All,
I have a weird question for you. I am a wood worker recently. I had a customer ask if I can make him a one-piece dual chamber pipe out of Purple heart wood, first that wood is the most expensive wood in the world, Second I have no clue what I should even ask as a price for a custom dual chamber pipe. That leads me to my question for you all, What would a one piece dual chamber handmade pipe be worth ? I have done the math it will cost me about 50$ for the wood and roughly 35-40 hours to make it. What would you guys be willing to pay knowing it is a 1 of a kind in the most expensive wood in the world?
V/r

Roy

 

[zack24]

Taikodragon...Welcome to the Forum...
A couple of thoughts...
1) Purpleheart is one of the least expensive exotic hardwoods- a 4x4x2" piece big enough to make a pipe costs $6

2) In 35-40 hours, you should be able to make 5-6 pipes.

3) Purpleheart and many other exotic hardwoods can be toxic- please don't kill your first customer with your first pipe.

4) Check out a great site- http://www.pipemakersforum.com/- it will help you make good pipes without killing your customers...
Welcome to the wonderful world of pipemaking!

 

[jpmcwjr]

I wouldn't, as I don't know the qualities of "purple heart wood". Nor clear on a "dual chamber". Do you have drawings, or sketches?
Edit- deleted a doofus comment written before I saw Zack's reply.
"I've won at every level, except college and pro."

-Shaquille O'Neal, on his lack of championships.

"I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."

-O'Neal on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece.

 

[mackeson]

I'd start the bidding at $1 with a reserve set at $600.

Seriously though - Make sure you're using safe woods. Welcome to the forum

 

[troutface]

Roy

Purpleheart is not the most expensive wood in the world. It runs about $12 a board foot, fairly cheap for an exotic. The problem may be with its toxicity. The dust can cause irritation, though it's not a common reaction. My concern is what it may emit when exposed to heat and flame. It would be bad for business if your customer gets sick (or worse 8O). Try to talk him into a pipe made of briar with a purple dye on it. At least you know it's safe and will last, given proper care.

 

[troutface]

Great minds think alike Zack!

 

[warren]

I have no interest in pipes made by a "woodworker" with no apparent knowledge of pipe making.

 

[troutface]

I agree Warren, but every carver had to start somewhere. Maybe Roy will be the next Rad.

 

[jefff]

I would pay nothing for that pipe.

 

[warren]

I doubt it but, his education has begun.

 

[georged]

Taikodragon...Welcome to the Forum...
A couple of thoughts...
1) Purpleheart is one of the least expensive exotic hardwoods- a 4x4x2" piece big enough to make a pipe costs $6

2) In 35-40 hours, you should be able to make 5-6 pipes.

3) Purpleheart and many other exotic hardwoods can be toxic- please don't kill your first customer with your first pipe.

4) Check out a great site- http://www.pipemakersforum.com/- it will help you make good pipes without killing your customers...
Welcome to the wonderful world of pipemaking!

Now that's funny rhat there, a don't care who yar... :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[taikodragon]

Well Thank you all! While it definitely seems an overwhelming answer, First Purpleheart is not toxic, it is an irritant but not toxic. Second while I assumed asking a pipe question on a pipe forum, I would get semi intelligent responses but all I got was seemingly a bunch of pricks responding rudely sure makes the magazine, and the people on these forums look like real intelligent people!!! Furthermore, Thank you Warren for pointing out I didn't say I was a pipe maker have been a woodworker for 20+ Years I have long since graduated from making a pitiful little piece of wood for someone to suck on, but they are a joke to make. I didn't mention in my first post That I am Master Engraver 20+ of those hours is intended to be relief carvings over the entire pipe. However, thank you again for the unintelligent rude and not answered question. It is really sad when even the moderators answer rudely.

 

[carver]

Welcome to the forum.
----

edit: your answer and mine clashed. I apologise for the what you seem to consider rudeness. You wrote this "I am a woodworker recently". What I read, considering that there may be a typo, is that you just started learning woodwork. Sorry for misunderstanding and obviously hurting you.

----
I don't know much about the price of the wood.

And I don't want to talk about the toxicity and everything, because for one, I know nothing about it, and two, it's been discussed a lot here before me.
On the other hand, I'd like to comment on your pricing question and related...

What I'd do if I were you, I would surf around and try to gather pricing information and ranges for free-hand/handmade carved pipes.

In addition, as I have made a few pipes, I would definitely practice, like a lot, before making a pipe for sale.

If this is your first pipe, no matter the wood or the time, you can't seriously expect someone to pay you for it knowing you don't have any experience in carving pipes.
A pipe is a delicate and refined object, that has been carved by master pipe makers that will not only look good, but smoke well. And to become good at making good smoking pipes, you have to make a lot of them, learn about the parameters, etc.

I do hope that you're not yourself hoping for a fast fix for a hefty price.
That being said, it's a amazing thing to carve pipes, and there are lots of very interesting things to learn.

So enjoy, discover and practice...

 

[jefff]

I have carved the shit out of wood. Both relief and sculpture. I have built what I would consider high end furniture.
If I decided to carve a pipe I would carve 10 before I tried to sell one.
It's not a simple as drilling two holes in and random piece of wood.

 

[ashdigger]

TacoTuesday, an irritant is by definition toxic.
Good luck and please don't poison some unsuspecting soul.

 

[carver]

I am assuming that, after 20 years of wood work, you know the value of your work, regardless of what one might pay for a pipe.
Your response is a little stiff.

Many people took the time to answer you. One can't always expect to like all the answers they receive when they ask for something.

a pitiful little piece of wood for someone to suck on

You obviously have no knowledge or respect for pipes and just intent to make big money out of it. You just registered on this forum to ask your money question without even taking the time to learn about it.

 

[carver]

Food for Thoughts - Duane, Wood, Plastic and the Unsuspecting Visitor.

 

[georged]

Well Thank you all! While it definitely seems an overwhelming answer, First Purpleheart is not toxic, it is an irritant but not toxic. Second while I assumed asking a pipe question on a pipe forum, I would get semi intelligent responses but all I got was seemingly a bunch of pricks responding rudely sure makes the magazine, and the people on these forums look like real intelligent people!!! Furthermore, Thank you Warren for pointing out I didn't say I was a pipe maker have been a woodworker for 20+ Years I have long since graduated from making a pitiful little piece of wood for someone to suck on, but they are a joke to make. I didn't mention in my first post That I am Master Engraver 20+ of those hours is intended to be relief carvings over the entire pipe. However, thank you again for the unintelligent rude and not answered question. It is really sad when even the moderators answer rudely.

Oh, please. If you aren't an outright troll, you need to grow up and stop acting like a three year old.
You didn't spend so much as a minute researching pipe making enough to even ask reasonable questions about it, and a few people found it humorous. Get over it.
Someone on a Formula One racing forum: "Hey, guys, where do I go to buy my Formula One license? And how do I choose which team to drive for when I receive it?"
What sort of answers do you think he'd get?

 

[mackeson]

I don't think anyone answered you rudely. There were definitely attempts at humor (which most people take as a sign of friendliness) and some cautionary statements, but You were also welcomed by me and some others. Be offended or not, but name-calling to people who took the time to respond to your post is just rude

 

[pagan]

I have no interest in pipes made by a "woodworker" with no apparent knowledge of pipe making.

I am a carpenter by trade and hobby woodworker (furniture)and would not attempt to make a pipe to sell