What Would You Do - Norwoods Pipe Repair

[peteguy]

I picked up this Ardor bowl recently and sent it off to Norwoods Pipe Repair for a stem. I asked for a stem similar to an Ardor original with the Ardor dot. This is what I got in return:

Notice how the dot isn't even centered and what a plain boring stem. I should have just waited for Walker but wanted it back quicker. They said send it back if I am not happy but of course its on my dime (which pisses me off too but oh well). Wondering what you would do if you were in my shoes. And yes, if something is out there that you don't want to have happen, it will find me.

 

[daimyo]

Well unless color was discussed, black is pretty much a standard and Ardor does plenty of black stems. That said, the off center dot seems awfully poor/lazy and looks incorrect on such a symmetrical pipe. Sounds like you are unhappy, which if I was would warrant a return.

 

[xrundog]

Looking around it appears that Ardor uses acrylic stems. Which is what I thought. What you got looks like a standard vulcanite stem. And that off center logo would bother me too. It's not even close to right for the pipe. My experience is that one has to be as specific as possible in dealing with pipe repairmen. Otherwise they do what they think is best. I'd be pissed if it was my pipe.

You've invested money in it already. I'd send it back as many times as I needed to to get what I expected. Or at least close to it. Then I'd go with somebody else next time.

 

[dmcmtk]

You do possibly have a third option. It may work or not. You can center the dot where you want it, if the stem stays flush with the shank, then rebend the stem straight to that point. That is, if you don't mind the plain black stem. I know sometimes they use wild acrylic colors. Not much a fan of those, but to each his own...

Dot centered, button off angle...???
I would send it back...they will hopefully pay more attention.

 

[mso489]

Irritating.

 

[mustanggt]

If it were my pipe I would be pissed too. However I would be done with him and send it to someone who knows the right way to do it and not monkey with a guy who doesn't meet your expectations. You could be in for many back and forths before you are happy if you would ever be with him.

 

[darthcider]

If you are not happy, it will bother you every time you look at or use the pipe.

Send it back, is my opinion.

 

[peteguy]

Good stuff so far. Hoping some others chime in as I am still on the fence about what to do. I know I can't leave it as is or it will never leave the rack.

 

[puffy]

Here's my opinion..With it and 4 bucks you can get one of those fancy cups of coffee with whipped cream in it..Not only in the dot off center the shape of that stem doesn't do anything good for the overall looks of the pipe.Let the guy know that you're not at all happy about the situation.

 

[tppytel]

However I would be done with him and send it to someone who knows the right way to do it and not monkey with a guy who doesn't meet your expectations.

I'm with mustanggt. The off-center dot is total slop IMO. But why throw good money after bad? Send it to Walker or someone else who can do it right and save yourself the annoyance.

 

[andrew]

I'm not that picky and it looks fully functional. It depends on the money paid for the repair in my opinion. If it cost the same as a 20-30$ job I'd be upset but if it was a 10-15$ job I would be content. If you want high end then you have to pay for it, otherwise it looks like it would function as intended.

 

[blueeyedogre]

I just got two pipes back from my local B+M and one is awesome and the other is "Well, it will smoke" plain jane. I also failed to describe exactly what I was wanting. Next time I will make sure I am very clear about what I want to see as next time I think I will go with a funky color lucid stem. My guy know me well enough and is straight up with me so I knew he will be upfront if he can't pull it off. The devil is in the details.

 

[condorlover1]

Norwood have done work on meerschaums for me and I have found them to be just fine. Granted if you are dealing with the 'blunt' instruments I smoke as a general rule then Bernie 'the mass murderer' pipe repairer could fix them! Most of the guys do great work. Tim West is in a class of his own but then you need to be prepared to wait a very long time and develop other hobbies like gnome hurling to pass the time or perhaps start a family or something along those lines. It is like anything in a niche market, specialists will always take their time.

 

[tbradsim1]

Good Gunsmiths and Pipe repairmen proceed at their own pace, no hurry up, but the results are worth waiting for.

 

[sablebrush52]

You need to get this corrected, one way or another, because the current state of affairs leaves you unhappy. Sending it back to Norwoods, or to another repair service is the choice you will have to make.
On the one hand, Norwoods has your money and delivered an incompetent job. In addition, Norwoods considered this incompetent work satisfactory and sent it off to you.
In your shoes, I would look elsewhere. If someone's standards prove to be clearly below mine I don't hire them again as I have no expectation that they will suddenly develop abilities hitherto unseen. My only exceptions have been when there is significant money involved and then I'm going to examine every bit of the rework and make sure that it is done RIGHT no matter how many times it needs to be redone, or I'm getting a refund.
But the time spent doing that is time that I will never get back. So generally I let the offender know that I'm dissatisfied, will not be sending them more work, will not recommend them to others, and am moving on. I will cost them at least as much as they cost me.
Walker, Tim West, RonnieB, American, there are plenty of other repair services available. But they will take a while to get it back to you, possibly months, and they will probably cost a bit more for custom work properly done. Let them know what you're looking for, send them images of what you would like. BTW, have you contacted Ardor to see if they will make a stem for you?

 

[peteguy]

Thanks for all the advice. I know I can't smoke it. It will drive me crazy to look at that off center dot every time I go to pick it up. My gut tells me that Norwoods shouldn't get another shot at it nor my business ever again (hopefully others will look elsewhere as well). I can't believe they wont pick up shipping or at least offer to make a new stem for me at no charge. If acrylic is more cash than vulcanite (my fault I guess for not sending them pictures of what I wanted - all I said was a close to an Ardor stem as possible - I guess they don't have google) then sure I should pay the difference. Regardless, they should have at least tried to make it right as the dot is obviously a piss poor attempt and looks like an amateur in training.
I guess you can tell I have been stewing on this all morning. I would not recommend them to anyone and will probably mention it here very chance I get to avoid them.
I did contact Ardor and they gave me the proper instructions. With shipping both ways and the stem cost this little bowl is going to cost quite a bit.
I like the idea of mailing Norwoods the stem back and asking for a refund. I will definitely do that. Good call. Plus I can vent more and post a link to this thread.
I have decided to use Walker or Tim West and send photos of what I am looking for. Lots of lessons in here and I hope someone can benefit from my misfortune or stupidity. Take your pick...

 

[rcstan]

I shouldn't get into this due to a lot of considerations, but........ what did you pay for that generic vulcanite stem with an off centered dot? Granted, acrylic is a royal PITA to work with.

 

[clickklick]

Unacceptable.Anyone proud of the work they do would not send out shoddy craftsmanship like that. Send the stem back. Get walker to make one.

 

[forest7]

I will send back and tell them clearly what I want.

 

[peteguy]

You pay when they invoice. This happens when it is finished. It cost roughly $35 after shipping both ways. I used paypal.