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Post by peteguy on Jan 30, 2017 14:23:22 GMT -5
I have tried twice to get a commissioned pipe done. Both times I have failed - I didn't like the final pipe. Both times the carver said if you aren't happy then I don't want you to have the pipe. I am starting to think of trying again but I feel sick that a carver goes to all that work and then the pipe gets rejected. I am sure they sold it anyway but I cannot be positive as both basically said go away.  Can some of you who have commissioned pipes give me some pointers, feedback, thoughts, etc. Thanks! |
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Post by sparks on Jan 30, 2017 15:15:04 GMT -5
When I was making pipes, it never bothered me if someone decided they did not want the pipe they commissioned. It was part of the business and if you are worth your salt as a carver, you will have ZERO problem selling the pipe.
I have only commissioned with a few people, but I am a royal pain in the arse. I can honestly say though, I have never got the feeling that the carver was upset with me when I changed my mind or asked them to change something on the pipe to better fit my expectations. That's part of custom work.
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Post by papipeguy on Jan 30, 2017 16:47:32 GMT -5
The key is constant communication between both parties. After outlining the design of the pipe I usually get a sketch of the proposed design. After agreeing on changes (if any) the makers I've used send pictures as the process unfolds. Generally, I've found that the maker has more imagination than I do so I let them make adjustments they think will work. Most will tell you that the wood dictates the shape. They never know what they'll find once they cut into the block. I have been very lucky with my commissions and always pleased.
Letting the artists do their thing can lead to a very unique piece that is solely yours.
At the end of the day it's 2 holes and a stem everything else is art.
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Post by papipeguy on Jan 30, 2017 16:48:56 GMT -5
BTW, I do agree that sparks is a real pain in the backside about his pipes but I also believe that he has helped makers become better at their craft.
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ladybriarpipes
Junior Member
Which way is up?
Posts: 167 
First Name: Scottie
Favorite Tobacco: McCranie's 1983 Red Ribbon/Flake
Location:
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Post by ladybriarpipes on Feb 1, 2017 9:28:42 GMT -5
When I was making pipes, it never bothered me if someone decided they did not want the pipe they commissioned. It was part of the business and if you are worth your salt as a carver, you will have ZERO problem selling the pipe. I have only commissioned with a few people, but I am a royal pain in the arse. I can honestly say though, I have never got the feeling that the carver was upset with me when I changed my mind or asked them to change something on the pipe to better fit my expectations. That's part of custom work. I have your picture on the wall in my shop. It has A LOT of darts in it ;-) Not really. I love making pipes for Justin. He knows exactly what he wants and as it happens it's exactly the pipe I want to make. |
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ladybriarpipes
Junior Member
Which way is up?
Posts: 167
First Name: Scottie
Favorite Tobacco: McCranie's 1983 Red Ribbon/Flake
Location:
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Post by ladybriarpipes on Feb 1, 2017 9:32:48 GMT -5
Can you tell me why you weren't happy with the finished product? Leave out the carvers name and tell me your experience.
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Post by peteguy on Feb 1, 2017 16:03:51 GMT -5
Both carvers did send photos along the way to keep me in the loop. Both carvers were easy to talk to and I sent pictures of pipes in the shape I liked and told them I wanted something similar with a few minor tweaks to make it their own. I went over sizes and colors as well but nothing specific other than "as long as it is in this range or spectrum".
The first carver made a last minute decision to take out some of the forward cant so that the pipe would sit and balance. I had specifically asked in the beginning if the pipe would sit with the forward cant I wanted and was told yes. I think he made a mistake early on with the shank and stem and had to make up for it but I could be wrong as I am no engineer or carver.
The second pipe had a rough edge inside the mortise where the drilling was done. One side was nice and smooth while the other side had a 1/4" edge or chunky drill area to it. I was worried about gurgling. I also never saw a photo with the actual stem - he always sent the early pics with a temporary black stem. The final stem was not a color we had ever discussed and I thought looked pretty bad.
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ladybriarpipes
Junior Member
Which way is up?
Posts: 167
First Name: Scottie
Favorite Tobacco: McCranie's 1983 Red Ribbon/Flake
Location:
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Post by ladybriarpipes on Feb 1, 2017 16:46:57 GMT -5
So, in both cases it sounds like there was a lack of communication at critical moments and no clear vision of how the pipe was supposed to end up. Unless someone comes to me and says "Make me a Scottie Billiard", or something along those lines, I am going to ask as many questions as I can and then provide a drawing of what the end result will be. Stem color, stain, shape and finish all have to be addressed before I will start. I also won't ever make a pipe that I know I can't sell to someone else if the commission falls through. Yes, I have turned down commissions in the past.
I have never had a commission returned when I stuck to the agreed upon plan. As a matter of fact, the only commission I have ever gotten back was one I sent to Justin a while back. It was a beautifully straight grained smooth and the walls were a bit thinner than he wanted. This was something he couldn't see in the pictures, or tell by the dimensions that I sent him. Until he got the pipe in-hand it was an unforeseen for both of us and it was quite correctable on the replacement I made.
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Post by peteguy on Feb 1, 2017 17:02:10 GMT -5
"I am going to ask as many questions as I can and then provide a drawing of what the end result will be. Stem color, stain, shape and finish all have to be addressed before I will start."
Great advice - thank you!
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Post by sparks on Feb 1, 2017 19:06:10 GMT -5
All this being said... I would recommend Scottie for a commission if you decide to give it a go. I personally don't think you can make a better choice. Just my opinion... but I'm partial.  |
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Post by peteguy on Feb 6, 2017 16:08:52 GMT -5
I have a couple of carvers doing some drawings. Thanks for the great input. Seems to be smoother already. I will make a post if I get a pipe.
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ladybriarpipes
Junior Member
Which way is up?
Posts: 167
First Name: Scottie
Favorite Tobacco: McCranie's 1983 Red Ribbon/Flake
Location:
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Post by ladybriarpipes on Feb 8, 2017 9:41:32 GMT -5
Something else to keep in mind: Don't have a carver spend time working on a drawing unless you are super serious about getting a pipe from them. My time is limited as is and it will not endow you to me if I spend time working on details and a drawing for you just to find out that you aren't going to have me make the pipe. I don't mind taking the time to draw something a few times so that we end up with exactly what you want before I start making the pipe. BUT, to spend all that time and energy to end up not making anything for you is super duper annoying and may end up getting you added to my black list.
Just my 2 cents
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Post by peteguy on Feb 8, 2017 9:45:37 GMT -5
Roger that - I plan on getting them both.  |
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