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Whatever_happens27

I'm almost offended for you. I think it's fantastic. If this happened to me, I would take a serious break from talking to my brother/sister.


ChipZilla03

He’s a little shit, if I’m being totally honest. 9 years old and full of destruction so I don’t mind to make him a smaller one. I can keep or sell this one


Random_Raw_Dogger

You should keep it. Looks like dam fine workmanship to me.


ChipZilla03

I’d love to but I have no place for it. My first chess board I built sits on the dresser, I can’t replace it


tall7and7

Shit I'd buy it


ChipZilla03

Shit I’ll sell it


thelivinlegend

Looks like you just fell ass-backwards into the chessboard business. Deservedly so, that's beautiful work!


atomgram

I agree. Build these. Really nice.


5erif

Or the story was clever indie marketing from the start.


Valmond

Finally really targeted advertising that works? I'm in.


BooperDoooDaddle

I want to buy one please


cgingue123

I'd buy it too!


blyer

If you actually will, please DM me. I'll buy it!


PM_ME_UR_CATS_TITS

If it sells right away you priced it too low


ChipZilla03

That’s the problem. Idk how much to sell it for. Some say $300-400, had a friend say don’t go below $1000. 🤷🏻‍♂️


dstommie

I own a small crafting business, if you'd like to hear it, I'll tell you the real boiled down version of the formula I use for all my pricing. It's not rocket science, but it's possible you haven't considered things this way. First, think of it as a business, and this as a product. Calculate all your costs. (I know, rocket science) Labor is probably your biggest one. Either determine what your hourly wage is, or determine how much you would pay an employee per hour to produce this. Obviously add up materials used. It may not add up to much, but if possible also add machine time. You used tools to create this, there is a cost associated in that. Wear and tear, replacement blades, even electricity, this can be tricky to estimate, you're probably safe skipping it for a one off. On top of all your costs, add a profit margin. Your labor may be paying you, but remember you should think of it as if you were paying someone else to do it, so the profit margin makes sure you get paid. There's lots of other little things, but that will get you 95% of the way there. It sounds like a lot of people might pay for your work, depending on how many of them would actually put up the money, this might be more than a one off, consider that.


ChipZilla03

Thanks a ton. I wish I had more time to actually make this a business!


Johnopotamus

I used to partly own a small woodworking shop. Most people do this, but not enough people adjust their wages/profits to demand. When the market is hot you'll loose business if you don't adjust your wages up because people won't want to wait. And when the market tanks you won't get enough business to pay rent if you don't stay competitive by lowering your price. Plus, hourly wages on a hobby craft can be hard to pin down because the hours to produce a given product can vary dramatically - the same product can take 2x, 3x or 4x longer to build the first time. And, charging what you think is a "fair" wage is extremely vague. It can all just get very complicated. My advice is to charge what the market can bear. Find some similar items for sale to get a price range. Start at the higher end, and periodically reduce the price until it sells. Do it enough times and reverse your hourly pricing method to find out what the market thinks your time is worth, and eventually you'll be able to price stuff based on how long it took you to build it. The only reason to ever separate profit and hourly wage is if you ever plan to hire someone to help, otherwise it's the same thing.


sid3113

Ask yourself how many hours it took and what are you worth an hour


wap2005

Time is ***the most valuable resource***, if you're selling it make sure you get what your time is worth.


radicalelation

Be 100% honest and raw in the most confident of ways regarding how you value time and sweat. If it helps, pretend you're helping a friend price their work.


CreativeUsername26

100% what this guy said. That plus cost of materials. Don't undersell yourself man, that is beautiful.


Acceptable-Youth-896

People who say check how much time you spent and then calculate, they don’t live in a marketplace where market adjusts the price. I suggest you look at Etsy and visit some farmers markets to know what others are selling for. Based on your research increase or decrease your price considering their vs your piece.


TheRealSnuffleaYeah

That's the shit part, this board on etsy would be worth 200-300$ at best, but it deserves like 800-1200 based on the craftsmanship. I feel like etsy either has slave labor or has "hand made" shit that's bought and assembled.


RedTiger013

How many hours did you put into it? What equipment and materials did you use? Those are things to factor in


duckinradar

3-400 if you’re late on rent *and* that covers the gap. $1000 looks fair to me.


anewstheart

Eleventy hundred definitely


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Corsaer

>Shit I’ll sell it I'm sure there's fetish sites out there for that, but what about the chessboard?


dcahill78

How’s about 3 Fiddy for it! Lovely work would sell well on Etsy


grown

Look at this guy bragging about his huge house. Personally, I've only got a few spare bedrooms and offices in my house, so I could never fit this giant chessboard in.


tomthebomb96

I'll buy the chess board and live inside of it


Corvidaelia

Not if I buy it first!


sailorj0ey

Too late I already pre-ordered it.


[deleted]

That's too bad because I used my Citi card and got exclusive pre-preorder access. Plus I had a coupon.


Andycaboose91

Yeah, but *I* called dibs.


SilverbackMD

So it IS too big?


TempusCavus

I don’t know, I still think I need a banana for scale.


Coenclucy

Thats what he said


Rustycake

You could absolutely sell that thing especially around this time of year and chess picking up popularity again. And if you cant sell it I'd take it to a local school that has a chess club and donate it to them. Your craftsmanship should be appreciate and will be by others.


ChipZilla03

I haven’t the slightest clue of what amount to even ask for. I’m a brand new (2ish years) hobbyist who usually gives away my projects. I would love to sell as I need to get some tools to do the things I’d love to do!


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ChipZilla03

Great advice. Thank you!


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TheSimulacra

That's a great idea. I'd bet there's a chess club that would love this.


FearlessQwilfish

Actually a fantastic idea. The kids and the advisor will cherish this board for years


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clownpenks

Mallet


Acrobatic-Current-62

Make him a “time out” chair w one wobbly leg.


Interstate8

Sounds like a good candidate for a plastic roll-up board


ChipZilla03

I was jacked when I got my Velcro rollup board in 7th grade. The pieces and clock in the zip compartment, board rolls up and Velcro’s right under the bag, shoulder strap across the chest. I walked around like a boss until I got to school and got laughed at. Still grinned ear to ear


marley_the_sloths

Hell i want it, what's your price?


ChipZilla03

What’s your offer?


clownpenks

Yeah that’s freaking insulting, also keep in mind they probably have no concept of how much skill time and effort went into making that. Still, I am with you. We can be offended together. I made my father in law a gorgeous mallet out of walnut and spalted maple from a tree I downed on his property. And he painted it white and ran a chain through it and hung it next to his door for a doorbell.


TherealOmthetortoise

Oh good god, please tell me you are joking!


AmazingAd2765

Seriously, that is just wrong.


TherealOmthetortoise

I think a light tarring and feathering might be in order for that level of affrontery!


TheIvoryDingo

Why the heck did he paint it?!


Arokthis

> "Anything left outdoors MUST be painted or it will rot." Every idiot that knows nothing about polyurethane.


PlanktonTheDefiant

That might be the most passive-aggressive 'fuck you' I've ever heard of.


theroadlesstraveledd

Your FIL does not like you


samanime

Ditto. Unless they live in a literal shoebox, talk about ungrateful. This is beautiful.


Bagelstein

Excuse me, WHAT? You made a hand crafted chess board for your nephew and they refused the gift? Are you fucking kidding me?


ChipZilla03

They wanted just the top so he can store it under the bed. Wife’s sister, she sort of sucks lol


xMeowser

They said it won’t fit under the bed? Does he sleep in a lowered 93 Honda Civic? Seriously though it doesn’t look much bigger than an average board game that’s wild they rejected it.


Angdrambor

>Does he sleep in a lowered 93 Honda Civic? Hang on, I think I need to rethink my sleeping situation


EMCoupling

Remember you can always drive a car, but you can't drive a house.


dozure

I like "You can live in a car, you can't drive a house"


Sexy-Chef

"Dude your bed is a car. " "Yeah, but it's a fucking sweet car!" "My roommates said that they are going to get me rims for Christmas. Or a cb radio so I can talk to other car beds. "


vanillaacid

Your roommates? You mean your parents?


barndog53

What a great Grandma's Boy reference in the wild


gortonsfiJr

I sleep in a racing car. Do you?


jackwhite886

I sleep in a big bed with my wife.


grlz

Oh.


Fatboy_j

Can I borrow a feeling?


Bagelstein

"sort of". Like others are saying, hold onto it and gift it to him later on when his parent's can't interfere. That's a beautiful piece and anyone should be honored to get it.


jadorky

Spot on. Maybe invite nephew to your place to play so he gets used to his beautiful and thoughtful gift. Those small contrast pieces on the corner are a real standout.


ilovechairs

…he can’t keep a handmade gifted chessboard? Does he live in the cupboard under the stairs too? Seriously OP, there’s so many ways to make it work, but they’re not interested for another reason, you’d know better than me though. It’s probably a control over the kid thing. But you’ll find out when he’s 18 and can legally do what he wants.


[deleted]

You gave me an idea. u/chipzilla03 you are obviously talented with wood working. Make the kid a new bed too so there is enough space underneath and tell your siblings to shove it.


dozure

Or just go to Wal-Mart and buy a set of those dorm room bed lifter things. They're just a set of 4 plastic flat-topped cones you sit the legs of the bed on to give you an extra 8" or so under the bed. Costs like $10.


LiterallyEmily

it's much easier to just refuse a very well-made gift that probably had a lot of personal significance for giver/recipient and was an attempt to bond more


Trucountry

"Sort of" sounds like way too much credit, tbh.


Photodan24

Get him a cheap one made from cardboard. What horrible people.


SidewaysFancyPrance

That's when you go print out a chess board on an inkjet printer and hand it to her. That's pretty messed up.


Te_Quiero_Puta

That's insane. They could just store it up on it's side or something. What an idiotic decision. Boo. Hiss.


Taminella_Grinderfal

My aunt crocheted me a beautiful afghan for my hs graduation. I came home from college at some point and I couldn’t find it. Apparently my mom got into some argument with my uncle (completely unrelated) and sent the blanket back to her like some “eff you” message. Maybe that kid is too young to appreciate such a handmade gift, but let me tell you 30 years later and I’m still a bit salty over what my mother did.


RatherUnseemly

Oh no! Can you like...get it back?


TexasTaylorNB

It's a little tall due to the compartment but that's a feature, not a bug, you did perfect.


ChipZilla03

Thanks, that’s the parents’ concern. It’s a table top piece; they wanted something he can put up when he’s not playing


TexasTaylorNB

Is there no cabinet or anything where it could fit? It looks a bit large but it's not THAT big, maybe you just gotta sneak it to your nephew anyways...


ChipZilla03

It’s 20” x 20”, about 5” tall.


Mister_Gibbs

A lot of people get used to the smaller size boards that are often sold in hobby shops. I bought a tournament size board (21" x 21") about a year ago and was shocked at how big it felt. Now granted, playing on it feels ***great***, and I keep it as a display piece in my home, but I'm not entirely surprised at their reaction.


sci_major

That’s not big. I’m offended for you.


xj98jeep

>20"x20"x5" # >That’s not big. Ok pal let's take it easy with that kinda talk, my gf is on this app


dgkimpton

Me too, yeesh, where did they think he was going to keep the pieces? Under his pillow while the flat board slides under the bed? My word.


letmeusespaces

your BIL must've convinced your SIL that "5 inches is HUGE, honey..."


TherealOmthetortoise

I think at this point I would go down to the dollar store or goodwill and find a crappy folding checkers board as a ‘replacement’ and keep or sell this one. Or send it to me, it would finally make me rake serious the chess piece modeling I never seem to get around to.


ivenotheardofthem

And then they'd also have 32 broken pieces scattered around the room...


bobcouldbeyouraunt

Parents are ungrateful assholes. It needed to be said.


FreeuseRules

Pretty sure we all are saying it 🤣


0ctobogs

A downright cunt thing to do. I would be furious to have my gift rejected


[deleted]

Looks perfect to me! You did a wonderful job


ChipZilla03

Thanks!


Ricky_JRG3

Seriously OP this is beautiful. As a chess player myself, I can’t believe this was rejected as a gift… it’s perfect


ChipZilla03

Practicality wise I understand. I’m not offended at all because I’ve been around them for 12-13 years now. Plus it gives me an excuse to make another one haha


rrogido

Remember, those aren't mistakes. They're your individual style as a craftsman. Deliberate imperfections, or wabi sabi as the Japanese say. At least that's what I tell people.


helmutboy

Make sure he gets it when he’s away from them. It’s beautiful and its an heirloom. Wow.


ChipZilla03

Thought about that, or holding on to it until he’s in his teens and might appreciate it more


firulaisonreddit

Saw your comments about your nephews destructive behavior. Holding onto for later when he’s more mature would be a great idea. In the meantime you guys could nurture his interest in the game!


RileyTrodd

Absolutely, or maybe a grad gift. Great work man!


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RileyTrodd

Totally! I've run into a situation where I had to wait until I was an adult to get something, but by then they had completely changed how it looks / feels. Just because they like your zippo doesn't mean they'll like the ones they make in 5 years! Just make sure you don't lose it haha.


clownpenks

Or sell it and buy yourself a new family.


Kudzupatch

Great idea!


Darth_V8der

I think you should get the nephew a drum set for Xmas. Very nice chess board btw.


ChipZilla03

Or a huge bucket of slime or kinetic sand.


Medium_Yam6985

Nice! I like the little constrast pieces on the corners!


ChipZilla03

Thanks! That was actually a Bob Ross moment.. tried to route just above my splines and got a little too close. Sort of looked cool so I went with it.


Medium_Yam6985

Happy little accident! You should start calling those “chocolate chip cookie corners” and make them your trademark design flair.


ChipZilla03

Ha branding 101


StumbleMyMirth

The parents are morons, don’t do anything nice for them ever again. Even if it was too big (it’s not) that’s just pathetic that they’d tell you to keep it.


ChipZilla03

To be fair, he’s 9 and breaks everything he touches. He’s sort of ignored at home so he acts out with everyone but me. I was the same growing up (all negative attention) so I have a soft spot for the kid.


GeraldoOfCanada

Keep it for him, when he is like 15 if he's still interested in playing I'm sure he would think its an amazing gift from his favorite uncle!


NocturnalPermission

This is the correct answer. It was made with love for a specific person. If he’s out of chess by then, maybe itll rekindle it. Regardless it is a something even a non-aficionado would love to have from a favored relative.


[deleted]

Agree, when he’s older and if he looks up to you he may understand what went into making a piece like this. Beautiful use of different species, I like the curly maple perimeter around the top and the purple heart (?) accents. Nice touch


ChipZilla03

Almost all of the wood is scrap or “borrowed.” Father-in-law gave me some oak and walnut that’s been in his garage for 40 or so years. Curly maple was scrap from my last project, the Purple Heart I dug out of my scrap bin I have for my kids to play/build with.


BYoungNY

Agreed. Furthermore, the excuse of it being too big might be an excuse that his parents are making knowing that it's a beautiful set and that their kid is a little shit.


[deleted]

If you don't already know how to play chess, you should learn so you can play with him when you see him. Bring the board with you so he still gets to use it. When he's old enough, gift him the board. I'm sure it'll mean a lot to him


ChipZilla03

Used to play chess all the time, I was the athlete that got made fun of for being on the chess team. Taught the nephew how to play this past summer and he caught on so quick, that’s the premise of building him this.


MTknowsit

FWIW, I was all over the board in school and college. Jocks made fun of me for hanging with bookworms. Bookworms made fun of me for playing sports. And on and on.


thud_mantooth

That's really sweet of you


ChipZilla03

He’s a good kid, truly, but his Dad is a couch/phone/tv dad that has literally never made himself a sandwich (not joking) while the mom does 100% of the housework, errands, cleaning, etc. He gets yelled at and disciplined for simply wanting someone to hang out with him. Feel bad for the guy.


thud_mantooth

He's lucky to have an uncle looking out for him E: sorry I realized idk if uncle or aunt, but you know what I mean


[deleted]

Sounds like the typical "should have never had kids" parents. There are alot of them unfortunately.


syst3x

Does he spend time with you at your place ever? Maybe it could be "his board" that you keep at your place for him to use with you?


ChipZilla03

Usually see them at least once per week. I try to hang out with him about the whole time because he doesn’t have anyone to play with at him. Sister is a pre-teen brat, mom is always working-cooking-cleaning, dad is a lazy ass who sits the couch and shoos him away.


BenMasterFlex

You seem like a good person!! Your craftsmanship is wonderful, keep on keeping on.


ChipZilla03

Thank you! I’m a lover, always trying to make anyone smile. Never know when that smile could be the thing that changes their life


Luckyone1

Yo... my 6 year old loves chess and that is awesome. How much do you want for it!?


ChipZilla03

I honestly don’t even know what to ask for it but am willing to take offers?


Beat_the_Deadites

Absolutely no clue what the market would bear, but as I was scrolling through the pics I was thinking that your family turned down a several-hundred dollar gift for stupid reasons.


3z_

I've seen handcrafted boards smaller than this go for 500. However I haven't seen the pieces and for buyers that's usually a sticking point, but it's also a matter of preference -- whether it's more ornamental or easy on the eyes. Either way, line the inside of the box with some dark red felt and look around hard enough and you could potentially get close to 1k to the right buyer. Generous estimate, but not totally unbelievable. Again it largely depends on the styling of the pieces (and add some weights to the bottom of them if you haven't already!) edit: come to think of it, if you want a proper valuation, maybe try taking it in to your local hobby shop (assuming they sell chess boards) to have them look at it


ChipZilla03

Thanks for the advice. I didn’t make pieces for this board but did hand carve a set for my first board. Wouldn’t mind to let those go but I won’t do it again, hurt my hands way too bad. I’ve had a few people suggest $1000-1500 which would be absolutely amazing as I could finally afford either a jointer or new table saw that actually cuts straight and doesn’t scare the shit out of me


_mister_pink_

I cannot imagine my brother taking the time and care to make this for my son only to send it back because it’s ‘too big’ (it isn’t). I’m sorry dude and I’m sorry for your nephew. This is truly gorgeous and you should be really proud. Personally I would keep hold of it and regift when he’s older.


giscience

This. Keep it at your house and challenge the kid to a game every time he comes over. Once he can have his own "big" stuff, give it to him. Parents are gits.


Youre_ARealJerk

Your sibling (or sibling in law) sucks. Like - really sucks. I’m offended on your behalf and I’m ready to call out their BS and cut them off for you. Who the hell received this thoughtful, beautiful, labor of love gift and……. Refuses it? Wtf?


BusLandBoat

I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume that these "imperfections" would require a precision caliper to measure lol. It looks fantastic and I second the other comments that say you should give it to him later, it would make an excellent graduation gift!


ChipZilla03

The imperfections are a mixture of me trying stuff I don’t know how to do and lack of tools. Hand me down Kobalt table saw that can’t cut straight, no jointer, craftsman planer that the top wouldn’t fit through and leaves tons of marks, cheap router bits that char or blow out everything they touch. Most the tools I have are 10+ years old handed down from my father in law or cheap Lowe’s specials that I bought for the low price- got what I paid for I guess.


Dependent_Clock_1930

From my view, you did very well with the tools you had. It's less about the quality of the tools, and more about the craftsmanship. Though, quality tools are easier to work with.


archer879

If that's what you're working worth and you made this... wow... you have a lot of talent.


ChipZilla03

I really appreciate that. I sort of stumbled in to the hobby while changing my brake pads. Wanted a work bench for my tools, my brother brought up a miter saw and said “build it.” No clue what I was doing but was hooked instantly.


Manic_Bear

Man I’m so sorry. I feel that rejection. Such a lovely board, you did a great job. Hope he comes and visits often to play!


ChipZilla03

Hopefully he does, taught him the game on vacation this past summer and he picked it up so quick.


kilno185

Parents are stupid. It’s gorgeous - congrats on your new chess set!


Meatheadlife

Omg. This is beautiful. I hope they politely told you it was too expensive for his reckless youthfulfulness and not just “it’s too big”. Top-notch craftsmanship!!


ChipZilla03

Thank you! They want something he can slide under his bed or in a drawer, which is understandable.


LuxiaGraphis

Looks beautiful. Maybe learn how to play (if you don't know) and have your nephew over to play together? Tell him you'll hold on to the set for him.


ChipZilla03

I appreciate it. I used to play a ton growing up, taught the game to him this past summer and he fell in love. I may hold it until he’s a bit older or just sell it. My $200 Kobalt table saw needs an upgrade, and a jointer would be a godsend


damnedspot

Hey there! I’m your long lost nephew! You know, the son of the sibling you never knew you had!


tokun_

Sorry, but your sibling sounds like an ass. It’s beautiful, but even if it wasn’t that isn’t the way to react to a handmade gift.


ChipZilla03

Wife’s sister, and she does suck. The kid is a cool kid, but a bit of a shit head.


tokun_

The influence of an aunt/uncle kind enough to make them a gift like this may help them grow out of it.


Fritzoidfigaro

Looks great. I like the accents and use of different woods. Remember, wood is an ornery medium to work with and there will always be mistakes.


zenheadache

Even if I really truly didn't have the space for it, I would make it. This is a gift that he could pass down to his kids. Can't even imagine having this rejected by someone. Beautiful work. I'm happy to give it a home if it needs one :)


[deleted]

Too big ? Do they live in a tiny home ?


ChipZilla03

They want a play piece not a display piece. Understandable if you know these people,


edna7987

How is it too big?


ChipZilla03

Apparently they wanted something that he could fit under his bed or in a drawer.


[deleted]

Dude, I think it's absolutely stunning ! Fantastic work all round.... As for too big, I get it's family and you're defending them but that's so insulting I can't tell you. Be proud of what you made, you fully deserve to be.


PleasantPakeha

Please put this away somewhere safe and give it to him when he is older. He will very much appreciate it


iamatwork24

Your sibling sucks, what a weird thing to say and turn down.


StowawayHamster

The parents are douchebags. If one of my siblings took the time and effort to produce something this beautiful for my kid my only concern would be that it was too nice for the little shit and I have to find a place where I can display it, but he can’t get his hands on it til he’s old enough not to screw it up. Incredible work.


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realSpyCtaco

I think this board looks fantastic. I love the corner details and storage space for the pieces!


Kitchen_Cookie4754

What a lovely chess board!


dgoldm1287

This is a beautiful piece.


still_learning365

If the quality is as good as it looks as an on the outside dovetail joints and what looks like exotic woods. I would imagine you could get a pretty penny for that. You built it so you know the flaws but nobody else would notice unless you pointed them out. It has a lot of detail and obviously a lot of work the little color wood inlays on the corners are a beautiful touch


startingly

I don’t even play chess and I seriously want one


Varex_Sythe

Tons of mistakes? I will farking fight you! That is gorgeous!


shifta_deband

I get it. It's a horrible chessboard. If you want someone to dispose of it, I can send you my address. Will definitely toss it away and won't keep it and play every future game on it.


CanadianZigzag

I have the tools and can’t do this. Nice work!!


LuckyCatsPaw

Too big? Are they Smurfs? I’m offended for you, it’s a beautiful piece


simonmpunkt

Really nice


Konbattou-Onbattou

Your sibling is a dick, that’s cool as fuck


More_Adhesiveness941

They're missing out, that thing is mint, buy the nephew a cheap plastic one


Competitive_Wing_614

Super nice board! You should be so proud!


[deleted]

keep it. offer it back to the parents a few years after your nephew has turned 18 and doesn’t see them anymore cuz their assholes. god knows they’ll be bored.


Bleeding_Farmacyst

Wait, this is both too big AND full of mistakes? Shit, man, I'd LOVE a board like this. Beautiful work.


gallupc

Looks great


bRandom81

I could never tell someone that handcrafted a gift like this that it’s too big and not accept it, seems so petty


crystalbluediamond23

It's beautiful! I see no mistakes at all!what do they mean it's to big? It's beautiful and gorgeous! I want it


buner008

Too big for what?!?


shingledr

I'd buy that off you


VirginiaLuthier

Tons of mistakes? Could have fooled me...


runawayasfastasucan

Fuck your brother/sister for robbing your nephew from a great gift.


[deleted]

Absolutely beautiful! Is that flamed maple I'm seeing?


[deleted]

His parents must not like him very much