Here's what some of our customers are saying about Cold-Bend™ Hardwood and the products we make from them...
I was reminded of your company's wood when I was selling a sculpture I made from it, and realized I'd never said anything to you - I got some sassafras boards last winter, and was genuinely stunned by them. I'm a young artist, I have a lot more ambition than I have money, and it was just affordable enough for me to feel okay with experimenting and potentially wasting some material. I set out to build something I fully expected to crack in any number of places, and it just kept bending! I attached an image, I did that whole thing by hand (with a bandsaw of course), it's all one piece, no breaks! And when it dried it was just regular wood! Maybe that's no surprise to you, but it was to me, regardless of how many videos I watched of you playing with it. Thank you! Lily Gist. lilygist.com
"I've always wanted to make a concert size uke with a tight Venetian cutaway, but that is, for all practical purposes, impossible with regular wood on a hot pipe or bending form. The bend in my design is just too extreme and attempting it results in excessive breakage. However, Cold Bend wood allows us to make this 1/4" radius bend easily and repeatedly with no breakage or loss. Without it, we could not make our Bumbershoot and Parasol models. Cold-Bend is firmly in the realm of the fantastic" Michael Dredsner, Rainy Day Ukes
"I made two projects with your wood this year and every time I work with it I refrain from jumping up and down and screaming about how much I love it. Thanks so much for bringing this wood to the world. It has radically changed my art work and it is just wonderful to play with it and see what else it can do." Kristin LeVier, Wood Artist
"If you knew me you would understand that I am one who does not "flatter" people. That is unkind. I am very direct in my evaluation of others, and I am hardest on myself. Having said that, I want you to know how much I admire and appreciate your work. Your submission has gone way beyond my expectations. It is simple to understand, yet mind-blowing in its potential." Tim Barton, Author, San Francisco, CA
"Wow--I have never seen anything like this! Amazing! I would love to collaborate on projects together. Your process opens up a wealth of possibilities." John Meyers, Meyer/Wells Furniture, Seattle, WA
"This was by far one of the best presentations given at our Guild, I found it fascinating, and I had no previous knowledge of the process and was a great audience participation program. I think the members were in awe of the presentation. Thank you." Tom P. Evergreen Woodworkers Guild, Tacoma, WA
Today we fitted the first frames of your compressed wood into Therapy...(1946 Phil Rhodes 33). I have to say from first impressions, the product is just amazing. It was a totally stress free process & allowed us to take our time & get things fitted perfectly as opposed to the frenetic work of steam bending. The higher board foot price of the stock is totally slashed by the savings in labor. Steam bending would have taken 3 of us the better part of the day just to stay organized & keep on the boil so to speak. I guarantee there would have been breakages of either frames or planking in the process. I did the majority of the framing solo, calling for assistance occasionally to hold things in position while I clamped.
The team was really impressed, as were the knowledgeable visitors to the shop today. Lots of discussion about the different applications it could be used in (new build/repair/various structural fittings etc).
I have taken a number of photos & will email them through tomorrow, I hope they are not too late to get to Wooden Boat Magazine.
Thanks to both you and Chris for your advice during the lead up to today! James Dreyer, San Diego, CA
Holy Cow! I just received the beautiful “MEGA SOLID” piece of art. Thank you so much, I’ve been doing laps around the factory showing everyone! Maybe we should take it to NAMM just to blow some minds? What a cool thing and thank you again. JG
I went into your website and I was looking at the gallery. I have to say is a big WOW! I am impressed as to how things have blossomed! You are busier than ever and I can't believe how this thing has taken off and how it is going into some really interesting directions. So fascinating! Thanks for promoting the different uses for Comrpessed Wood and for sharing it all with us through your web site. Tania Radda, Wood Artist
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Last weekend I used the compressed elm for my project and was absolutely amazed! I had very high hopes on the product and it far exceeded them. Tuesday night was my local Turning clubs meeting and I brought in a strip of the wood and explained what it was. As I was talking I was also bending the elm. The group was completely blown away! Bob Trucchi
