Craig & Aaron Golema
Acworth, Georgia
4/12/2013

"Just a quick note to let you know our Catsperch Pro kit arrived
yesterday in perfect condition. My son, Aaron, and I spent the evening
assembling it. Saying we're blown away with the quality of the kit and
it's ease of assembly is an understatement! As an engineer, I can
completely appreciate the design and workmanship. As amateur
astronomers, we can't wait to put it use - it will allow us both to
enjoy the heavens foregoing sore feet, backs and trying to compromise a
comfortable position given our great height differences. We're planning
on staining the chair this weekend with a light cherry and Spar
Urethane finish... This piece of furniture was worth every penny.

Cheers and Best,

Craig and Aaron"

Patrick Wayne
Peralta, New Mexico
9/25/2010

"Just wanted to reiterate the fact that I love this chair.  I was
finally able to use it last night and at first, I didn't think I would
like carrying it around outside.  But, it's so lightweight that I
didn't notice (I think your estimate of 20 lbs. is too high, it's more
like 14 or 15 lbs., no more).  The versatility to sit either really
high, or really low is amazing and one of the best features of the
Cat's Perch Pro.  It's also a very stable and solid chair, which isn't
surprising, given that it's made of oak.  This is a wonderful product;
an accessory every amateur astronomer should own.

Another surprising feature is the seat cushion.  I wasn't very keen on
paying $76 for it, but I'm damn sure glad I did.  It's so comfortable
and has made a huge difference; worth every cent.  Thanks again Ron
and Jim, I'll be sending some customers your way very soon."

Jenny Price
North Hills, California
1/20/10

"Hi Ron & Jim,

I just wanted to let you know that our Catsperch Summit arrived today
and it is BEAUTIFUL.  We are so pleased with how it all turned out.
Ironically it arrives as we are in the middle of our wettest January in
five years -  so much for trying it outside for now, but we both
climbed up on it in the living room, and it is great.  I’m so pleased
that I decided to get this for my husband for Christmas.  Can’t wait to
try it in the field!"

Thanks so much!

Jenny Price (and family)

Karl Perkins
Dallas, Texas
3/5/06

"Hello Jim,

My collimation tools were delivered on Tuesday, 2/28/06 and I received
my chair from Ron on Friday, 3/2/06. I have used both the tools and the
chair and they are both of outstanding quality. You and Ron are to be
commended on your fine products and excellent service, and please list
me as a very satisfied customer. Thanks again!"

Greg Comegys
Grand Rapids, Michigan
1/20/06

"Hi Jim - I purchased plans from you for the CatsPerch Pro just before
Christmas, and got them in time to use during the holiday break (thanks
for your quick response).  The plans were thorough and saved me hours,
I'm sure.  I used dowels for most of the assembly, and took the liberty
to lighten it a bit.  Thoroughly enjoyed building it....."

Sam Brandt
Malvern, Pennsylvania
5/7/05

"I received the plans.  They are beautifully and professionally done, and
exceed my expectations.  thanks.. "

Rick Rashman
Barrington, Illinois
1/28/05

"I just completed the Cats Perch Pro from your Plans and Hardware. It
Looks Great! Actually I have one more coat of Minwax to go... I ordered
the plans, templates, and hardware kit from you and bought the wood
from LOWES DIY, followed your very detailed and thorough instructions.
Not being a woodworker or having most of the tools, I had to purchase
some of them, but it was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience!"

Teri Denson
Camarillo, California
3/22/04

"I used my new chair for the first time this weekend.  It went together
perfectly and I finished it with 4 coats of varathane and added a
wooden star "motif" for decoration on the top of the seat back ...

The chair is just gorgeous and elicited many "ohs and ahs" from my
observing buddies.  I purchased one of those Microcore inserts on the
Internet and am going to make a quilted seat cover to slide it into for
cold nights but haven't gotten around to that yet.

The chair’s "first dark" consisted of watching the double transit of Io
and Ganymede across the face of Jupiter on Saturday night - an
appropriately dramatic event for an awesome chair.  It was the first
time I ever just relaxed and tracked a transit in complete comfort with
the scope (15" Obsession) almost at zenith.  WOW!  Definitely worth the
18 month wait for the kit!  ...

... Thank you for such a magnificent addition to my observing gear.  It will
also be perfect if I ever attend the Rose Parade again since I can set up
behind the first few rows of people and be quite comfy.

3/24/04

"I have no experience with "woodworking" and was just blown away at how
easily everything went together and how perfectly all the pieces fit.
Nothing needed to be re-drilled or re-aligned and the directions were
complete and easy to follow."

Pedro Carrillo
Largo, Florida
3/22/04

"I just wanted to thank you for making the plans available. I have to
admit at first I thought that I got into something to complicated for
my skills. This was my first wood working project and your plans,
templates and directions made it pretty straight forward."

John Siers
Oakland, Tennessee
3/2/04

"Just finished building my Cat’s Perch chair from the plans and
hardware kit you sent me - it’s beautiful, seems very stable, and will
get lots of use. Your plans were great and easy to follow. Also,
thanks for giving me an excuse to go out and buy a DeWalt Biscuit
Jointer (I am building up my woodworking shop, and it is a really slick
tool).

I am one of those astronomers who still likes the old German-style
equatorial mount, and of course that means large variations in eyepiece
viewing height, depending on what part of the sky I'm looking at. I'm
sure the Cat’s Perch will be a really useful accessory, and am just
waiting for the next clear night for a field test."

Philip Reed
Blacksburg, Virginia
1/27/04

"I have completed building my Catsperch-Pro chair from the plans and
hardware that I ordered in November. It is ready for staining and it
has turned out beautifully. Your plans, including the top-assembly
drawing, the templates and the detailed instructions were excellent.
It was amazing how you matched the templates to stock sizes of oak
lumber available at Lowes. The project provided me a learning
opportunity in woodworking and my first exposure to biscuit joining
(yes, I bought a biscuit joiner) and to Forstner drill bits. I came to
appreciate how much time is involved in building one of these chairs
when starting from scratch with only plans and stock lumber...

I must say that now the chair is completely assembled, I look at it
with a real sense of pride - more so I'm sure than I would have, had
I started with the kit. Thanks for such a fine, clean design and such
well-done instructions."

Rich Dolbow
King of Prussia, PA
1/10/04

"I got a chance in December to build my CATSPERCH chair.  I just wanted
to tell you how impressed I am with the kit you made.  I have put
together many furniture kits, from companies such as Bartley and
Cohasset Colonials, and your kit exceeds all of theirs.  The wood you
provided was flawless and prepared beautifully.  I had very little
sanding to do to prep it for its finish (I went for a medium brown
fumed oak look).  The packaging of the kit was impressive too.  No
wasted space, no wasted packaging, yet everything was protected.

Thanks again for the fine kit.  It was definitely worth the wait!"

Randall Morton
Memphis, Tennessee
9/6/03

"I know I got a little tired of waiting but your chair was worth
waiting on.  The quality of the chair exceeds my expectations.  I
almost hate to use it, I don't want to mess it up.  You are truly an
artist with wood.  I understand now why the wait is so long."

Jeb Blackwell
Houston, Texas
4/19/03

"Just wanted to share a picture of the finished kit. Your instructions
and attention to the smallest details were excellent! I really enjoyed
building the kit. I can't wait to fully test it at the TSP. I know it
will draw much interest. Will report back after TSP."

Patrick W.
Hendersonville, Tennessee
4/4/03

"Well it was worth the wait.  I've finished my CATSPERCH and it is
everything you promised. Now if the sky would clear I'd be a happy man."

Harvey Gryttenholm
Waverly, New York
3/29/03

"It was quite a wait, but as is usually the case when you're getting a
really top quality astronomy related item, it was definitely well worth
waiting for. The quality and workmanship are superb, as was expected,
but the functionality is just as impressive as the appearance.  This
will make my nights a lot more comfortable and I believe my grand kids
will be saying the same thing about it someday.... I think it's a
fabulous chair and would recommend one to anyone."

Jim Phillips
Charleston, South Carolina
12/3/02

"WOW! And I do mean Wow! I cannot tell you how impressed with this
observing chair I am. It is a magnificent piece of workmanship. I
truly love nice woodwork and this chair is superbly made. You've done
a great job! Thank you very much! I truly appreciate it. It's going to
be a real pleasure using it. Wonderful! Thanks again!"

12/16/02

"... It worked beautifully. One of the best Low seats I have ever used.
I did have to get up pretty high on it to check out Jupiter as soon as
it cleared the trees. The chair not only Looks beautiful (Which it is!)
it functions excellently as well. ... when I saw the chair without the
seat it looked too beautiful to cover up. I like your work! Very nice.
... I must say the chair is wonderful. I was also impressed with how
I can actually climb up on it using the foot rest. After a while I have
started finding comfortable positions using the feet."

12/17/02

" ...I tested your chair as low as I could get it and it was
comfortable at its lowest heights. I tried it with the footrest in
place, with the footrest off and the chair at about 7" and I even moved
the footrest and seat up as high as they can go and tried it sitting
flat on the rug using the backrest for support! ... it was comfortable
as just a backrest sitting flat on the floor! What was amazing to me is
how at the lowest levels, leaning back in the chair with feet on the
floor, you are Very comfortable. I am very very pleased. It's a great
chair and it's beautiful also. I am happy I have another one coming!!
Thanks for making such a wonderful chair."

1/15/03

"It's very exciting to think I'll have two of these magnificent chairs
soon. As I have said, they are wonderful from a functional standpoint
but are also beautiful as well. Great Craftsmanship. Thanks very much!"


1/24/03>

"Well, I'm very excited about the chair. I'll let you know when it
arrives. I will probably keep it here with my 9" but I'm not sure. I
could probably use a third! Yikes. Anyway, it's been a pleasure dealing
with you. As I said, and truly believe, you make a first class product
which is not only functional but a work of art as well! Superb
craftsmanship!"


2/3/03

"... I unpacked the new CATSPERCH and it fit together perfectly. The
new cloth seat is a Bonus. I like it very much. Excellent idea. Your
chair is just superb. I cannot thank you enough. Thanks for the hard
work, thanks for the craftsmanship, thanks for everything!"

  

Pete Roebber
Atascadero, California
5/24/02

"I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far. The wood is all prime
stuff. The workmanship is top notch. The chair was packaged extremely
well: you've really got that down to a science! I ran through the
parts list and everything was included in my shipment...

I began assembly right away. I got the back leg component screwed and
glued. Everything fit together extremely well. You seem to be able to
build to very tight tolerances. I'm impressed, and that's not easy to
do! I look forward to spending the long weekend completing assembly
and finishing my chair. Thank you again for making such an excellent
product and for working with me to customize your design."

George J. Klarmann, Ph.D.
Frederick, Maryland
12/31/01

"My CATSPERCH kit arrived on Friday.  I've put most of it together and
I'm in the process of finishing it now. It looks great and the
directions were very thorough. Thanks."

Shannon Hendrickson
Portland, Oregon
9/18/01

"I finally had a chance to put the chair together this weekend - it
was probably the most enjoyable assembly experience I've ever had.
Your instructions were concise, well-ordered, and easy to follow (the
drawings are fantastic), and I really appreciated that each part was
labeled with name and orientation - also the color-coded stickers on
the dowels were a nice touch. I still have to go buy some helmsman
spar so I can use it outside - for now it's my sewing chair! ..."

Phil Wowak
Macungie, Pennsylvania
8/25/01

"Just completed the chair and it's ready for the stain.  Everything
came out just fine.  The quality and workmanship of your kit is
excellent."

Arpad Kovacsy
Fairfax, Virginia
6/4/01

"I wanted to thank you for a great product.  My CATSPERCH chair arrived
in perfect condition (even the packaging was first class) and I am
enjoying its many conveniences.  The quality of workmanship and the
pride you take in your work is clearly evident.  Thanks so much for
creating such a wonderful and useful product."

Jim Foy
Andover, Massachusetts
4/27/01

"The CATSPERCH arrived Wednesday. Wow, the craftsmanship is incredible.
I spent about one hour putting it together and am in the process of
sanding and finishing it.  It was easy to put together and the
instructions are well thought out. I plan to use it Saturday for an
Astronomy Day Star Party.  I look forward to years of use.

Thanxs!!"


Paul Whitney
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
1/16/01

"Just thought I'd let you know that I finished my CATSPERCH last
weekend.  The instructions were great and I had no trouble putting it
together ..."

Sam Cosgrove
Palm Harbor, Florida
9/3/00

"... All parts are here and what a wonderful job you've done.
Everything is so detailed and the wood looks and feels marvelous.

10/11/00

"Today I just completed the final leg assembly.  This after taking
my time and putting 5-6 coats of Minwax Clear Outdoor on (over the
last month and a half).  The kit was fun to build and everything was
cut perfectly.  It looks beautiful and my 7 year old daughter and I
each tried out the chair.  She gave it her approval.   I'm 6 feet
tall & 220 lbs. and sitting in the upper CATSPERCH seat I can
comfortably, safely and easily view into an eyepiece at 78 inches
high. AMAZING!"

Glenn Thureson
Renton, Washington
8/25/00

"What a beautiful kit!  I had read people's comments, but seeing is
believing.  It should go together very quickly, because you have taken
care of the judgment part:  "Let's see, should I drill here or over
that way a bit?"  I know people have built such things from scratch,
but you have also taken care of the experimental stuff such as "Should
this piece be 3/8" or 1/2" thick?".  Definitely worth the wait!"

9/6/00

"The CatsPerch worked fine at the Oregon Star Party.  It drew
many admiring glances."

Kevin Busarow
BigBinoculars.com
Jamestown, Ohio
7/3/00

"... I received the kit, and put it together that same night.  Wow -
this is without a doubt the highest quality kit (of any kind) I've ever
seen.  Each piece was precise to within a couple of thousandths - which
is not something I'd expect on something made of wood.  I still need to
sand and finish it.  I plan on using a cherry stain and I expect it
will be a beautiful piece when finished- maybe too nice to haul outside
;)  It was worth the wait!"

Rick Paul
Los Angeles, California
6/8/00

"Chair arrived yesterday, safe and sound. All I can say is WOW. What
beautiful wood and craftsmanship! My Mom was visiting yesterday when
I unpacked. She made at gasp at the beautiful wood!"

6/12/00

"Instructions were detailed and easy to follow. Labeling on all the
parts made assembly foolproof. Quality of the wood, hardware, and
workmanship exceeded my expectations."

Robin Woods
Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
5/31/00

"I finally got time to assemble my chair.  It was quick and easy.
Overall I guess about four days, mostly waiting for the urethane to
dry.  My only comment would be that persons, like myself, who are not
that handy might do better to leave the back leg system until they have
assembled the main notched back, seat and footrest. I did not get the
ends quite square and the back leg rubs a little when it folds up -
though a touch e seat height adjusts easily and the foot rest is handy
for getting on board when the seat is high.  And the chair looks good!"

Eckart Fuchs
Norway
4/26/00

"The chair looks really good; I like it!  My wife says she might want
to use it in the kitchen during the day time! The assembly tips and
labels are really perfect; it`s not often you buy a kit so easy to
assemble."

Wayne Gondella
Pittsburg, PA
2/12/00

"Everything checked out fine.  Craftsmanship and attention to detail
exemplary... The chair is more than functional, more than adequate: it
is a work of art--- real Art Deco stuff!!  Definitely worth the wait.
Upholstery excellent.  First-rate materials throughout! Damn it, it's
beautiful, Jim! Will stain with some Golden Oak to bring out grain,
then polyurethane it. Seat cushion blue nice color match to tube of
Questar Seven. Thanks for everything--- real nice doing business with
you."

Steve Williams
Rockford, IL
12/7/99

"I'm very pleased with the CATSPERCH chair kit.  The chair design is
very solid and well thought-out.  I was very impressed with your
assembly instructions, and the high level of detail you went though
to make sure anyone could put it together.  There were no physical
defects in the wood, and all the pieces aligned up perfectly.  I'm
finishing the chair in two steps, two coats of interior
stain/polyurethane (polyshades) followed by two coats of the Helmsman
polyurethane (spray can version)..."

"...The whole thing went together extremely quickly, a tribute to your
instructions.  I thought the color coded dots were an excellent visual
tool for getting the correct ends lined up..."

12/16/99

"Attached are three photos of my finished CatsPerch chair.  It's
working great so far, though I think I'll throw some close cell foam
over the seat for winter!"
  

Pieter Vlieghe
Belgium
10/20/99

"...it really looks and is wonderfully crafted!! No doubt it's worth
the wait.  In fact it's that beautiful that I am thinking to let it
stay in the living room ;-)"

10/21/99

"I am really proud to be the "first" European to own one...  Thanks
again for making me the "Mercedes" of observing chairs, I am very
happy to have one."

George Cooper
College Place, WA
9/6/99

"I'm very pleased with the chair, it's everything I expected and
more...workmanship is superb."

9/14/99
"Last week I attended the Oregon Star Party, received many inquiries
regarding the Cat's Perch, people were impressed by the stability and
comfort."

Joe Berkovitz
Easchester, NY
9/23/99

"I got the chair and I love it, you are one hell of a craftsman,
it was worth the wait."

Ben Motta
Spring, TX
8/19/99

"The chair arrived about an hour ago. It was well worth the wait. The
chair is excellent and is well made. I tried it out and it holds me up
just fine. It should last a lifetime at least. My daughter, who is
22 yrs. and also likes to observe the night sky with me, also tried the
chair out and it looks like I'm going to have to fight with her to use
the chair. She loves it. I can't get her off it. Thanks much for a
great chair. You can use me as an endorsement if you like, It is really
a great observing chair."

Wade Holguin
Chandler, AZ
5/4/99

"Jim, received everything ok and already started to put the chair
together.  What fine craftsmanship. I will enjoy this chair for years."

David Bixby
Missoula, MT
1/19/99

"I received the chair kit last week and assembled and sanded it over
the weekend.  I am extremely impressed with the quality of the kit.  As
I assembled the chair it was apparent how much thought you put into the
design....

... Thanks for such a great product at a reasonable price.  I'll
certainly be talking up my new chair during the adult ed. astronomy
course I will be teaching this February."

Joe Marusak
Harmony, NC
10/20/98

"My CATSPERCH kit arrived just as you said it would (WED) and I must
say thus far I'm really impressed. Excellent packaging, good material,
good workmanship. All parts here and I'm ready to start assembly. Took
the instructions to work with me last night and read them fully. Well
done effort there also, their "idiot proof", assembly will be pure
pleasure. Biscuit joints, screwed and glued but joints, wow I must be
dreaming! ... I'll get back with you after assembly and final finishing
and let you know how it comes out."

11/9/98

"The chair is great!!  Easy to assemble, finished beautifully, and yes,
supports a big person well!  Great design, top of the line materials.
You've got a winner here..."

Michael Powers
Portland, OR
9/18/98

"chair arrived on Wednesday, put together in about 2 hours. glue dried
overnight and it assembled today in about 15 minutes. will have to put
the final finishing touches on next week when I  get back from the star
party in the steens mountains in south east Oregon, 7000 feet, very
very dark. Thanks again for your prompt shipment and for the well
organized kit to assemble."

9/24/98

"I have a Celestron 9.25 ultima sct. The chair worked great. I used
dense foam for a cushion. I used the very lowest position when looking
at the zenith and at mid level when looking near the horizon. I stand
6 feet 2 inches. The chair adjusted very nicely and I was quite
secure."

Aaron Michael Cohen
Beaverton, OR
9/23/98

"Built the chair last week and urethaned it this weekend. It went
together without a problem and looks great! I have only had a one brief
session in which use it. I can definitely concentrate on seeing details
in the sky verses having a sore back.

I think that my 4 1/4" Dob is a little short (~1 ft) for the chair,
it's often tough to get my knees under the scope tube. I've been using
it with the chair facing mainly forward and turning to the side to
look into the eyepiece. The 8" that I am building is about 1 1/2 feet
at horizontal and should be a good match to the chair. I'll give you
more feedback as the time goes on. Thanks for a great kit."

Scott Berfield
Hayward, CA
7/1/98

"I got it last week. The 3rd coat of varnish is drying in the garage as
I type. The fit of the parts was excellent and I am very pleased with
the chair. Now if the clouds will go away,  I can try it out!"

Charlie Kerekes
Middletown, NJ
6/30/98

"Attached are two photos of my completed chair (front and
back view). Looks great. The quality of materials was outstanding. The
design is very good and was easy to put together. Its obvious to me
that you put a lot of time and effort into this. The chair should last
a lifetime. I tried it in various seat positions and you're right its
very stable. This should make my viewing times much more enjoyable. I
especially like the foot rest. None of the commercial units I looked at
had that feature. For the price I paid and even with your new higher
price its a great value. I'm just happy that in one of my surfing
sessions I happened to come upon it in the New Products section in
AstroMall, I think. There are no weaknesses that I could determine and
as an engineer I'm always looking at ways to improve on stuff. Having
labels on all the parts was a real time saver."