Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Bending Branches Factory Tour

Made in the USA! Everything all the way down to the raw materials. And they know what they are doing after 30 + years. Many of the employees at Bending Branches have been there for close to 2 decades. Building paddles is both an art and a science and these guys have PHDs in both. Wow! The beginning of a paddle...well actually it starts with trees but I figure you know what a tree looks like.
The lamination is grooved for Bending Branches "Rock Guard" tip to be poured in.


Paddles are hand beveled. This is where the "Art" part comes into play...


Post varnish paddles. These have been dipped several times and are now drying before being boxed.


A composite blade is formed from compression molds and serious attention to detail.