Solid wood boards by Sweet Hill Wood - Any reviews?

Hi there - 

Came across this site: https://www.sweethillwood.com/ 

The boards look beautiful and the prices are reasonable. Does anyone here have one? Care to post some pictures and a review? The pictures on the website are all with black/white plastic pieces. I'd love to see a board with some wooden pieces on it. 

Looking forward to your thoughts. He seems like a good alternative to Colorado Woodworker, JLP, etc. 

Looks very nice to me. Just found the example that you posted on here. Looks like a nice job for the price. Shipping is?

Hi, AJ from Sweet Hill Wood here. You can find a few reviews on my website and more feedback on eBay (woodworker.ny). The Sweet Hill Wood website is usually where you will find the best price. Feel free to give me a call or contact me if you would like more information. Thanks for considering Sweet Hill Wood!

I just stumbled across them now and they look very nice indeed! The prices are also very agreeable

The board in the picture looks fantastic. As long as he guarantees no warpage I would for sure consider it.

I have one in stock just like the one pictured above with 2-3/8s inch squares for $289 that ships to Poland $110. Use coupon code CHESSDOTCOM to get 10% off.

https://sweethillwood.com/peruvian-walnut-and-maple-chess-board-with-bubinga-border-2-3-8-inch-squares

Have sets from 3.5" to 4.4".  

Shipping to the 48 states (CONUS)?  

From New York to California starts at ~$24 for a large board (2-3/8 and above). Closer to New York state is less.

https://sweethillwood.com/padauk-and-maple-chessboard-2-5-inch-squares-and-wenge-border

Has anyone here ordered a board from Sweet Hill and actually received it?  I placed an order with him for a board on January 17.  The website said to allow 1--2 weeks for delivery, but AJ sent an email saying, "The holiday rush was pretty crazy and I am still a little behind so allow me an extra week to get this done."  I replied , "Sounds great."

I still do not have the board.  Since January, I have emailed him approximately once each month to follow up, and I have not received an email back.  I have also tried calling a number of times, and have had very little luck.  I got AJ on the phone once, in March, and he said that he expected the board to ship by about April 1, but I haven't heard from him since.  

I know he has a great website and a facebook account with photos, but is this whole thing legit?  I don't see anyone in the thread above who actually has one of these boards, so I am curious.  Also, I suppose that it goes without saying that I am really disappointed that I've waited 4 1/2 months for a board that was supposed to take 2--3 weeks, and I have had almost no communication about.  I paid for it up front too.  

If Sweet Hill isn't going to work out, who else makes really nice 2.25" boards with a border?  I'd buy the JLP / Drueke style, but they seem unavailable.  You can't even pre-order them.  Any thoughts?

If you have the patience, you might want to wait for a board from @Bryan-HallWS, who is waiting for new machinery. Look here for his work and knowledge: More Board Building Discussion I almost certainly buy a 2.35" board after all of his machinery arrives.

That's a bummer and I feel your pain. I ordered a vise for my woodshop in December. Every time I talk to the guy he claims "next month"

I've got a bunch of my boards out in beta testing right now and I'm waiting on some new machines that are slated to arrive in late July. Would be happy to schedule a board with you after I get everything in. 

Always interested in a sharp-looking quality board. Do you have a website?

My woodworking website is being built in the evenings but hasn't launched yet. You're welcome to check out my carpentry website at rosecityropes.com

Too bad you are so far away. Will be doing a kitchen remodel with new cabinets and they are everything in this project. Never mind paying up fr the eww and ohh factor and quality. WIll be looking forward to seeing what your boards look like. Once you start taking pre-orders let me know. Like the 2 3/8" size.

You out in Wisconsin? I'm originally from Minnesota. Quality cabinets are a fantastic investment for the home. I've never seen someone regret them. Cheap cabinets though, always disappointing. Would love to see pics when you wrap up the remodel. 

If you don't mind getting a quarterly newsletter, filling out the contact form on my site is the best way to get the most up to date news on when the woodshop is launching. You might even find yourself with a coupon for the launch when the time comes. www.rosecityropes.com

I don't know what's happening with Sweethillwood but I'm pretty sure he is a 1 man team. I have reviewed and I truly think his board is great.  I particularly like how the cherry inlay goes with the antique coloring of this SC 1849 Nathaniel set.

Far from the top collector and my sets are all modern. Probably one of the smallest collectors on here. I can't afford to buy an original anything and getting it restored.  The best set I have is OS top-line Staunton pieces in his Italian-made solid mahogany chess box.  I do have a few pictures of that on my computer but not the whole set and do not want to hijack the thread but here is one pic.

Love those knights!  (There's another thread (or two...) dedicated to knights and sets - love to see the whole set.)