Rockler vs Woodcraft | Where to Buy Woodworking Tools and Wood?
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Who has the best woodworking store for supplies, tools, service and more? Woodcraft vs Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. Finding a store that sells woodworking tools and hardwood in your area could be a game-changer for your woodworking business or your woodworking hobby. Both of these woodworking stores offer a variety of tools, supplies, and personal help including woodworking classes.
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Rockler Bench Cookies - amzn.to/4a1WzjP
Rockler Dust Right - amzn.to/439tgtb
Rockler Jigs - amzn.to/439fo2r
Shop Rockler Store Online - www.rockler.com
Shop Woodcraft Online - www.jdoqocy.com/click-1005875...
WoodRiver Tools - www.jdoqocy.com/click-1005875...
Find a Rockler Store Near You - www.rockler.com/retail/stores
Find a Woodcraft Store Near You - www.jdoqocy.com/click-1005875...
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Beginner Masterclass - • Beginner Woodworking T...
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0:00 Woodcraft vs Rockler Woodworking Stores
0:56 History of Woodcraft
1:49 History of Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
2:35 Woodworking Store Locations
3:13 In-Store Experience at Woodcraft and Rockler
5:25 In-Store Power Tool Options
5:47 Store Brand Tool Differneces
6:11 Rockler Separates Themselves With Jigs
7:03 Wood Selection In-Store
9:15 Finish Options In-Store
9:52 Specialty Tool Availability
10:34 Woodworking Classes
12:30 Dedicated to Steve Julian
14:43 Woodcraft On-Line Experience
18:02 Rockler On-Line Experience
21:15 Free Woodworking Plans
22:16 Rockler Classes
23:40 Woodcraft Philanthropy
24:30 Rockler Philanthropy
25:15 Rockler Manager Interview
28:05 Woodcraft Ft Worth Manager Interview
29:28 Rockler Employee Interview
31:51 Woodcraft Houston Manager Interview
33:23 Differences in Store Experiences - Jak na to + styl
Click "Read more" to see all of the tool links.
Watch Next: Woodcraft vs Home Depot and Lowes - czcams.com/video/sFe7l22OqVk/video.html
Tools in this video:
Rockler Bench Cookies - amzn.to/4a1WzjP
Rockler Dust Right - amzn.to/439tgtb
Rockler Jigs - amzn.to/439fo2r
Shop Rockler Store Online - www.rockler.com
Shop Woodcraft Online - www.jdoqocy.com/click-100587516-13954075
WoodRiver Tools - www.jdoqocy.com/click-100587516-13856554?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodcraft.com%2Fcollections%2Fwoodriver-tools-kits
Find a Rockler Store Near You - www.rockler.com/retail/stores
Find a Woodcraft Store Near You - www.jdoqocy.com/click-100587516-13856554?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodcraft.com%2Fpages%2Fstore-locator%3Fgad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA6KWvBhAREiwAFPZM7n3uPW9BAY_mI2UYaABdJEvhZqY-_jdWgq0AC3o54lJ7yDiPHQm87BoCWGQQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds
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So I do enjoy these videos, but all the stores are so far away from me they are not a option. Your a big enough channel, it would be interesting to have you put out a call for stores like this to reach out to you. And do a video of the small chains/comparison of woodworking stores and what the different regions have different. Like Im in upstate ny, mostly big box stores but there is a small local chain that has exotic woods. Similar to woodcraft, but I see its closer to a big box store in the end. But mostly we need to look for local sawmills with tiny signs on the side of the road.
Thank you for honoring Steve, it was a wonderful tribute.
Excellent video as always Matt.
Thank you for talking about Steve. Very touching tribute. I’m sure he would have enjoyed it.
Matt, I manage the Pittsburgh Woodcraft, and I am so grateful you took the time to do this video. We have a rocker right up the road from us and it's awesome to have both stores in the same place. Thank you for bringing attention to the things we do well. God bless.
When I first started woodworking I got a part time job at Rockler. That eventually led to me being the Assistant Manager of the store for a couple years. I learned SO MUCH from my coworkers and I absolutely loved paying it forward by helping new woodworkers with what I'd learned.
Both Rockler and Woodcraft are amazing and we are lucky to have such stores as woodworkers. I highly suggest going to both and supporting them.
Matt, your tribute to Steve was very heartfelt and touching. As I watched it reminded me of a man who worked at the woodworking store where I bought all of my large machines in the early 2000s. Like Steve, he served in the military (Korea) and became a dedicated family man and wood turner. I spent many Saturdays visiting him at that store and he was a wealth of knowledge and so generous with sharing it with a new woodworker like myself. I only had the privilege of knowing him for about three years before he died suddenly. Thankfully, the owner of the store knew of our relationship and was kind enough to give me a few of Rich’s turnings which I proudly display in my shop. So, I fully understand your grief concerning Steve’s passing and thank you for enabling me to remember Rich. May they both rest in peace.
Thank you for the tribute to a man that dedicated his life to his country and his community. I always enjoy your content. Keep up the excellent work!
As a Rockler employee and instructor thanks for taking the time to visit and share your insight into the retail side of woodworking. I, of course, have my own opinion as to which one is better.
Me too klingspor
12:30 So sorry to hear about Steve's passing. Most may not know that over 50m of us leave this world every year, many of who are good people gone too soon. As Mat said "you never know when it's going to be the last time you'll see someone", so be kind to each other.
Rest well brother.
We are blessed to have both Rockler and Woodcraft in Oklahoma City. I visit both frequently, depending on who has a sale on what I need. I don’t want to hitch my wagon to either one because I want the competition. Also, it’s good to have the two stores to provide more inventory and selection to the community. One thing that I love in particular is getting to meet other woodworkers at the stores. That is something you’ll never get through Amazon.
Ok, cabinet makers are not wood workers? I was in the cabinet making industry in my younger years. Really enjoyed those years of my life. Never realized how much I would miss it till my life took me to something totally different. Now I enjoy making cutting and charcuterie boards, crosses, bird houses and feeders. If it's made of wood, I love it. Thanks for your channel Matt.
Definitely stopping by at our Houston locations more often! Love the love you give and RIP Steve.
In Tampa, it’s a no brainer. Rockler beats them by a hell of a lot
One thing that impressed me on a visit to a Rockler is their recommendation to talk to a specific person to build something instead of buying the tools to do it myself. I bought my house from a flipper. They removed a garbage compactor and installed an ugly cabinet door which didn't match the rest of the cabinet. I brought a cabinet door and wanted to buy a matching router bit. They instead recommended a local maker who they felt would be able to build a similar door for less than buying a router table, router and bits. They could have sold me a router table, router, wood, and possibly found a compatible set of router bits, but they didn't. I still haven't called the recommended company, as I'm still considering what I want to do, but it speaks to the integrity of the store. I only discovered Woodcraft existed less than a year ago, and both stores are close to me, but I haven't visited Woodcraft yet. Woodcraft would be well served to pay to be advertised when someone searches for a Rockler product, just to let people know they exist.
My first exposure to Rockler was when I was organizing a luncheon for a promoted coworker who wanted a metric measuring tape. The search for that tape led me to Rockler many years ago.
I remember Steve. I thought he was so cool when he started talking. May he rest in peace. ❤️🙏🏽
We have both stores nearby but I tend to spend a lot more time at Rockler. It’s a very social experience (makes me feel like Norm walking into Cheers). We talk about our projects and often end up sharing photos of our current work like proud parents. My longest visit to date was three hours of lathe research. I spoke to three different woodturners and got great advice from all three. I went back and bought the lathe the next day.
I love your videos. I've learned quite a bit about tools here on your channel but this has been my favorite to date. I definitely relate to your experience with Mr. Julian. I meet cabinet makers and woodworkers at my job daily and some of them just make an impression. I can tell they're glad to see younger guys like myself taking an interest in the craft and sharing their genuine love for it. R.I.P. Mr. Julian and thanks Mr. And Mrs. 731 for introducing us to him.
Owning a drill means that there is an implied use for it, in your mind. I am a Life member of Handyman Club of America. Time-Life Books had a series on woodworking in the late 80's. Was in electronics in the Navy for 8 years and another 22 in consumer then access control, gate and DVR systems. As a woodworker there is a limit to what you can build or install in your home. As a technician I had mostly used electronics that I repaired from abandoned repairs or declined estimates.
I visited a couple in Decatur Indiana on a service call to repair their Zenith Console TV. It was 1988 and it was 25 years old already. Still had the sonic clicker. This gentleman gave me a tour of his garage shop. Scroll saw, router and table saw gleaming, and lots of train sets for kids. He wuld make a bunch to give away to neighbor children and the local fire department drive for Christmas.
I’m still a fairly new woodworker. I work for Rockler but a few months before I started with Rockler, I took on of Steve’s classes at Woodcraft. He was a very passionate woodworker that truly cared about sharing his knowledge. I’m saddened to hear of his passing but thank you for the tribute you gave.
Exception edition. Thanks for the "memorial" of Steve...I'm sure he is in that "Better Place"...
Kudos to you for sharing your story about Steve. I find that as I get older and gain wisdom, situations like you described choke me up or make me shed a few tears, it’s touching when you see someone pay tribute to someone else they respect. Thank you for not editing out your emotion, you have my respect.
I would love to see you take a trip to Highland Woodworking in Atlanta. It's such an amazing place and honestly their story/legacy is even better. Would be great to see that from you in comparison to these other "big guys"
Highland is an amazing store but they really target the very high-end woodworker. They specialize, more or less, in hand tools, from the top tier companies, like Narex, Veritas, and Lie Neilson, . But unlike Woodcraft and Rockler, they stock everything Festool sells. Their web site isn't nearly as good as Rockler or Woodcraft and their dead tree catalog is less than great. It's a lot of fun to wander he store. It looks like (and was) and oldie-time hardware store, complete with the squeaky wood floors.
Another, more along the lines of Rockler and Woodcraft is Peachtree Woodworking. They have a house brand, Fulton, that one occasionally sees in the wild, too. Some of their prices beat the other two, hands down.
@@kwilliams2239That's a fair point! Maybe "comparison" is a poor word for my last comment. It would be less so a comparison of the brands and their stock and more so a showcase of a high end woodworking store and the feel of the old-time hardware store feel? Either way, I think Matt would be a kid in a candy store haha.
@@CordellWoodworksMatt would have to stay here a week. Six large woodworking specialty stores (two Rocker, two Woodcraft) for him to drool over. I dn't think Mrs. Matt would be happy with the bill, though.😆
I’m new to woodworking and still full of lots of questions. I was thrilled to discover that my nearest metro area (San Antonio) about an hour away has both Woodcrafters and Rockler, within a couple of miles of each other. I’ve been to both a handful of times. I agree that their employees make the experience. For whatever reason, I get better customer service at Rockler. I can find someone to ask questions about products, get great answers, and then left alone to make my selection. I got that service at Woodcrafters once then went in a few times more and couldn’t get assistance at all. So basically, I hit Rockler first and if they don’t have what I need, I head over to Woodcrafters.
I prefer WoodCraft. I had a bad experience with Rockler. When I took a class from them, I was treated like nobody and belittle. The instructor cater to the other people and left me behind. I felt very uncomfortable. I said I would not go them again for classes or search of my items there.
Woodcraft had great instructors, the items I needed and provided a comfortable atmosphere. The classs were great. I would return back to them. They made me feel more welcoming and belonging.
I shouldn’t down grade Rockler… it was just that location that treated me like crap. But WoodCraft is the place to go!!!
I know where you're coming from. However, in fairness, we shouldn't let one bad instructor taint an entire chain of stores. Both Rockler and WoodCraft have good, and bad, instructors. Even good instructors have bad days. For example, I knew an extremely talented and sharing instructor that once had a very bad day at a demonstration. What none of us knew -- including him -- was that he had a brain tumor. Before it robbed him of his life, the tumor altered his personality. Instead of friendly, open, and funny, he was surly, condescending, and caustic. Those of us who knew him wondered what was wrong. After the demo, he even asked me if he'd seemed 'off'. I told him he'd done a good job demonstrating the technique, but that he'd been just plain rude to anyone who dared ask a question. As I said, he had a very bad day. Never gave another demonstration and was gone within three months.
I'm NOT saying anything similar was going on with your instructor. Nor am I suggesting that those who were skewered by my friend didn't have reason to take offense. All I'm saying is it would be a shame for them to blame the venue for my friend's poor actions.
@@DKWalser I understand. I’m not saying Rockler is bad at all. It’s was just that particular location and experience.This was a new technique I was learning which I was very excited to learn ( wood turning with creating bowl). I feel like I wasn’t catching on easily which made me feel worthless and and excluded.
Great video, Matt! I’ve ordered some things from both Woodcraft and Rockler and had good experiences. So sorry about your friend, Steve. May he rest in peace!
I've only been the rockler and woodcraft stores in the Orlando area. Rockler is definitely more jig focused. I found Rockler to have a bigger wood selection but it's all prepped and surfaced. I mentioned to a rockler employee that it must be hard to sell jointers and planers when you don't sell raw lumber. He just shrugged and smiled. 😂. That being said, i have chosen to buy my wood at woodcraft. Better choice of raw lumber.... And some unique species that rockler didn't have. Also, i found the woodcraft employees had better depth of knowledge about the products they were selling.
Been to the store in Orlando. Nice store. They opened one here in Brandon. The Woodcraft store here is in St Pete, small little store , employees were not helpful. I will stick with a Rockler
@@frankrodriguez6424 Rockler in Orlando is a bigger store than the woodcraft. More of the big tools, but I found myself helping customers in the rockler store who weren't getting it from the employees. At woodcraft, the employees were really interested in what i was working on and had a lot of ideas for me. Employees make the business
So I was on a vacation trip to the other side of my state to watch a baseball game, and decided to walk into a rockler store to purchase some woodworking tools! I was walking around for probably about an hour talking with an employee learning all kinds of things. The girlfriend was done shoping at other places in the area and came to meet me there and realized she knew the guy that was helping me. They used to work together. What a small world. I would have to say that was my best experience in a brick and mortar store I have ever had. However I have not been to the competition yet! 12:54
Great show comparing the two stores, especially for us beginners. The personal tribute to Mr. Julian was a very respectful gesture!
Steve was an amazing individual! Thank you for taking a moment to honor him. He will be deeply missed in Ft. Worth!
Steve Julian, I never met him, or even knew who he was. I have the highest amount of respect for that man. Military, Police office, woodworker. He seems to me to be a fantastic human being. God rest his soul, that Marine can finally rest.
Matt - I always enjoy your videos. A large part of what keeps me coming back is your own passion. You have an obvious passion for sharing your knowledge, a passion for your family and a passion for your fellow man. You have a big heart Sir and you never hesitate to show/share your passion and compassion. Steve sounds like an amazing man. Thank you for sharing him with us. You just never know who you meet any given day or how they may impact you into the future.
I appreciate that!
Matt, very simply thank you for being you and all you do, God speed my friend!
Always love the history. I watched your videos with Steve and he was so excited to share his knowledge. Thanks for the content Mighty Matt!
Your emotions talking about Steve, says enough! So sorry for your loss of a friend!
Funny this popped up today. I was just at the Woodcraft and Rockler stores in Jacksonville FL, only a couple of miles from each other. I drove an hour and a half up there from Gainesville FL, because the Woodcraft store has announced that the owner is retiring and they're closing 😩😭😢, so this was my last chance to go up (and take advantages of their closing sale).
I've spent a ton of money at both over the last 25 years or so, both online and in the stores since they opened up there. My observation (and I should say that I've barely started your video) is that if you want traditional woodworking tools, Woodcraft is the way to go, but that Rockler has a lot of innovative things that they've developed themselves. I like both, and I'll really miss Woodcraft.
Great video. Excited to see Miss Amy have a turning video!
Thanks for this informative video! I am new to woodworking and have come to rely on your CZcams videos for information and recommendations. I am very fortunate that I live a mile from the Woodcraft of Nashville store and 6 miles from the new Rockler store in Brentwood you visited. I am taking my first class from Rockler next week and cannot wait. I agree that the employees of both stores are friendly and helpful. I hope you enjoyed your recent visit to middle TN. Thanks again for such a thorough video!
Ty so much for this video. Never knew of these stores and now I know I have a Rockeler in my town. Schaumburg. Can't wait to get in there.
Great video Matt!! Love to learn the history of both stores. I agree that you will never know how someone can impact you!! R.I.P. Steve
I have had experience with both companies and agree that both are great. Most of my experience was with the stores near Portland Oregon. I lived closer to the Woodcraft store, so I spent more "need-it-now" shopping there, but purchased most of my free standing machines from Rockler. Now that I moved down to Springfield Oregon, I have noticed one huge difference, and it really isn't about whether Rockler or Woodcraft are better. This is about the employees. The guys in both stores up near Portland are great; the guys in the Eugene Woodcraft store are beyond great. I always have a sense that this store has hired more woodworking experience among folks that are also great customer service people. I'm "intermediate+" in my own experience and I've found these guys to be really easy and helpful to work with. They illustrate how important it is for either a Rockler or Woodcraft store to focus on quality hiring first to make them a cut above the competition.
Greatly appreciate your balanced evaluation of both stores. I also retired from Dallas PD after 36 years then in 2019 started working part time at Rocklers. It is so much fun to be around woodworkers on a regular basis and teaching! I often recommend your channel to customers to further their knowledge. Thanks for your excellent advice and knowledge
Excellent video
Really enjoyed this video! I worked at Rockler for a decade and they are definitely very dedicated to customer service. It was so fun to work there. I'm glad you did the tribute to Mr. Julian at Woodcraft. It sounds like his life was dedicated to serving others and he touched so many people.
As always Matt great video. I can't wait to visit both of these stores in the Nashville area in a couple of weeks while in that area working. I may have to schedule a full day just to be able to visit both. I'm also hoping to get back there in April when you're planning the meet and greet there at the Franklin Woodcraft store.
Really great video ❤ thank you 🙏
Great info
I had to come back and find this video cause I was too busy to watch the other when y'all released it. I'm glad I did. I had no idea Grizzly even made a Track Saw at all..
Amazing tribute to Steve, a blessing to come across an individual who has an impact on one's life!
The employees at rockler in Brentwood are great, just picked up a festool track saw from them!
Very cool. Love the history of it
Another excellent video! And a touching tribute to Mr. Steve. ❤
They're both great! Wouldn't want to be without either one.
I’ve been to both Rockler and Woodcraft stores in Grand Rapids Michigan quite often… Great video 🇺🇸👊🏼👊🏼🔨🪚
I recently visited the Cary, Nc location! It was exactly how you have described. My experience was absolutely awesome. From the time I walked into Rockler they welcomed me. I told the young man I was new to woodworking and would probably have a lot of questions, he said that was why he was there.
Great video as always. I use old hockey pucks with grip tape which are cheaper than the bench cookies.
So, sorry to hear about Steve Julian's passing. I took several classes from him. That hurts. Thanks for honoring him,.
We have both here in OKC. I visit both, and find both very helpful and full of goodies.
I'm guessing quite a bit of time elapsed between talking about Steve and the next segment. You were definitely in some emotion there. That's yet another thing I love about this channel. You are so very sincere. I really hope you make it to San Antonio during your tour; I'd love to meet you and Mrs 731. I'm sure you've been told before, but it bears repeating: You are Steve to a lot of us here on the channel and I thank you for that.
Matt, another phenomenal video. Once again, your heart shines through (Steve segment). God bless you brother.
For Xmas a couple years ago I signed up for a pen turning class at Rockler for my mom and me, and a table saw intro class at Woodcraft for dad and me. I really enjoyed both of them.
Haven't tried my local(ish) Rockler yet - it's a new store. I have always found that when I went into my local Woodcraft store, that there is a very elitist attitude from the assistants (I can't say all; I don't go in any more, but it was a consistent on the times I tried it). It didn't make me want to do the 45 minute drive to the store any more.
I live outside Denver, CO where we are blessed to have both Rocker and Woodcraft. I am a frequent customer at both and love them both. Any woodworker or would-be woodworker near either of these stores whatever the location should definitely visit. I would also ask everyone to remember that we should all shop at good local stores as much as possible in preference to online so that we do not lose these excellent resources where real people are there to help you. You might even make a friend.
Every time I go through California, I make it a point to go by the Rockler in Rockline in Sacramento. I also have a Woodcraft near me in Boise. It kinda depends on what I need which one I use. Now there are some second tier catalog stores like Peachtree Woodworking, Woodline, and a lot of others.
I really appreciated your epitath for Mr. Julian within this video. It's wonderful that you met such an interesting person there. Every time I've gone to either Woodcraft OR Rockler, I've met very pleasant, knowledgeable employees and woodworkers.
Appreciate your sincerity and passion. We have to have a metroplex youtube group, so many of you guys are around here. thanks for your work and honesty.
I have been very happy buying from both stores for many years. I first purchased from Wood Craft in 1986. My first Rockler purchase was in2017. It’s funny that I can remember both. 😃😆👊
I shop in store at woodcraft (Springfield Oregon) 1 1/2 away from my house when I can ,
, it’s 3 hours to get to Rockler , I’ve only been to rockler once its just a bit far to drive on my only day off ( I drive a truck 6 days a week ), I buy online when it comes to Rockler got to love the free shipping . I don’t usually buy from woodcraft online because they don’t have free shipping to often . Don’t forget about Grizzly , currently enjoying my new 2hp 17” anniversary edition bandsaw , I have several Grizzly products plus that’s where I ordered my sawstop from back in 2020
Rockler and Woodcraft frequently offer different things, so it depends on what I am seeking as to where I will go. Greensboro, NC had both for a while in the early 2000s, but both have closed. Now my closest are in Raleigh or Charlotte, about 1-1/2 hours away.
Matt, I've only seen a few of your video so far, but you are quite the show host!
Well done!
Wow, thanks!
Sorry, to hear about Steve passing, but his influence on your life has helped you touch thousands through your channel. Goes to show to that your lives are truly a ripple effect. Steve influenced you, you have influenced my life, my life influences those around me and so on and so on.
I'm fortunate enough to have both stores within range. They are different but the same. More hardware at Rockler, more wood at woodcraft.
Both site specific for your project.
Great video!
Woodcraft here in Salt Lake City, I walked around for over an hour, messing with all of the tools and going through their stock, and not one employee said a word to me. All 5 or so employees sat there at the counter talking the entire time. There was a couple other guys talking with them, I'm not sure if they were someone important or something but yeah not one word was said to me. I left and went over to the Rockler store and the moment I walked through the door I was approached. I haven't been back to Woodcraft since. Maybe I should give them a second chance but Rockler has gave me no reason to want to go anywhere else. Just my personal experience.
I’ve alway had positive experiences at the SLC Woodcraft- definitely would suggest a 2nd try. They actually went above and beyond and helped me with my master’s thesis!
@@rschaffer357
I definitely will. Thank you.
I missed you at the Brentwood Rockler Grand Opening. Lots of people there. A totally agree with you about their wood selection. I don't have a jointer so the S3S and S4S selection was very much appreciated. Maybe I'll see you there sometime.
I've never been to a rockler or woodcraft, but i definitely want to check them out!
If you ever find yourself in Ohio, you have to make a trip to the Keim home center in Charm, Ohio. Its very comparable to rockler and woodcraft in wood selection and power tools. If you look through their wood selection and don't see a board you like, they can take you to the mill area and you can pick through more there. They also can resaw, rip, or mill down any board you buy from them as well as deliver to you. I don't if there's a limit to their delivery range though. Plus most of the staff are Amish/Mennonite.
Its about 2 hours away from me, but i have a hard time not buying material and tools when i visit. Its really easy to make am excuse for a trip down there
We have both a Rockler and Woodcraft in Tampa Bay, although the Tampa store is really in Clearwater (which is a bit of a hike from Tampa). Woodcraft does not offer classes in all their stores. The Tampa/Clearwater store used to offer classes in a dedicated classroom (I took several of those classes) but they converted the classroom into lumber display. The "classes" Woodcraft Tampa/Clearwater offers now are just glorified demonstrations, not classes. Rockler has a dedicated classroom and offers real classes. Lumber selection is good at both stores. Woodcraft sells more rough lumber (4/4, 8/4, etc.) while Rockler is mostly S2S (13/16 instead of 4/4). At Woodcraft you have a greater need for a jointer, while at Rockler you can get by with just a planer. Both stores will sell you part of a board (as long as you leave them with 4 feet) while most hardwood dealers will only sell whole boards. Customer service, in my experience, is a function of local management. Woodcraft Tampa/Clearwater has had good local managers and some not so good - one of the problems with a franchise model. Rockler's managers and service have been consistently good. Woodcraft has higher end hand tools with some Veritas tools, Pfeil chisels/carving tools and Rob Cosman saws. Rockler carries Bench Dog (I think that brand is proprietary) and some Stanley tools. The selection of lathe tools is comparable. Woodcraft is 15 minutes from my house while Rockler is close to an hour away. As Matt said in the video, Rockler's hardware/jig selection is vastly superior to Woodcraft. All in all, I'd rather drive to Rockler unless I'm in a hurry.
I don't currently need anything from either one of these stores but I have to say, I absolutely love this video. Keep it up!
Thanks so much!
Lucky enough to have both of them in Denver, woodcraft isn’t in the same league for the things I shop for, mainly lumber.
A very moving tribute to Steve Julian, your sincerity and genuine humanity really shone through this video. Thank you for your channel, I really enjoy your work and appreciate what you bring to the forum.
We're lucky enough to have several Woodcraft and Rockler stores within about an hour. Not all stores are equal. One of each of the stores, you have to drag information and help out of. Ther others are extremely helpful.
Thanks for coming by Matt! What a fun day! It was cool seeing you buy people tools and making their day (although I was a bit jealous!😂). Also, Thanks for the pizza haha
Thank you for having us! We had a lot of fun.
I once worked for a woodcraft franchise store. It was a very educational experiance. Not to mention expensive. Employee discount is a mixed blessing! There was a rockler in the same general region and many of our customers patronized both. A lot of good tools and knowledge to be had. I'm miles away from either at the moment, but still order online. Except for lumber. For me, hand selecting boards is the only way. I just make sure it's going to be a big buy to justify the travel.
Great! I'll keep that in mind when I'll drive to the US.
You should come and visit Ottawa in Canada. You would enjoy KJP Hardwoods; they have lumber, tools, finishes, classes...
We also have Lee Valley tools, Busy Bee stores.
Glad to hear you admit to liking wood turning...come on over to the great side.. lol. We now have both stores in our area (Richmond, VA) both are awesome and very helpful. Have never turned a bowl and wanted to get some on hands learning so I have done the beginning turners class at Woodcraft it was an amazing class taught by a professional custom furniture maker. Keep up the awesome content Matt. 👽 Sorry to hear about your lose prayers to all who knew Steve.
Great stuff as usual - absolutely love the positivity you always bring to these (well and every video). Next trip head to the Raleigh NC area and we can get you in a Rockler, Klingspor and Woodcraft all within about 20 minutes of each other 🤣
Pretty evident that Rockler is your store of choice. I am disabled in a wheelchair. I hate Rockler. I don’t know how many hours I have spent roaming waiting for assistance. And most items are almost impossible to find in your own. I also don’t care for the search feature on the website. We have both stores within a couple miles of each other in the Portland Oregon market. I guess I at the end of the day each has its own pluses and minuses. Love your videos for the most part!
Thank you Matt. 😊 I enjoyed this video a lot. It was interesting to learn all these stores have to offer. I've never been to either one. There's a Woodcraft 2 hours away, but I don't know where the nearest Rockler is. I know I'd like visiting but can't drive 2 hours just to window shop. Thank you for the education and information. I love your content!!! 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
Funny story - I was visiting a friend in Minneapolis for his daughter's Bat Mitzvah, and I dropped by the local Rockler. Now, it was winter. I usually grow a beard in winter, and I've been told many times that I look like Norm Abrams when I have a beard. I can even see it. A couple of employees were doing a turning demo in the store when I walked in, and one looked at me, kind of gasped and said something along the lines of "Oh my god, you look like Norm Abrams!" She grabbed my arm and dragged me over to their magazine rack, where one of the magazines happened to have a cover photo of Norm. Then she flirted with me the whole time I was there (despite my wearing my wedding ring) and told me I should move to Minneapolis. So when I think of Rockler, that's what I think of.
I am fortunate to have 2 Rocklers and a Woodcraft all within easy driving distance. My local Woodcraft is about a mile away, and I would probably shop there exclusively were it not for the fact that the staff there don't seem to keep the merchandise organized. The dust collection accessories are all in the wrong place, you can't tell how much anything is, and they seem to have massive overstock of some items while others are completely sold out. The Rocklers near me are maintained far better, but the closer of the two stores has some staff that are a clueless. I remember going in there and asking for truss head screws, and the guy had no idea what that was or if they carried them. Another employee made some inappropriate comments about my name when I was at the checkout. Fortunately I can shop both online, and avoid all this, unless I am buying wood.
Cries in the great white north. I wish that LeeValley had nearly that kind of selection.
When I lived in Portland I usually went to Rockler but I also went to Woodcraft which had a better selection of large tools. This was so nice as Matt said seeing them and being able to touch them was very nice. I now live in Salt Lake City and they have both but I have not had the opportunity to check them out yet. Overall only slight differences and I will gladly be a customer in both. Top notch customer service in both!!
I think it was the rockler location near me had the high end tools plus the Skil table saw you reviewed
Nice video and run down. For some reason I thought you were near Dallas? I was going to recommend Ft. Worth Plywood Company for a MASSIVE selection of woods (rough as well as pre-surfaced). But it's also good to know these stores have pre-surfaced wood in such great selection as well.
Every time I go into my local rockler here in indianapolis I leave wishing it was bigger. Seeing other stores and ours feels so dang cramped it's so hard to actually look at something because the aisles are so close together. You have to squeeze through belly to belly with someone if you're trying to walk through 😂 it kind of stresses me out because the place ia always busy so its not fun to go and look around. I do have to say it is nice that we have both rockler and woodcraft here though. Oh! Don't forget rockler also has the woodworkers journal magazine! It's similar to Woodcraft's magazine.
Steve seemed like a great man and a great woodworker. RIP
I wish Rockler was in Alabama. Woodcraft is luckily only 45 minutes away. We went there today actually. I like Rockler just a little better. Closest one is in Atlanta.
Been to both, Woodcraft is 5 minutes from me so that is my choice but they are awesome at both. I was given tips that actually benefited big box stores and my pocketbook on finishing products although I buy enough from there.
When I lived in the Columbus Ohio area, I was lucky to have both with in a half hour drive. Used Rockler mainly for hardware stuff, Woodcraft for lumber goods. But, the biggest place I miss going too, was Johnson's Workbench in Charlotte Michigan. Hands down THE BEST selection of lumber from rough cut to edge cut in a lot of different sizes. Living in Tennessee now, hard to find places on the East side of the state :(
Thanks!
Wow, thank you!
Thanks Matt! I am blessed that Woodcraft and Rockler in Nashville are my go to stores. The Rockler store is huge. With Rockler branding being prominent. The Woodcraft has more of the name and off name brands. Right now waiting for my Rockler experience to build too early to judge. I have been a Woodcraft customer for many years, The sales folk know me by name, I am greeted warmly each visit. I think what in the long run will set them apart is This Woodcraft is a franchise vs Rockler being company owned. That said, Rockler has the backing, but the employees are just that. While at the Franklin Woodcraft, the owner is present, he has skin in the game, I feel it is a bit more ol' family friendly. Either way, as a Woodworker, I win having two great stores nearby. For anyone unfamiliar with either brand, visit if able, view their online catalogs, much available to help your woodworking journey.
Something to consider…my 18yo daughter goes to Rockler to get help and stuff for her projects and they treat her as a first class citizen. Woodcraft ignores her and tries to talk to me even after I’ve redirected them numerous times to her…I still find value in both but someone at Woodcraft corp needs to kick some as$ around equality training - she’s the builder you should treat her as such
Maybe because Rockler is run by a woman…