So, I’m familiar with Rockler and have ordered from them online before.
Didn’t realize until this month that there was a Rockler store a half hour from me.
I was trying to find a DeWalt rechargeable narrow crown stapler at Home Depot, and the closest place that looked like it was in stock was less than 2 miles from the Rockler store, so I stopped in today.
I’ll just say…wow! If you’re a fan of Micro Center for electronics and PC stuff, it’s like that for woodworking, only brighter and with nicer staff.
I mentioned on the way in that this was my first visit and one of the employees said “welcome to the toy store!” Very true.
Lots of useful stuff for the shop, plus power tools, plus a very nice selection of hardwoods, plywood, live edge slabs, and turning materials. And the prices are quite reasonable.
TL:DR;
If you have a Rockler retail store in your area, and you haven’t visited it, schedule a trip. Unless you’re trying to protect the bank account…then you should stay away, because you WILL find something you “need.”
Funny thing…the employee I chatted with first, I mentioned that we have a Woodcraft in my town, about 25 miles away from the Rockler store. He said “that’s fine if you don’t mind settling for second best.”
TBH, after visiting both, I have a hard time arguing. Don’t get me wrong…I like Woodcraft, but my Woodcraft at least is about 1/4 the size of the Rockler store I went to, and has very little actual wood for sale. And their tool selection is very heavily weighted towards the high-end.
I left Rockler with about $60 worth of stuff for my shop, and none of it was more than $20. But to be fair to my Woodcraft, I picked up some 1/2" baltic birch on my last visit, and while it wasn’t cheap, it ended up ringing up for less than the sticker price, so I was pretty happy.
Either way, it’s nice to have options for in-person shopping for some of this stuff. Sometimes just being able to see and touch things before you buy is a nice change from Amazon, et. al.
Western NY has both a Rockler (BUF) and a Woodcraft (ROC). I’ve noticed the Rockler is more machine focused where as Woodcraft has a better mix of hand tools and machines. Is that the same at your local stores?
If you’re in the Cleveland OH area they have a Microcenter and a really nice Woodcraft within 20 min drive of each other!
Never considered how (relatively) close Buffalo and Rochester are. I was born in Rochester, but only lived there as a tot, so I don’t really remember much.
Visited Buffalo a few years back as part of a birthday trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls for my younger son. The Pierce-Arrow museum was a highlight of our visit, particularly the Frank Lloyd Wright gas station.
I would not say the Rockler store I visited was particularly machine-focused. I’d say about a third of the store space was lumber, a third various parts and accessories (drawer and door hardware, clamps and jigs, tool-specific parts, etc.), and a third power tools and related items like consumables (blades, etc.).
If you’re a fan of FLW architecture, next trip to BUF you should make a point to visit the Martin House. My wife and I have been to FLW properties all over the country and this is in my top 5 for sure. The trim and cabinetry in that house is truly stunning.
Maybe I should check it out sometime. We have 3 in the area, as well as a Microcenter. I also drive past the Rockler HQ on the way to the lake - but it doesn’t look like they have a storefront there.
