▼Click "Read more" FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼ Watch Next = My First Time at Woodcraft - th-cam.com/video/DysDBLHZAAI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7B1DxDQu7qDlFxfV Visit Woodcraft Online - bit.ly/494gY7t The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools Join the TUBAFOUR NATION through Patreon to get access to exclusive member only behind the scenes videos, member only livestreams, exclusive discounts, and other cool member only perks! www.patreon.com/731woodworks Check this video's description for all the links to any tools and videos I discussed. If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases. Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter to get new content alerts, sales, and more! mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Easy to Follow Build Plans - www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter
I walked into the Omaha store purely bc it was the only SawStop vendor (we have 6 SS vendors) open on Saturday. They earned a customer in me by fielding dozens of my newbie questions, as I gear up to build my wood shop. Very pleased!
Many years ago I took my 8 year old granddaughter with me to the Woodcraft store in Tulsa. While I was looking for wood she was watching a demo on making pens. After we left for the soccer game she kept bugging me about making a pen. I called Woodcraft and told them that my 8 yo granddaughter wanted to take the class but I had to be with her. The said no problem. We went to the class and had a blast. The instructor was great and had a great time with her. The only thing she asked for for Christmas was a lathe. She made a number of pens for teachers and her coach. It was a wonderful experience. 😊
I love Woodcraft. I am a beginner and as such I have a ton of questions. The first time I went to my local woodcraft in Allentown PA, (an hour away from me) I spent about 2 hours. I feel kinda bad but those guys there made me feel welcome and never seemed to be annoyed that I was there for so long. They answered every question I had with good answers. Such a difference from shopping in the box store. My only problem with woodcraft is that there aren’t enough of them!
Nice video. As a WC employee in the NH WC store we try to be honest with our answers. We don't work on comissions and a lot of us emplyees love to share our knowledge to make the customers project fun, succesful and safe.
This is a commercial for Woodcraft more than a comparison of woodworking stores. In each of the locations in Texas you visited Rockler also has a presence. A better and more useful tool for your viewers would be that comparison. The two companies while similar do have differences in business models. You should also know that not all stores have the same level of customer service or knowledge of product. I recently visited the Orlando Woodcraft store, and because of their physical size they didn't have close to the amount of equipment and lumber that a Houston, Dallas, or Seattle (where I live) area stores would have. They did make up for it in customer service a knowledge. I've also visited both Woodcraft and Rockler stores that the only time I was talked to was at the register. You touched on tool pricing, a good video would be to talk about tool pricing and how the prices are determined. Understanding that could be a very handy thing for your viewers to know. I have worked for both companies while living in the Dallas area and enjoyed working for both. I would encourage anyone who can to contact your local woodworking store about working part time. I personally learned more while working at the stores than any other time. The discounts were really good too.
The photo of the woodcraft you have in the thumbnail is my local shop here in Indianapolis. I can tell you that those guys in there are really down to earth and will absolutely help you with anything and everything. I went to school with the managers daughter and i took a college class recently that another one of their employees was in. Theyre all super knowledgeable and will guide you in the best way possible!
I am blessed to be in Austin TX where we have both a Woodcraft and a Rockler store in the area. I usually skip their wood selection for the basics (Walnut, maple, oak, etc) because my local hardwood dealer (Fine Lumber) has those at much lower prices. Where both stores shine is their specials (like Rockler’s lumber of the month program), turning supplies, and their specialty items (jigs, hinges, dust collection fittings, fine finishes, etc). I love both stores and it’s always a treat to drop in whenever I can!
Portland seems to be a woodworking mecca, we have Rockler, Woodcraft, Woodcrafters, and Crosscut Hardwood. Woodcrafters is downtown and has all the high end tools and hardware. Think full Festool line etc.
Great video Matt! I’ve been a WOODCRAFT fan for many years now. My local store is in Lexington Ky. I’ve grown to love the employees there. They are just like family to me. I would encourage anyone who’s interested in woodworking to support their local WOODCRAFT as much as possible.
So cool to see someone who goes to my local Woodcraft in Lexington, KY. I can easily spend hours there and not even remotely realize that I've been there for so long. I bought my Jet 1221 wood lathe there, because of how helpful they were. I live in Winchester, but have been out of town for almost 6 months... looking to be back this year around June or July.
I love Woodcraft, but they are very expensive in my town. Yes, they are very knowledgeable. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.
Great video Matt! We don't have a WoodCraft at our location, we do have a Rockler and they are just a good. I love how you did your remote interviews. Very impressive and it clearly shows how much you love the Woodworking Community. Bravo! Looking forward to your next High Quality Video release here at TH-cam!
I am planning on spending a lot of time at my local Woodcraft store, as soon as my new shed gets some power run to it. One thing I found interesting about this video is that the class prices shown seemed very reasonable, whereas the classes at my local Woodcraft almost always seem to be $300. The video showed an introductory wood turning class that was 4 hours long and cost $30. The intro to wood turning class at my store is all day, but $300! I don't know if they do this, but I'd like to suggest to them that they throw in a free class when a particular piece of equipment is purchased from them. If the class was for the specific piece of equipment, that would be even better.
Boy that Ft Worth store brings back good memories. I moved to Colorado but was very happy to find out there are three Woodcraft stores in my general area.
I'm pretty fortunate up here in the Twin Cities to have a Woodcraft and 3 Rockler stores in addition to the big box stores. They're always very helpful and know their business.
Thank you for putting Woodcraft on the spotlight. Just discovered Sacramento has one a few months ago while driving around. Thoroughly impressed by their knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Great video. Really enjoyed and glad you’re bringing to attention the huge difference between the different retailers. Do wish I had one closer lol. Again, great to see Woodcraft featured by a major channel on TH-cam. Thanks Matt
My closest Woodcraft is across a border and 5+ hours away. I visited a year and a half ago and was blown away by the customer service. You don't the service and knowledge at a big box store but you get it in spades there. I'm fortunate to be 30 miles from Lee Valley's HQ and home store - I get that kind of service there too. Definitely worth the travel time and occasional extra dollar.
Thanks for the introduction to Woodcraft stores. Unfortunately the closest one for me is 100 miles away. It looks like they have fabulous employees! I had no idea they carried all those products in store. It seems like it may be worth a trip. Love your videos 5!! 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Same for me. I get there 2-3 times per year and it’s always worth the drive. The staff at these stores are VERY knowledgeable about their products. They are just there to sell, they are there to HELP you accomplish your woodworking goals.
My local woodcraft store is in Reno, Nevada and I also go to Apex saw…. Both sell highest quality materials. But rather pricey ….. Thank you for all the knowledge you share with us appreciate it ✅✅✅✅✅✅🔥🔥🔥
Matt, I live in NY about an hour north of NYC. There isn't a woodcraft near me, so I used to drive to Wilmington Delaware to visit the Woodcraft there. Great store, friendly knowledgeable staff.
Sounds like my experiences with them too. They have pretty much EVERYTHING, and every guy I've ever known to work there is someone who has spent decades actually working in wood, and can give you useful advice on just about anything. The one single item I got there that had a problem, the guys there were able to suggest to me how to quickly fix it myself, so as to save me the time and pain in the butt of trying a return on a large item I'd already mostly assembled.
Never heard of them, but thanks to you, I did a search and found a local one in my Jacksonville, FL area. I will be trying to check them out this weekend. Thank you.
Woodcraft has treated me very well. When I went there to purchase my second lathe, which needed to be ordered, the sales rep advised me that their annual tool event was in a couple of weeks. So, I held off on ordering it. because it would be discounted by Woodcraft during that event. Woodcraft was offering a 20% discount on all machinery purchased during their event, and Powermatic was there and offering another 20% off. I got 40% off of my new lathe. So stay aware and save big where you can. Neither Home Depot nor Lowes will ever offer that level of discount on a major manufacturer's machines.
We have a Woodcraft in San Carlos, CA and I've been going there a lot. They have a great selection of hardwoods, the customer service and knowledge is off the charts, and the selection of tools that you can't find at the orange/blue stores.
I just went my local Ace Hardware to get a knife sharpened. I don't think I've ever been there it the almost 30 years we have lived here. On a lark, I checked to see if they had a hinge I was looking for that Lowes and Home Depot didn't have. They had it in stock. Also, there were nice people working there to help, what a concept! I'll be going back there first, even though the parking sucks.
Love your videos. As a beginning woodworker you have given me so many tips. You said to try to do what I want to no matter the difficulty because that is what you want to do. I have messed up but loved and learned from every minute of it. Thank you for the videos keep up the great work!
Very well put Matt! Woodcraft has a higher level of experienced of employees! The guys and gals at the big box stores are knowledgeable, but not always a craftsman at the trade. I haven’t taken any of the classes yet. But having the availability to take classes is really nice! The availability of the exotic types of wood is really cool! Great video as always!
Wandered into Woodcraft in Cincinnati as I started woodworking a couple of months ago. The gentleman there was super friendly and helpful. Going back this weekend for a few sale items and whatever else my wife will let me get away with!
I rarely shop at woodcraft. If I do it's because they have something I can't find elsewhere. My local store is about 50% more expensive than my local Rockler and their wood is about 2x - 4x the price of my local hardwood dealer. Woodcraft does carry some exotic species my hardwood dealer doesn't typically carry though.
Matt, I too find Woodcraft Stores to be a wealth of information and help in buying the right tool, using the correct process, and just friendly folks. I enjoyed Amy and yout two visits to the Nashville store, Thanks!
As a wood turner, pens / bottle stoppers/ fishing lures, this is the spot for anything you need. I had a project for 600 police blue stripe pens...they got me 700 acrylic blue stripe blanks and the pen hardware kits. No problem. Order was there in 3 days. Excellent customer service.
Chattanooga and Nashville's Woodcraft stores are awesome! We go to both stores as we live in between and they are always super helpful. My wife makes pens and I do woodworking and CNC plasma cutting so we are in and out pretty often and they don't seem to mind the raccoon in the stroller...
I enjoyed your video. I'm currently a hardware associate at Home Depot in Burlington, WA (5 years). Also, an avid woodworker (65 years). Because of my experience in the woodworking area, I'm one of those associates that know what I'm talking about when it comes to tools. Many times, I will make a customer happy when they leave the store. Knowing that I resolved their issue or gave them an alternative idea to what they might do to accomplish their task. Most other associates in store would not be very helpful with tool knowledge. I love the Woodcraft and Rockler store, but their comparison to the big box store doesn't come close. For the little old lady who comes in wanting to buy a cheap drill so she can hang pictures Home Depot 's the place. For the beginner or experienced woodworker, Woodcraft and Rockler type stores are the best. I have never taken a class at Woodcraft, but someday I might. I agree all the associates at Woodcraft know what they are talking about.
My primary experience with Woodcraft is buying a bandsaw. I first ordered from the Orange sign store and the machine was damaged. Next time I found it cheaper at the online River store. It too came in damaged. Finally I drove to a Woodcraft store and received knowledgeable service and left with a great working Rikon saw. 😊
It depends on what you need and what type of woodworking you are doing. Honestly Menards is my favorite because it does a bit of what Woodcraft does while also doing what HD/Lowes do. Woodcraft is my second favorite, but a lot of their stuff is a bit over my budget, but i love planning to get some of that stuff someday.
I visit the Hurst store when I can. They are always helpful and if you need something that day, Woodcraft is the best bet as the box stores just don't have alot of the things woodworkers use.
Woodcraft and Rockler are my favorite stores for woodworking. The big tools tend to be very competitively priced. I bought my Powermatic lathe from Woodcraft in Tigard, OR and it was a bit better priced than Amazon.
I had never heard of this place until this video. I looked them up and there's one near the house here in Maryland. They are truly a destination. I'm going for sure! The variety of wood and knowledge look unmatched. Thank you!
I have to chime in from Cleveland OH, I love my WC store! Some things I am intermediate some advanced but I have still taken a couple classes and am a regular for demo’s and shopping. Great bunch of people and knowledgeable, don’t be afraid to have a discussion. Very true big box stores have their place but to be a true woodworker and practice your craft is to go to a woodcraft store with other professionals…..
Have not been to a Woodcraft store in decades. Just assumed there was not one around anymore. Imagine my surprise when I found out there is one right around the corner! Plan on going in this weekend to check out the wood selection.
I'm glad you did the woodcraft video. It's nice to see that classes are available on tools and projects. Found 1 in Seattle, I might have to take some classes. Thanks for the awesome videos.
I've been kind of lurking on woodworking TH-cam channels for a while, because I was interested in the hobby, but I never pulled the trigger due to lack of space to set up a shop, and I was worried I'd end up not liking it after spending a few thousand dollars on tools. I'd heard of Woodcraft, but didn't know anything about beyond the name. Turns out I have one less than an hour away, and I managed to get the last spot for their beginner woodworking class next month. I wouldn't have even known about this if it hadn't been for you, so thank you sir.
Outstanding perspectives! I love my local Woodcraft store and visit it whenever I come to town. Super employees and very helpful service. Thanks for highlighting such an amazing company...
Completely agree Matt! I love going to Woodcraft because I can ask questions to very experienced woodworkers. Also, every time I have went in there the staff is very knowledgeable and happy to be there. They also ask what kind of project you are working on, and seem interested in odd projects. I really love going to Woodcraft when I can. Thanks for highlighting this store Matt, keep on making great videos. God bless sir!
I never knew what this store was, always assumed a floor store. There is one relatively close to me in here in Houston. Will be stopping in soon. Awesome.
I love Woodcraft. I live outside Denver and we are lucky enough to have two woodworking stores, Woodcraft and Rockler. They are both great and I recommend both but if I had to pick a favorite it would be Woodcraft. If anyone reading this has a local store please do give them your business so that we can keep these great resources going.
Up until mid last year, we only had a Woodcraft and it was "ok". Rockler moved in about 5 miles down the street and I've noticed a difference now that they have competition.
Sounds like a great store. Maybe we'll get one down here in Mobile, AL some day (closest one is Birmingham - 4 hours away). Stuck with the box stores for the time being.
lately i have been getting my hardwood from Woodcraft. Cherry wood has been well priced. I have gotten some tools from them. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I am in Omaha, NE.
We lost the Woodcraft store in Huntington Beach CA - I will miss them a lot. Looks like my Elk hunting trip in AZ this year will include a stop at Woodcraft. There are a few things we can't get in CA.
Don’t forget about Rockler. We are fortunate in Cincinnati to have a Rockler and Woodcraft that are 5 minutes from each other. Both stores are great with very helpful staff.
I’m curious if you’ve ever been to Rockler before. It is pretty similar to Woodcraft. Love to see a comparison video between those two stores (Rockler vs. Woodcraft)
Menards is a good place to find S4S hardwoods. I spent a couple hundred dollars on enough BF of mahogany to build a king sized bed frame. The wood was totally flat and ready for building. They have Maple, Magogany, Cherry, Aspen, Hickory, Poplar, Red Oak, and (sometimes) Walnut. Thickness: 3/4", Lengths from 4' to 12' ft, Widths from 2" to 8". Their Pine section is awesome as well. I love Woodcraft for the reasons mentioned in the video, but, as Box Stores go, Menards is outstanding.
Thank you so much for posting this video! I had know idea I even had a Wood Craft in my area. I’ve been wondering where I could find a place like this. I now really feel very fortunate to have one near by.
I would love to visit/shop a Woodcraft. Unfortunately, I’d have to take a plane or make a weekend road trip out of it. They need more locations to serve more of the country.
My parents have a Woodcraft store where they live, Oklahoma City, and I do not have one where I live in Wyoming. I went into a Woodcraft for the first time fairly recently. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. Better tools, better materials & more experienced staff. If I had one available I would use it exclusively.
I worked at the Allentown P.A store. The store is full of craftsman as sales. I was lucky to be taught a lot of woodworking skills from these craftman. I taught the bandsaw, scroll saw. bowl and pen turning. A great store to learn. we back up our sales. The best part was showing folk's demo for things they are looking for.
You should do a video Woodcraft vs Rockler, I have a Rockler store where they already know my name because I go there so many times but for a big purchase I will go to Woodcraft store in Delaware (no taxes). I do buy my hand planes from Woodcraft after watching Rob Cosman’s videos and I really love them.
Woodcraft in Honolulu is the only show in town for woodworking. I love this store, and the employees are super helpful. Got my Laguna table saw from them recently, took a couple of months, but it was worth it. Living in Hawaii shipping for big items is always an issue. Woodcraft will bring it in (it comes by boat). So fortunate to have Woodcraft here, especially since Rockler doesn't ship alot of things to Hawaii.
My nearest Woodcraft is 100 miles for me. I stopped in there once and really liked it. For sure I would go there some if it was closer. They had router bits that the others didn't I noticed for one.
My location is not great for many stores. Nearest woodcraft is 3 hours away by interstate. Where I live our nearest big box store is called Menards. For a big box store their wood selection is really good. They usually keep a number of woods in stock like Mahogany, Cherry, Alder, Poplar, Oak, and Hickory. I maybe missed one or two and they have more you can order like Walnut but aren't kept in stock at stores.
I am fortunate to live near the Greenwood Village CO Woodcraft store and can verify their wide selection of tools that are not available at the local big boxes. While I am more of a shop and garage furniture builder and not a fine furniture maker, I buy there often from the monthly sale flyer. I just got the Kreg track saw from Woodcraft to build the dozen tool drawers I have been needing for years. Also drill press, toggle clamps, dust collection fittings, wheeled tool stands, etc, etc. Festool is well beyond my budget but I can still drool while I spend an hour in the store buying $50 worth of stuff.
I certainly like Woodcraft and am glad that I have one only 20 minutes or so from where I live. That said, all the stores that you showed are substantially larger than my local store. I would be thrilled to have a store more on that scale close by!
Never been in woodcraft before. Just googled it and the closest one to me. It's like an hour and a half away but tomorrow is Friday. Perfect day for road trip!!
I'm lucky that I have a Woodcraft and a Rockler within 25min! I took a wood turning class at Rockler and loved it! And, for cheaper lumber to try and figure it out first a Home Depot and a Menards for box stores even closer.
This inspired me to go check out Woodcraft!! The North Houston location would be the closest and plan to check them out this weekend for some upcoming projects for this year!!
I think mileage varies by location. Your stores in TX seems to have A LOT more inventory that my store here in VA. They don't stock large quantities of any hardwoods. The domestics are over twice the price of what I pay at my mom and pop hardwood/plywood supplier. My store has a very limited large tool selection. My store finishing department is also limited, doesn't stock lacquer in anything larger than a quart. My store seems to be geared toward the hobby woodworker, turner than they are to the more serious woodworker/furniture maker. That being said, most seem to be knowledgeably and pleasant to deal with and support them the best I can.
Thanks for this video. I have had several frustrating trips to the big box stores as I am beginning woodworker. I have driven by the Fort Worth store but didn't know what it was. So next stop is to go inside. Thanks
Nice video, woodcraft stores have a good selection of woodworking needs. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
Ya know in the 1990s there were a lot more tool stores that carried the big tool brand stuff. Around 2000 I started seeing them slowly disappearing. By 2005 most were gone. But once a pond a time they were competitive. Woodcraft may have higher prices but for good reasons. Not many places I know of where you can pick up a 500 pound table saw or a 8” jointer with helical head that day. You guys have a good day.
So a Rockler sponsorship is off the table, I guess? Good video. Big fan of Woodcraft. Knoxville is my usual store, with great people, but when travelling to Chattanooga or Nashville they've got some fantastic shops.
Been to my local Woodcraft a few times. Got some great advice on finish stuff and bought from them because of it. Was starting to make a habit of trying to get in there whenever I was in the area. Went in Black Friday weekend because the first sales "sticker" I saw, right in front of the sales desk, was on a router I was looking at, at a great price. I plopped it on the counter, and it rung up at full price. I pulled the sales sticker off and handed it to the cashier, and he looked at it and said "that deal expired." He went to the back and they could do _nothing_ on the price (not even a "I can't do _that_ price but I can do _this_ price"). Compare that to the big box store where I'll tell them there's a price discrepancy (I usually take a picture of the sales sticker in case), they honor it...sometimes even when it's the wrong thing (that happened to be stacked behind the sale sticker). At least when I left (without the router, with no plans to return again unless there's something I need that only they have), the false advertising sticker was down. So moral: don't trust that when you see a "sale" sticker on something there, that it will actually be current.
good video. im proud to say im in a town that has a woodcraft store and also down the road from the store is a woodcraft warehouse were they ship alot of the stuff out and then like an hour to half hour way from me is a menards
My local Woodcraft is on the way to Rockler, so if I don't find what I want there, keep driving. We also have a 3-mi stretch of road with Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes. Go another 4 miles to another Home Depot. So, yeah, no shortage of places to spend my money. 🙂
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I walked into the Omaha store purely bc it was the only SawStop vendor (we have 6 SS vendors) open on Saturday. They earned a customer in me by fielding dozens of my newbie questions, as I gear up to build my wood shop. Very pleased!
Many years ago I took my 8 year old granddaughter with me to the Woodcraft store in Tulsa. While I was looking for wood she was watching a demo on making pens. After we left for the soccer game she kept bugging me about making a pen. I called Woodcraft and told them that my 8 yo granddaughter wanted to take the class but I had to be with her. The said no problem. We went to the class and had a blast. The instructor was great and had a great time with her. The only thing she asked for for Christmas was a lathe. She made a number of pens for teachers and her coach. It was a wonderful experience. 😊
I love Woodcraft. I am a beginner and as such I have a ton of questions. The first time I went to my local woodcraft in Allentown PA, (an hour away from me) I spent about 2 hours. I feel kinda bad but those guys there made me feel welcome and never seemed to be annoyed that I was there for so long. They answered every question I had with good answers. Such a difference from shopping in the box store. My only problem with woodcraft is that there aren’t enough of them!
Yeah, the 'closest one to me is over 150 miles away.....
Definitely agree! I love woodcraft but it takes me 1.5 hrs to get there lol.
I’m about an hour away from Woodcraft and Rockler.
where abouts in Allentown?! i have one down here in Downingtown PA but the Allentown would definitely be closer to my Dads place!
Parkway Shopping Center 1543 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103 - hope this helps! @@VigAdventures
Nice video. As a WC employee in the NH WC store we try to be honest with our answers. We don't work on comissions and a lot of us emplyees love to share our knowledge to make the customers project fun, succesful and safe.
This is a commercial for Woodcraft more than a comparison of woodworking stores. In each of the locations in Texas you visited Rockler also has a presence. A better and more useful tool for your viewers would be that comparison. The two companies while similar do have differences in business models.
You should also know that not all stores have the same level of customer service or knowledge of product. I recently visited the Orlando Woodcraft store, and because of their physical size they didn't have close to the amount of equipment and lumber that a Houston, Dallas, or Seattle (where I live) area stores would have. They did make up for it in customer service a knowledge. I've also visited both Woodcraft and Rockler stores that the only time I was talked to was at the register.
You touched on tool pricing, a good video would be to talk about tool pricing and how the prices are determined. Understanding that could be a very handy thing for your viewers to know.
I have worked for both companies while living in the Dallas area and enjoyed working for both. I would encourage anyone who can to contact your local woodworking store about working part time. I personally learned more while working at the stores than any other time. The discounts were really good too.
The photo of the woodcraft you have in the thumbnail is my local shop here in Indianapolis. I can tell you that those guys in there are really down to earth and will absolutely help you with anything and everything. I went to school with the managers daughter and i took a college class recently that another one of their employees was in. Theyre all super knowledgeable and will guide you in the best way possible!
I am blessed to be in Austin TX where we have both a Woodcraft and a Rockler store in the area.
I usually skip their wood selection for the basics (Walnut, maple, oak, etc) because my local hardwood dealer (Fine Lumber) has those at much lower prices.
Where both stores shine is their specials (like Rockler’s lumber of the month program), turning supplies, and their specialty items (jigs, hinges, dust collection fittings, fine finishes, etc).
I love both stores and it’s always a treat to drop in whenever I can!
Portland seems to be a woodworking mecca, we have Rockler, Woodcraft, Woodcrafters, and Crosscut Hardwood. Woodcrafters is downtown and has all the high end tools and hardware. Think full Festool line etc.
Great video Matt! I’ve been a WOODCRAFT fan for many years now. My local store is in Lexington Ky. I’ve grown to love the employees there. They are just like family to me. I would encourage anyone who’s interested in woodworking to support their local WOODCRAFT as much as possible.
So cool to see someone who goes to my local Woodcraft in Lexington, KY. I can easily spend hours there and not even remotely realize that I've been there for so long. I bought my Jet 1221 wood lathe there, because of how helpful they were. I live in Winchester, but have been out of town for almost 6 months... looking to be back this year around June or July.
Big blue nation! My favorite store!
BBN! The Lexington Woodcraft is indeed awesome and is now my first destination for projects rather than the big box stores.
I love Woodcraft, but they are very expensive in my town. Yes, they are very knowledgeable. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.
It's so true about them helping people. As soon as I walk in, there's always somebody greeting me. Most of them know me and always willing to help.
I agree the best thing about these stores is the ability to touch the tools, ask questions, and get expert ad ice on a wide range of topics.
Great video Matt! We don't have a WoodCraft at our location, we do have a Rockler and they are just a good. I love how you did your remote interviews. Very impressive and it clearly shows how much you love the Woodworking Community. Bravo! Looking forward to your next High Quality Video release here at TH-cam!
Great video. Can you do one comparing Woodcraft vs. Rockler?
I am planning on spending a lot of time at my local Woodcraft store, as soon as my new shed gets some power run to it. One thing I found interesting about this video is that the class prices shown seemed very reasonable, whereas the classes at my local Woodcraft almost always seem to be $300. The video showed an introductory wood turning class that was 4 hours long and cost $30. The intro to wood turning class at my store is all day, but $300! I don't know if they do this, but I'd like to suggest to them that they throw in a free class when a particular piece of equipment is purchased from them. If the class was for the specific piece of equipment, that would be even better.
Boy that Ft Worth store brings back good memories. I moved to Colorado but was very happy to find out there are three Woodcraft stores in my general area.
I'm pretty fortunate up here in the Twin Cities to have a Woodcraft and 3 Rockler stores in addition to the big box stores. They're always very helpful and know their business.
Thank you for putting Woodcraft on the spotlight. Just discovered Sacramento has one a few months ago while driving around. Thoroughly impressed by their knowledgeable and helpful staff.
I'm a beginner a lot of things I learn is from you! Thank you for everthing keep doing the great job you donne. Love from Portugal 🇵🇹 Amen 🙏
Great video. Really enjoyed and glad you’re bringing to attention the huge difference between the different retailers. Do wish I had one closer lol. Again, great to see Woodcraft featured by a major channel on TH-cam. Thanks Matt
My closest Woodcraft is across a border and 5+ hours away. I visited a year and a half ago and was blown away by the customer service. You don't the service and knowledge at a big box store but you get it in spades there. I'm fortunate to be 30 miles from Lee Valley's HQ and home store - I get that kind of service there too.
Definitely worth the travel time and occasional extra dollar.
Thanks for the introduction to Woodcraft stores. Unfortunately the closest one for me is 100 miles away. It looks like they have fabulous employees! I had no idea they carried all those products in store. It seems like it may be worth a trip. Love your videos 5!! 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Same for me. I get there 2-3 times per year and it’s always worth the drive. The staff at these stores are VERY knowledgeable about their products. They are just there to sell, they are there to HELP you accomplish your woodworking goals.
My local woodcraft store is in Reno, Nevada and I also go to Apex saw…. Both sell highest quality materials.
But rather pricey …..
Thank you for all the knowledge you share with us appreciate it
✅✅✅✅✅✅🔥🔥🔥
Matt, I live in NY about an hour north of NYC. There isn't a woodcraft near me, so I used to drive to Wilmington Delaware to visit the Woodcraft there. Great store, friendly knowledgeable staff.
Sounds like my experiences with them too. They have pretty much EVERYTHING, and every guy I've ever known to work there is someone who has spent decades actually working in wood, and can give you useful advice on just about anything. The one single item I got there that had a problem, the guys there were able to suggest to me how to quickly fix it myself, so as to save me the time and pain in the butt of trying a return on a large item I'd already mostly assembled.
Never heard of them, but thanks to you, I did a search and found a local one in my Jacksonville, FL area. I will be trying to check them out this weekend. Thank you.
Woodcraft has treated me very well. When I went there to purchase my second lathe, which needed to be ordered, the sales rep advised me that their annual tool event was in a couple of weeks. So, I held off on ordering it. because it would be discounted by Woodcraft during that event.
Woodcraft was offering a 20% discount on all machinery purchased during their event, and Powermatic was there and offering another 20% off.
I got 40% off of my new lathe.
So stay aware and save big where you can. Neither Home Depot nor Lowes will ever offer that level of discount on a major manufacturer's machines.
We have a Woodcraft in San Carlos, CA and I've been going there a lot. They have a great selection of hardwoods, the customer service and knowledge is off the charts, and the selection of tools that you can't find at the orange/blue stores.
I just went my local Ace Hardware to get a knife sharpened. I don't think I've ever been there it the almost 30 years we have lived here. On a lark, I checked to see if they had a hinge I was looking for that Lowes and Home Depot didn't have. They had it in stock. Also, there were nice people working there to help, what a concept! I'll be going back there first, even though the parking sucks.
Went to my first woodcraft last week. Was very impressed by the staff. True woodworking enthusiasts... Knowledge and ready to help! Great store
Great video sir! I work between a Woodcraft and a Rockler. I really like Rockler, but Woodcraft just "feels" better. Love that store!
I prefer Rockler, but that may be because I was introduced Rockler before Woodcraft.
I worked for Woodcraft for 6.5 years, Great Owner to work with, really enjoyed it.
Love your videos. As a beginning woodworker you have given me so many tips. You said to try to do what I want to no matter the difficulty because that is what you want to do. I have messed up but loved and learned from every minute of it. Thank you for the videos keep up the great work!
Nice to see my local woodcraft guys on your video. Known those folks for a long while.
Very well put Matt! Woodcraft has a higher level of experienced of employees! The guys and gals at the big box stores are knowledgeable, but not always a craftsman at the trade. I haven’t taken any of the classes yet. But having the availability to take classes is really nice!
The availability of the exotic types of wood is really cool!
Great video as always!
Wandered into Woodcraft in Cincinnati as I started woodworking a couple of months ago. The gentleman there was super friendly and helpful. Going back this weekend for a few sale items and whatever else my wife will let me get away with!
I rarely shop at woodcraft. If I do it's because they have something I can't find elsewhere. My local store is about 50% more expensive than my local Rockler and their wood is about 2x - 4x the price of my local hardwood dealer. Woodcraft does carry some exotic species my hardwood dealer doesn't typically carry though.
Matt, I too find Woodcraft Stores to be a wealth of information and help in buying the right tool, using the correct process, and just friendly folks. I enjoyed Amy and yout two visits to the Nashville store, Thanks!
As a wood turner, pens / bottle stoppers/ fishing lures, this is the spot for anything you need.
I had a project for 600 police blue stripe pens...they got me 700 acrylic blue stripe blanks and the pen hardware kits. No problem.
Order was there in 3 days. Excellent customer service.
Chattanooga and Nashville's Woodcraft stores are awesome! We go to both stores as we live in between and they are always super helpful. My wife makes pens and I do woodworking and CNC plasma cutting so we are in and out pretty often and they don't seem to mind the raccoon in the stroller...
I wish I had a Woodcraft near me, but it's almost 150miles. I do stop by there for a few sheets of Baltic Birch whenever I'm in the area though.
I enjoyed your video. I'm currently a hardware associate at Home Depot in Burlington, WA (5 years). Also, an avid woodworker (65 years). Because of my experience in the woodworking area, I'm one of those associates that know what I'm talking about when it comes to tools. Many times, I will make a customer happy when they leave the store. Knowing that I resolved their issue or gave them an alternative idea to what they might do to accomplish their task. Most other associates in store would not be very helpful with tool knowledge. I love the Woodcraft and Rockler store, but their comparison to the big box store doesn't come close. For the little old lady who comes in wanting to buy a cheap drill so she can hang pictures Home Depot 's the place. For the beginner or experienced woodworker, Woodcraft and Rockler type stores are the best. I have never taken a class at Woodcraft, but someday I might. I agree all the associates at Woodcraft know what they are talking about.
My primary experience with Woodcraft is buying a bandsaw. I first ordered from the Orange sign store and the machine was damaged. Next time I found it cheaper at the online River store. It too came in damaged. Finally I drove to a Woodcraft store and received knowledgeable service and left with a great working Rikon saw. 😊
It depends on what you need and what type of woodworking you are doing. Honestly Menards is my favorite because it does a bit of what Woodcraft does while also doing what HD/Lowes do. Woodcraft is my second favorite, but a lot of their stuff is a bit over my budget, but i love planning to get some of that stuff someday.
I visit the Hurst store when I can. They are always helpful and if you need something that day, Woodcraft is the best bet as the box stores just don't have alot of the things woodworkers use.
Woodcraft and Rockler are my favorite stores for woodworking. The big tools tend to be very competitively priced. I bought my Powermatic lathe from Woodcraft in Tigard, OR and it was a bit better priced than Amazon.
I had never heard of this place until this video. I looked them up and there's one near the house here in Maryland. They are truly a destination. I'm going for sure! The variety of wood and knowledge look unmatched. Thank you!
I have to chime in from Cleveland OH, I love my WC store! Some things I am intermediate some advanced but I have still taken a couple classes and am a regular for demo’s and shopping. Great bunch of people and knowledgeable, don’t be afraid to have a discussion. Very true big box stores have their place but to be a true woodworker and practice your craft is to go to a woodcraft store with other professionals…..
Have not been to a Woodcraft store in decades. Just assumed there was not one around anymore. Imagine my surprise when I found out there is one right around the corner! Plan on going in this weekend to check out the wood selection.
I bought my Jet table saw at a Woodcraft store about 20 years ago ❤ love it
I'm glad you did the woodcraft video. It's nice to see that classes are available on tools and projects. Found 1 in Seattle, I might have to take some classes. Thanks for the awesome videos.
I've been kind of lurking on woodworking TH-cam channels for a while, because I was interested in the hobby, but I never pulled the trigger due to lack of space to set up a shop, and I was worried I'd end up not liking it after spending a few thousand dollars on tools. I'd heard of Woodcraft, but didn't know anything about beyond the name. Turns out I have one less than an hour away, and I managed to get the last spot for their beginner woodworking class next month. I wouldn't have even known about this if it hadn't been for you, so thank you sir.
Awesome! Congrats on the new venture! You'll love it!
Outstanding perspectives! I love my local Woodcraft store and visit it whenever I come to town. Super employees and very helpful service. Thanks for highlighting such an amazing company...
Completely agree Matt! I love going to Woodcraft because I can ask questions to very experienced woodworkers. Also, every time I have went in there the staff is very knowledgeable and happy to be there. They also ask what kind of project you are working on, and seem interested in odd projects. I really love going to Woodcraft when I can. Thanks for highlighting this store Matt, keep on making great videos. God bless sir!
I never knew what this store was, always assumed a floor store. There is one relatively close to me in here in Houston. Will be stopping in soon. Awesome.
Wow, good to know. I never knew they existed. I Just did a search and I have one 25 miles away from me. I will be making a visit.
THANK YOU!!
I love Woodcraft. I live outside Denver and we are lucky enough to have two woodworking stores, Woodcraft and Rockler. They are both great and I recommend both but if I had to pick a favorite it would be Woodcraft. If anyone reading this has a local store please do give them your business so that we can keep these great resources going.
Up until mid last year, we only had a Woodcraft and it was "ok". Rockler moved in about 5 miles down the street and I've noticed a difference now that they have competition.
Cool. Plan on checking out the Grand Rapids location.
Sounds like a great store. Maybe we'll get one down here in Mobile, AL some day (closest one is Birmingham - 4 hours away). Stuck with the box stores for the time being.
lately i have been getting my hardwood from Woodcraft. Cherry wood has been well priced. I have gotten some tools from them. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I am in Omaha, NE.
We lost the Woodcraft store in Huntington Beach CA - I will miss them a lot. Looks like my Elk hunting trip in AZ this year will include a stop at Woodcraft. There are a few things we can't get in CA.
long time fan, i found it hilarious you chose my local woodcraft to demo the class signup page. love my Chattanooga store
Don’t forget about Rockler. We are fortunate in Cincinnati to have a Rockler and Woodcraft that are 5 minutes from each other. Both stores are great with very helpful staff.
I’m curious if you’ve ever been to Rockler before. It is pretty similar to Woodcraft. Love to see a comparison video between those two stores (Rockler vs. Woodcraft)
Menards is a good place to find S4S hardwoods. I spent a couple hundred dollars on enough BF of mahogany to build a king sized bed frame. The wood was totally flat and ready for building. They have Maple, Magogany, Cherry, Aspen, Hickory, Poplar, Red Oak, and (sometimes) Walnut. Thickness: 3/4",
Lengths from 4' to 12' ft,
Widths from 2" to 8".
Their Pine section is awesome as well.
I love Woodcraft for the reasons mentioned in the video, but, as Box Stores go, Menards is outstanding.
This is awesome. There’s one in Austin, which is only 50 miles from me! Can’t wait to check it out
Loved seeing you used MY Woodcraft store in the video!
Thank you so much for posting this video! I had know idea I even had a Wood Craft in my area. I’ve been wondering where I could find a place like this. I now really feel very fortunate to have one near by.
Lucky enough to have a Woodcraft and a Rockler in our area now! I try to use both stores!
I would love to visit/shop a Woodcraft. Unfortunately, I’d have to take a plane or make a weekend road trip out of it. They need more locations to serve more of the country.
Sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to be the first franchisee in the region!
No Woodcraft in my city but now that I know what these stores have, I will be making a trip to one soon. Thanks Matt
Have fun!
My parents have a Woodcraft store where they live, Oklahoma City, and I do not have one where I live in Wyoming. I went into a Woodcraft for the first time fairly recently. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. Better tools, better materials & more experienced staff. If I had one available I would use it exclusively.
I worked at the Allentown P.A store. The store is full of craftsman as sales. I was lucky to be taught a lot of woodworking skills from these craftman. I taught the bandsaw, scroll saw. bowl and pen turning. A great store to learn. we back up our sales.
The best part was showing folk's demo for things they are looking for.
Extremely lucky to have a Rockler, Woodcraft, Klingspor, and of course Lowes and Home Depot within 30 minutes of my home. Best of everything!
You should do a video Woodcraft vs Rockler, I have a Rockler store where they already know my name because I go there so many times but for a big purchase I will go to Woodcraft store in Delaware (no taxes). I do buy my hand planes from Woodcraft after watching Rob Cosman’s videos and I really love them.
Woodcraft in Honolulu is the only show in town for woodworking. I love this store, and the employees are super helpful. Got my Laguna table saw from them recently, took a couple of months, but it was worth it. Living in Hawaii shipping for big items is always an issue. Woodcraft will bring it in (it comes by boat). So fortunate to have Woodcraft here, especially since Rockler doesn't ship alot of things to Hawaii.
This is really awesome! Glad to know that there is one here in Pittsburgh that i never knew about. Thanks so much! God Bless!
My nearest Woodcraft is 100 miles for me. I stopped in there once and really liked it. For sure I would go there some if it was closer. They had router bits that the others didn't I noticed for one.
My location is not great for many stores. Nearest woodcraft is 3 hours away by interstate. Where I live our nearest big box store is called Menards. For a big box store their wood selection is really good. They usually keep a number of woods in stock like Mahogany, Cherry, Alder, Poplar, Oak, and Hickory. I maybe missed one or two and they have more you can order like Walnut but aren't kept in stock at stores.
I am fortunate to live near the Greenwood Village CO Woodcraft store and can verify their wide selection of tools that are not available at the local big boxes. While I am more of a shop and garage furniture builder and not a fine furniture maker, I buy there often from the monthly sale flyer. I just got the Kreg track saw from Woodcraft to build the dozen tool drawers I have been needing for years. Also drill press, toggle clamps, dust collection fittings, wheeled tool stands, etc, etc. Festool is well beyond my budget but I can still drool while I spend an hour in the store buying $50 worth of stuff.
I certainly like Woodcraft and am glad that I have one only 20 minutes or so from where I live. That said, all the stores that you showed are substantially larger than my local store. I would be thrilled to have a store more on that scale close by!
Never been in woodcraft before. Just googled it and the closest one to me. It's like an hour and a half away but tomorrow is Friday. Perfect day for road trip!!
I'm lucky that I have a Woodcraft and a Rockler within 25min! I took a wood turning class at Rockler and loved it!
And, for cheaper lumber to try and figure it out first a Home Depot and a Menards for box stores even closer.
This inspired me to go check out Woodcraft!! The North Houston location would be the closest and plan to check them out this weekend for some upcoming projects for this year!!
I think mileage varies by location.
Your stores in TX seems to have A LOT more inventory that my store here in VA. They don't stock large quantities of any hardwoods. The domestics are over twice the price of what I pay at my mom and pop hardwood/plywood supplier. My store has a very limited large tool selection. My store finishing department is also limited, doesn't stock lacquer in anything larger than a quart. My store seems to be geared toward the hobby woodworker, turner than they are to the more serious woodworker/furniture maker. That being said, most seem to be knowledgeably and pleasant to deal with and support them the best I can.
Great video on Woodcraft. Keep up the great work. I have learned a lot from these videos .
Great vid!!! I knew nothing about Woodcraft. Going to visit this weekend
Good discounts this weekend and next for the One Year Anniversary at Woodcraft of Baltimore in Timonium!
The only exception for Festool in my area (Peoria, IL) is that Farm & Fleet, which is somewhat of a box store, does sell Festool as well as Milwaukee.
Thanks for this video. I have had several frustrating trips to the big box stores as I am beginning woodworker. I have driven by the Fort Worth store but didn't know what it was. So next stop is to go inside. Thanks
Nice video, woodcraft stores have a good selection of woodworking needs. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
Hurst is near my old "stomping grounds". Thanks for the tour!
Ya know in the 1990s there were a lot more tool stores that carried the big tool brand stuff. Around 2000 I started seeing them slowly disappearing. By 2005 most were gone. But once a pond a time they were competitive. Woodcraft may have higher prices but for good reasons. Not many places I know of where you can pick up a 500 pound table saw or a 8” jointer with helical head that day. You guys have a good day.
So a Rockler sponsorship is off the table, I guess?
Good video. Big fan of Woodcraft. Knoxville is my usual store, with great people, but when travelling to Chattanooga or Nashville they've got some fantastic shops.
Well holy crap. I was commenting while the video played, and then *boom* there's the Chattanooga store!
Woodcraft is hands down my favorite place to shop. Colleyville Texas.
Been to my local Woodcraft a few times. Got some great advice on finish stuff and bought from them because of it. Was starting to make a habit of trying to get in there whenever I was in the area. Went in Black Friday weekend because the first sales "sticker" I saw, right in front of the sales desk, was on a router I was looking at, at a great price. I plopped it on the counter, and it rung up at full price. I pulled the sales sticker off and handed it to the cashier, and he looked at it and said "that deal expired." He went to the back and they could do _nothing_ on the price (not even a "I can't do _that_ price but I can do _this_ price"). Compare that to the big box store where I'll tell them there's a price discrepancy (I usually take a picture of the sales sticker in case), they honor it...sometimes even when it's the wrong thing (that happened to be stacked behind the sale sticker). At least when I left (without the router, with no plans to return again unless there's something I need that only they have), the false advertising sticker was down. So moral: don't trust that when you see a "sale" sticker on something there, that it will actually be current.
good video. im proud to say im in a town that has a woodcraft store and also down the road from the store is a woodcraft warehouse were they ship alot of the stuff out and then like an hour to half hour way from me is a menards
My local Woodcraft is on the way to Rockler, so if I don't find what I want there, keep driving.
We also have a 3-mi stretch of road with Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes. Go another 4 miles to another Home Depot. So, yeah, no shortage of places to spend my money. 🙂
I got to the Milwaukee Woodcraft and have taken a class and am signed up for another. Its a great place with great employees!