Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 22, 2003 12:13pm | #1

   McGuckin's Hardware in Boulder. It's the One True Hardware Store. Their customer service has declined since I started shopping there, but it's still way ahead of a lot of others, and their inventory is astonishing.

1. 
   jgaiennie | Feb 22, 2003 04:16pm | #2

   Unc,

   This south La. boy has an indelible impression of McGuckin.  What a store!  I went through there a couple of years ago.  I thought I was in heaven.

   jdg

   Edited 2/22/2003 8:17:40 AM ET by jdg

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 22, 2003 04:52pm | #3

   The answer is rarely "either" / "or"    To a question like this, the answer is both.  Now once there, in both places, you may decide one tool is better in this store, but the next tool you buy may come from the other store.

   In addition to your local stores, keep the following websites on hand and get their catalogs.  Others will probably add to the list.  Over time, you will begin to know who has the tool(s) you want at the best price and the best customer service.  All of the ones below have had excellent customer service for me.

   Alan / Planesaw

   http://www.leevalley.com

   http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com

   http://www.thebestthings.com/

   http://www.lie-nielsen.com/

   http://www.wilkemachinery.com/index.html

   https://www.garrettwade.com

3. 
   Curtis | Feb 22, 2003 04:59pm | #4

   Hello

   I live near both stores you named, I find it a bonus.

    Be picky and conpair simular produces , I dont belive one is better than the other,although I prefer Rockler,Im not sure why? prehaps its the people at the store.

   AnyHow do you homework and study whatever you plan to buy, then look around for the best deals. Also dont count out other earas like the HD or Lowes. If you know what you want it never hurts to keep an open mind to all the possiblies.

   sincerly C.A.G.

4. 
   KyleZ | Feb 23, 2003 01:41am | #5

   Mark,

   I have dealt with both companies;  Rockler when I was in Buffalo, Woodcraft here in Rochester.  I think Rockler is better for cabinet hardware.  Woodcraft is probably better for hand tools.  The personalities of the local employees will be the most significant factor in your choice to patronize one over the other.

   I agree with Alan that mail order is a great method for acquiring woodworking supplies.  Its hard to beat most of the companies Alan listed.  I would add http://www.highlandhardware.com to his list.

   Good Luck

   Kyle

1. 
   BobL | Feb 24, 2003 02:03am | #6

   I'm normally in BT

   If you're going to order internet from Rockler they have two sites, rockler.com and rocklerpro.com.

   the second has prices slightly lower that the first.

   I've stopped dealing with them because of their customer practices, but if you don't mind dealing with them then knowing about the second site might be useful.bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 24, 2003 02:35am | #7

   >> I've stopped dealing with them because of their customer practices ...

   Aren't you going to tell us what these despicable practices are?

1. 
   BobL | Feb 24, 2003 07:26am | #9

   Since you ask.

   I received their Rocklerpro catalog, unrequested,

   I registered at the site and in the space where it asked for company name I left blank.

   System aske me for an input to proceed so I said None.

   System thanked me for registering by sending me an email.

   I placed an order and they sent me an email confirming my order with an order number.  In placing the order I was told to expect the order in 7-10 business days.

   After 12 business days (order placed 5 Feb, called 22 Feb) I called to find out about my order,

   They claimed they sent me an email asking about the none on comapny name (never received, they had sent me the other 2 emails) which I didn't answer so they canceled the order, which I wasn't notified.

   I can understand if someone only wants to sell to business, BUT they sent me the catalogue.  I told the truth in no campany name.  They let me register, accepted my order, then canceled without notifing me.  Lost two weeks in trying to finish my project.

   I don't like being treated like that.  If someone claimed the mailing list was done by a computer because they bought alist somewhere, A person decided to have that list sent to.  The computer didn't. They didn't want to sell to me then they shouldn't have sent the cataloge unreguested, they shouldn't have let me register and they shouldn't have accepted my order.  Then to cancel without notification?  Since they had sent me 2 emails they knew my address, in fact they had my snail mail address and no notification or explination.

   Won't do business with them.bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

2. 
   booch | Feb 25, 2003 01:34am | #10

   They won't let him eat tweetie!Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

2. 
   TomMGTC | Feb 24, 2003 03:02am | #8

   I didn't know about the second site and I am unable to access it. Apparantly it is an invitation only type of deal. You need a code from a catalog to enter it. I am not to keen on that practice.Tom

5. 
   dam | Feb 25, 2003 01:59am | #11

   I also live here in Denver.  Woodcraft offers 10% discount on items, (not power tools)during the month of your birthday.  I saved $ 20.00 last Friday when I purchased my benchdog router table with fence.  Both stores are good.  Each offers things that the other may not have.  I think hand tools quality is better at Woodcraft.  Tool Crib of the North is best for power tools,  Free shipping and no sales tax,  7.2%.  Austin Hardwood and Paxton for hardwoods.  Centinnal hardwood for sheet goods.  Hope this advise helps you.  In closing, you have to shop all stores because of price and available.

6. 
   Turbo | Feb 25, 2003 07:13am | #12

          As your interests develop in joinery, peruse http://www.jointech.com.  Happy wood working!