There is a however to this. Years ago I used to get a lot of books on various subjects, all out of print, some even limited editions. I bought from a used bookstore for some years, getting much of what I wanted/needed, at low prices. Then discovered the internet. And found out that while prices for the same books were less in the used bookstore, when you figured in the cost of gas, it was less expensive to buy on-line, even when shipping was figured in; plus a better selection of books.
Shopping for tools and supplies
People fortunate enough to have one of the big woodworking chain stores near them will often just buy all their tools and supplies in the store. Others are stuck with having to shop online and wait for delivery to see if the items are what they expected of them. The big box home improvement stores are slowly adding to the lines of products woodworkers are looking for. Where do you find the best prices? The answer might surprise you.
After watching new product reviews from the big AWFS show in Las Vegas I decided that Titebond Thick and Quick glue would be perfect for a segmented project I am working on using the Miter Set.jig. I always comparison shop for items and since I was also looking to purchase the Kreg Micro pocket hole jig I searched around. The Kreg jig was $44 on Amazon, at Woodcraft and Menard's. The 8 ounce bottle of Thick and Quick glue was $7.85 on Amazon, $5.00 at my local Woodcraft and $3.65 at Menard's. I ended up making this purchase at Woodcraft; supporting this store helps ensure my local supply of exotic wood stays in business.
When I bought a box of Kreg HD 2-1/2" screws(125 count) they were not listed on Amazon, $19.99 at Woodcraft and $14.99 at Menard's. I opted for the 25% saving at Menard's on this purchase.
I was surprised that the local prices were the same or better than online pricing. Have you found this to be true in your area?
After watching new product reviews from the big AWFS show in Las Vegas I decided that Titebond Thick and Quick glue would be perfect for a segmented project I am working on using the Miter Set.jig. I always comparison shop for items and since I was also looking to purchase the Kreg Micro pocket hole jig I searched around. The Kreg jig was $44 on Amazon, at Woodcraft and Menard's. The 8 ounce bottle of Thick and Quick glue was $7.85 on Amazon, $5.00 at my local Woodcraft and $3.65 at Menard's. I ended up making this purchase at Woodcraft; supporting this store helps ensure my local supply of exotic wood stays in business.
When I bought a box of Kreg HD 2-1/2" screws(125 count) they were not listed on Amazon, $19.99 at Woodcraft and $14.99 at Menard's. I opted for the 25% saving at Menard's on this purchase.
I was surprised that the local prices were the same or better than online pricing. Have you found this to be true in your area?
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Mike; we have two Bldg. supply outfits here on the Sunshine Coast, plus a couple of big hardware chain outlets.
There are also specialty hardware stores. I love the Gibsons Fasteners store; they are incredibly well stocked, fair priced and amazingly knowledgeable.
It's a relatively small family owned store and I support them when ever I can; don't care if they're more expensive on some items. Too valuable an asset to lose if I don't support them.
The lumberyards? Well let's just say that in the past couple of years they (neither one of them) have been unable to keep staff. No idea what the problem is but it's really annoying when the counter guys haven't a clue.
Pricing? Higher than the city, but the ferry trip&gas is at least $80 so that kinda influences my attitude...
There are also specialty hardware stores. I love the Gibsons Fasteners store; they are incredibly well stocked, fair priced and amazingly knowledgeable.
It's a relatively small family owned store and I support them when ever I can; don't care if they're more expensive on some items. Too valuable an asset to lose if I don't support them.
The lumberyards? Well let's just say that in the past couple of years they (neither one of them) have been unable to keep staff. No idea what the problem is but it's really annoying when the counter guys haven't a clue.
Pricing? Higher than the city, but the ferry trip&gas is at least $80 so that kinda influences my attitude...
You make some good points, Mike. I'm very lucky to have a Woodcraft about 15 minutes away. And recently they've been quite competitively priced compared to buying online. I mentioned this to one of the employees there, and he said that they're having to keep the prices down to survive in the age of Amazon. Although especially with Amazon Prime that gets stuff delivered to me in two days, buying online is a lot easier.
But there's a lot to be said about supporting my local store. I have to say that I've had some disappointments in things bought online that turned out to not be the best thing since sliced bread after all. It's nice to be able to go and look at them in person. And it's just a little too easy to pull the trigger on a purchase while sitting in front of my computer at home.
Even though Woodcraft is only a short distance away, having to drive there usually makes me ask myself "Do I really need it?. Will I really use it enough to justify the cost?" More often than not, the answer is No. When the answer is Yes!, I'd rather help my local store stay in business.
So I'm lucky to have a local store in addition to shopping online. I have the best of both worlds.
But there's a lot to be said about supporting my local store. I have to say that I've had some disappointments in things bought online that turned out to not be the best thing since sliced bread after all. It's nice to be able to go and look at them in person. And it's just a little too easy to pull the trigger on a purchase while sitting in front of my computer at home.
Even though Woodcraft is only a short distance away, having to drive there usually makes me ask myself "Do I really need it?. Will I really use it enough to justify the cost?" More often than not, the answer is No. When the answer is Yes!, I'd rather help my local store stay in business.
So I'm lucky to have a local store in addition to shopping online. I have the best of both worlds.
Amazon Prime is a great value for me too Jim. Amazon recently sent me an email pointing out that in the last 6 months I have had 26 deliveries with a cost savings of close to $300 just on shipping. Add that to some of the special deals I have gotten and my total savings is probably closer to $500. I recently bought the Kreg hinge jig, handle jig and drawer slide jigs as a bundle for $66 plus tax. That is about $12 cheaper than I have found them anywhere else.
I let availability & convenience decide.
When I was living in the Northeast I was able to roll out of bed & be in 3 HD & 3 Lowes stores within 10 min., 6 miles. That's 6 stores to choose from!!
Two local hardware stores within 2 miles & a Fastenal store within 2 1/2 miles. Boy was I spoiled.
Now that I've moved to southern SC that is only an Ace Hardware within 5 miles. There are HD & Lowes but they are at least 10 miles out each AND they are SMALL stores compared to up north. Strange ---you would think that being near their corporate headquarters that the big boxes would be BIG BOXES.
So I've started to shop on the computer, Many times the internet is the only source for stuff. Try buying stainless steel Kreg screws in a big box--ain't happening!
Had to source it from Amazon with free delivery.
Right now I'm TRYING to find a big box(or anyone for that matter) that has the Delta 5000 series table saw set up so that I can "scratch & sniff" it. Also ain't happening!!
Their opinion--buy it, lug it home, put it together & if you don't like it---disassemble it & haul it back?!?!?! I suppose that's better than having to ship it back to Amazon---but what the [email protected]&%???
Woodcraft, Rockler etc.===== several hundred mile drive!!!
I guess I shouldn't complain I could be out in the boonies and have to drive 10 miles just to get to the mail box.
When I was living in the Northeast I was able to roll out of bed & be in 3 HD & 3 Lowes stores within 10 min., 6 miles. That's 6 stores to choose from!!
Two local hardware stores within 2 miles & a Fastenal store within 2 1/2 miles. Boy was I spoiled.
Now that I've moved to southern SC that is only an Ace Hardware within 5 miles. There are HD & Lowes but they are at least 10 miles out each AND they are SMALL stores compared to up north. Strange ---you would think that being near their corporate headquarters that the big boxes would be BIG BOXES.
So I've started to shop on the computer, Many times the internet is the only source for stuff. Try buying stainless steel Kreg screws in a big box--ain't happening!
Had to source it from Amazon with free delivery.
Right now I'm TRYING to find a big box(or anyone for that matter) that has the Delta 5000 series table saw set up so that I can "scratch & sniff" it. Also ain't happening!!
Their opinion--buy it, lug it home, put it together & if you don't like it---disassemble it & haul it back?!?!?! I suppose that's better than having to ship it back to Amazon---but what the [email protected]&%???
Woodcraft, Rockler etc.===== several hundred mile drive!!!
I guess I shouldn't complain I could be out in the boonies and have to drive 10 miles just to get to the mail box.
My nearest specialty store is Rocker, 60 miles each way and my old truck is about 16 mpg, I like to buy there and have purchased most of my major tools there to support them. I recently discovered WEN tools, which sells standard gear that is identical to JET and some other brands. I found these on sale at other outlets, Home Depot and even WalMart. They are on Amazon, but the prices there are often higher, and both Home Depot and Walmart have free shipping to the local store for pickup there. I have two WEN ceiling mount dust filter units, a 12 inch band saw that is identical to Rikon, and a 12 inch bench drill press that is identical to JET. Each was more expensive on Amazon.
I have several Sommerfeld matched bit sets and jig purchased online, and the price was the same on Amazon, with Prime shipping. But I often pay for shipping because that company has earned my respect and I want them to profit fully and stay in business.
Wood is another question. The only viable source is not too far from the Rockler, so I often combine the trips.
Our local big box stores have cut back on their power tool selection, which seems to be a function of buyers who don't know beans about woodworking. I suspect they're doing what supermarkets do, charging for shelf space. If you want you product there, you have to pay.
I purchased my Bosch routers at HD, but the Triton online and on sale. They were not on sale at any regional store at that time. Now they're stocked at Rockler along with their other tools and the work center. Colt accessories I found online but not at any local store, so there wasn't any choice.
The big stuff I want to examine and fondle first hand, and I want a company that will give me serious help, and that's the Rockler. Great staff at that store, all long-time woodworkers and not pushing any particular brand. They arranged a store to store transfer by an employee to get my Laguna table saw to me the next day. They deserve as much support as I can give them.
And then there's Harbor Freight, which is opening a third store up here in the high desert. I buy there very selectively. Two of their 2hp dust collection units for about $ 170 or so each on sale with their discount coupon--you just can't beat that.
Sounds to me like most of us are mixing it up in the US, Europe and Canada might be a different matter. How are things there?
I have several Sommerfeld matched bit sets and jig purchased online, and the price was the same on Amazon, with Prime shipping. But I often pay for shipping because that company has earned my respect and I want them to profit fully and stay in business.
Wood is another question. The only viable source is not too far from the Rockler, so I often combine the trips.
Our local big box stores have cut back on their power tool selection, which seems to be a function of buyers who don't know beans about woodworking. I suspect they're doing what supermarkets do, charging for shelf space. If you want you product there, you have to pay.
I purchased my Bosch routers at HD, but the Triton online and on sale. They were not on sale at any regional store at that time. Now they're stocked at Rockler along with their other tools and the work center. Colt accessories I found online but not at any local store, so there wasn't any choice.
The big stuff I want to examine and fondle first hand, and I want a company that will give me serious help, and that's the Rockler. Great staff at that store, all long-time woodworkers and not pushing any particular brand. They arranged a store to store transfer by an employee to get my Laguna table saw to me the next day. They deserve as much support as I can give them.
And then there's Harbor Freight, which is opening a third store up here in the high desert. I buy there very selectively. Two of their 2hp dust collection units for about $ 170 or so each on sale with their discount coupon--you just can't beat that.
Sounds to me like most of us are mixing it up in the US, Europe and Canada might be a different matter. How are things there?
Similar to there. Depends on where you live. I live about 50 minutes from a town of maybe 40,000. 75 to 90 minutes from a town of 100,000 or so. There's an HD, a Rona (similar), and two Home Hardware stores. All have a limited selection of tools. One of the HH stores has a better tool section and I could go in there and order almost anything I wanted I think. The longer drive gets me to major tool dealers KMS and Summit but even at that most any machine I would be interested I would have to order. I get a lot of stuff off the net from ebay and amazon because it's easier and winds up being a lot cheaper.
"... The longer drive gets me to major tool dealers KMS and Summit "
-Charles
Most of my major tools were bought at Summit; they gave me pretty decent discounts on the major stuff.
-Charles
Most of my major tools were bought at Summit; they gave me pretty decent discounts on the major stuff.
Feel sorry for some of you Fellars, within 10 miles of my house I have a rockler store woodcraft store, a service center for porter cable and deWalt Home Depot, Lowe's, 2 hardwood stores and a lumberyard and not to forget a tool repair shop.
What seems like a bargain isn't a bargain. My son got the idea to build his Lab a log doghouse. For three days, we split landscape timbers, lined it with plywood, etc. We use drywall screws. It was cheaper to buy five one pound boxes than the five pound box. Go figure.....or most people don't, thinking the larger box is cheaper.
completely agree with the sentiment! I do the same thing....especially with lumber.It's a relatively small family owned store and I support them when ever I can; don't care if they're more expensive on some items. Too valuable an asset to lose if I don't support them.
If I had all that, that close, there had better be a good divorce attorney within 15 minutes...:surprise:Feel sorry for some of you Fellars, within 10 miles of my house I have a rockler store woodcraft store, a service center for porter cable and deWalt Home Depot, Lowe's, 2 hardwood stores and a lumberyard and not to forget a tool repair shop.
Hold on John--'tis I who feel sorry for you!! Within 10 miles of my house we have an Ace Hdwe, Tractor Supply, several thousand acres of row crops, dairy farms, pork waiting to be fresh, 2 state parks, deer, trout, bass, fox, hawks, herons, even skunks on occasion. Drivers of the white and brown trucks know where to put the boxes, and the USPS driver bought 2 pens from me last week.Feel sorry for some of you Fellars, within 10 miles of my house I have a rockler store woodcraft store, a service center for porter cable and deWalt Home Depot, Lowe's, 2 hardwood stores and a lumberyard and not to forget a tool repair shop.
Yep, 2 or 3 hours to Rockler or Woodcraft--but not much need for stop lights here. Just came back from 2 days in the Chicago suburbs--not a place for me to live!! And...the way family, work and hobbies get--if a store was 10 minutes away it might take me 3 or 4 days to take the time to get there anyway--so delivery is often faster!! I like not being in a shopping area (though it might actually be cheaper if I had to do more than click a mouse!! >
)earl
I made a choice 13 years ago to move to a small town in Wyoming. Thank God for Amazon Prime. We do 60 to 70 percent of our purchases, other then groceries, online. If it was not for Grizzly Tools, Rockler On Line and Amazon, I would not have any power tools. I bought my Jet Table saw through Rockler On line, my Drill Press from Amazon and band saw and jointer from Grizzly and most of my hand power tools from Amazon and other online vendors. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards are all at least 200 miles away and Rockler is over 1000 miles away in Minnesota or 800 miles away in Oregon. Now, I'm not complaining, I made the choice to move here, so it's something I will have to just live with it. My only real complaint, is there is no place to get nice wood, I either choose Fir construction wood or pine. I do have access to blue pine because of all of the beetle kill in the state.
CAD-Man
CAD-Man
I just went through this at the local JoAnn's. I received 2 sewing machines and needed a few supplies. I knew I could get most of the items much cheaper online. However, remembering when my mom always went to the store and got supplies and questions answered, I thought I would buy the customer service to make sure I was buying the correct items. Not a good experience-no real help AND listening to employees plotting mutiny. Anyway, after I got home and thought about everything that transpired, I decided just how much I could save online and if should I take any of the items back.
Well, some of it was actually cheaper, which surprised me! Of course, I kept those items. However, the sewing supplies I returned-I was refunded $60.xx and bought the same stuff online for $30+ cheaper and actually, getting MORE items for the price. Ex: exact set of sewing machine needles $14.99 + tax/store and $4.99 flat, online. $3.49 for 2 pcs. of tailor's chalk/store and $1.46 flat for 4 different colors of chalk. Rotary cutter $13.49/store, $13.50 + 3 extra blades/online, and so on.
The only thing I didn't replace yet, is 2.25 yds. fabric, that was $29.xx ($12.99/yd) at the store and I can get the same item from $3.49/yd - $5.99/yd, online. That can wait.
Well, some of it was actually cheaper, which surprised me! Of course, I kept those items. However, the sewing supplies I returned-I was refunded $60.xx and bought the same stuff online for $30+ cheaper and actually, getting MORE items for the price. Ex: exact set of sewing machine needles $14.99 + tax/store and $4.99 flat, online. $3.49 for 2 pcs. of tailor's chalk/store and $1.46 flat for 4 different colors of chalk. Rotary cutter $13.49/store, $13.50 + 3 extra blades/online, and so on.
The only thing I didn't replace yet, is 2.25 yds. fabric, that was $29.xx ($12.99/yd) at the store and I can get the same item from $3.49/yd - $5.99/yd, online. That can wait.
Cindy; is it a franchise outlet? Might explain the employee dissatisfaction.
Similar experience to Cindy on fabric. I wanted some felt cloth to line the drawers on my new outfeed table with. I couldn't find anything big enough locally and prices were extremely high per yd. I found some on amazon.ca for C$12/yd x 60" and it was delivered to my door.
I love the beetle kill. I first saw it many years ago when my wife worked in a high end furniture store. It wasn't popular back then, so some of the furniture came crated up in it. I saved a few pieces then, and made a few things, too. If I'd had any idea of how it would grow in popularity (and price) I would have salvaged a lot more of it. If I could think of an excuse to drive there from Kentucky, I'd bring my pickup.I do have access to blue pine because of all of the beetle kill in the state.
CAD-Man
Rats!
Princess Auto...this is 1/2 the price I pay anywhere else!
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/wood-and-metal-rat-trap/A-p2470115e :surprise:
Princess Auto...this is 1/2 the price I pay anywhere else!
https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/wood-and-metal-rat-trap/A-p2470115e :surprise:
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
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