We have few tool stores in my area and when my local Woodworkers Wahehouse went belly-up recently, I felt a small pain in the pit of my stomach. I could always depend on them to be there. Bought my Delta jointer, Delta 14" bandsaw and countless clamps, chisels and othe WW tools there over the years. The guys there were very helpful. I remember one time when I bought a set of Marples chisels, the salesman "Bob" spent 25+ minutes explaining the scary sharp system and how I should grasp the chisel and move my body in synchronization with the tool over various grades of sandpaper. I really appreciated that. But I haven't bought a major tool there for a year or more...how many can you buy?
Enter Woodcraft...coincidentally (?) opening just as the former WW Warehouse closes. I'm not sure about this "corporate giant". I get their catalogs all the time, but they seem really expensive. I'm always looking for a bargain-but I won't stoop to Sears' Craftsman. Sears is OK for refrigerators, washers & dryers, but ceratainly not (say) a good table saw. OK, I admit I do have their radial arm saw - not bad but needs semi-annual adjustment.
Back to Woodcraft. Got a mail-flyer that advertized all Jet and Powermatic at 10% off last Saturday (Apr 17). Now their catalog prices the Jet 48x6x9 sander (JSG-96) at $299 plus shipping. No way they would sell that for $270 I thought. Got there at 10:30 AM and sure enough, drove away with my "bargain". There was one guy ahead of me buying the same exact tool which reinforced my good feelings about the purchase.
What a nice store - almost too nice for a woodworking store in that it was very "tony". My wife would almost tolerate walking through this place. Much larger than the old place. Exotic woods (maybe I'll start using something other than oak, poplar & walnut).
Capitalism is great...I'll be looking out for "Bob".
Lou