Online woodworking supplies

I'm getting into woodworking and wondering if there is someplace people recommend. Mostly hand tools, bits, and accessories. The only hardware stores around me are Home Depot, Menards and Lowe's. They don't have much of anything and what they do have is questionable quality at best.

Grizzly has just about anything you will need Rockler is another.

I use to order some things from Rockler. Not cheap, but I thought they were good tools. Also Freud, also not cheap.
Rockler

There's one I think called Woodcraft. They have stores and I think catalog but I've never been on one. Used to be Eagle America near me but they closed up a few years ago unless it was just that location.

In addition to the good suggestions already provided, here are a few that sell higher quality tools.

Lee Valley and Lie-Nielsen

I spent 26 years woodworking, mostly as a hobby. Been a lot of years since then!

As far as "tools" go, the China stuff back then was simply horrible! Nowdays, China tools are about all you can find unless you buy used. It would help to know what tools you are looking for; floor (stationary) tools, benchtop, handheld, cordless, or non-powered.

With router bits, you're not going to beat names like Freud. However, I often ordered from MLCS. They were good quality at an affordable price. Another trusted name is Dewalt. Can't stand Sears or anything with "Master" in the name! But again, I'm a couple decades out of practice.

For just starting out, you might want to look into the Home Depot tools. Dad had bought a tablesaw that was about $400-500 about 10 years ago. I was surprised with the overall quality. When it comes to tablesaws, I highly recommend getting the book, "The Tablesaw Handbook". It will show you not only how to safely use the saw, but also how to care for it. Steel tops need care to prevent rust, but many normal products can harm your wood or many finishes that might be put on later.

Portable planers have come a long way. Still, I don't think there's a planer that exists that can totally eliminate snipe in every wood and grain pattern. For a small hobby planer, look at Dewalt. For a larger machine, Grizzly is good, but avoid the cheaper Chinese models.

Router -- too many good ones these days. Don't skimp on price and you'll be fine. Research the different types, as most serious woodworkers actually have multiple routers.

I bought a benchtop drill press a couple years back that I've been quite happy with:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQONFY6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are better models, but I like this size now (used to have a floor model) and I like the speed control. Again, protect surface from rust, but keep in mind that many protectants can harm the finish of your piece.

A jointer is a good tool as well. This is where you really have to look for the best quality vs. price. There are even better models that do not perform as well as many lesser models, but also too many cheap models to stay away from.

If looking for hand tools, Rockler is a good place. another is Garrett Wade. GW is a bit on fancy, more heirloom-quality tools, but can't beat the accuracy and beauty. When looking for straight rules (adjustable square, for example), look for one that has markings in the metal rather than just painted on the surface.

A nice calipers will also come in handy. Here you can choose from vernier (WAY old school), dial (my preference), and digital.

What kind of woodworking are you looking to get into? If wood carving, I just wasted a post. *lol* But, where do you plan to get your wood? Box stores are VERY expensive! Best bet would be to look for a local rough-cut supplier, or maybe look for scraps/damages wood flooring, etc. Also keep in mind, wood is like a sponge. Just because it was kiln-dried at one time doesn't mean it remains that way. It will re-absorb moisture even from the air. One other possibility would be to look into making a solar wood kiln and buying air-dried lumber. Yes, have to wait a while to use it, but then you KNOW the quality of your wood.

WoodCraft has a store in Kansas City, only one in the state, they do have an online store also. They have some neat things.

Hello Kansas ..... give us some examples of some tools you might buy at any of those places you mentioned that you would consider to be of poor quality. So maybe some hand tools and power tools both.

Remember that a tradesman who is using his tools 8 hours every day might benefit for some of the high end stuff but for someone just getting into woodworking, I think the stores you mentioned are a good source for what you need.

Someone below recommended Lie Nielsen and Lee Valley for hand tools. I have purchased from both. Pricey, but excellent quality and worth what you pay. Blades razor sharp out of the box. Razor sharp, not grinder sharp, which for woodworking is really grinder dull.

Another source for hand tools is Ebay. Good selection of new and used including Record, Stanley, Sargent, Crown and others.

Good luck and have fun!

Hartville Tool and Supply

www.HartvilleTool.com

I have most of the power tools I think I need. I was just at Menards today and looked at combination squares. They had one there and the adjusting nut was cross threaded and no good. I just got a blank look at Lowes when I asked where they were. I was wanting to look at router tables and all that's there is a cheap Skil brand with everything else online only. I figure I can't have to many clamps but at $20 a piece that seems expensive. Maybe not but I want to look around. I did buy one of they're more expansive clamps a while back and it just slips and won't hold. I'd also like more than one choice of blades for my table saw.

I don't know if you're referring to router bits or drill bits, for router bits I like Whiteside for bits that I will use a lot, they hold up well and are good quality. I get them on eBay. Most hand tools I have I got at auctions and flea markets. I don't like to spend the kind of money for good new tools, and cheap new hand tools are not great, in my experience. I have gotten some cheap new clamps that are very good, though, now and then.
Zach

I have a Bosch worksite table saw. I know not ideal for woodworking but my shop doubles as a garage right now. I am also looking for router bits but the selection is sparce and I'm not to impressed with the Tool Shop brand looks. I'm going to be building some cabinets right now. Nothing fancy at first but hopefully get better with experience.

As others suggested Rockler, Woodcrafters, Grizzly. If you want a particular brand google it . Most manufactures have online sales.If not they will have a where to buy list. That being said, I have a Grizzly table saw and band saw and pleased with both.
Other items ordered from grizzle were nothing but Chinese junk.

My experience is that a lot of folks retire and take up woodwork as a hobby. As age catches up they find they are too unsteady to continue, or even worse, they pass away. If you keep your eyes open for estate sales, facebook marketplace and Craigslist, you will find things at pennies on the dollar. Tell your friends and family what your up to. Don't look down on older tools they are often better once there sharpened. Good luck, it's a lot of fun and often a challenge.

I don?t know how accessible they are south of the border but Lee Valley has some great stuff. Not just woodworking but that?s one of their main things.

You might like the Forestry Forum website. They have a general woodworking thread with some very knowledgeable folks.

I don't look down on older tools. I prefer them actually. Most older tools are better quality than what's made today. I've been keeping an eye on craigslist but it's pretty dead in my area. I don't do Facebook so don't know anything about that one.

Woodcentral.com is another forum for various aspects of woodworking.

Yup, the big box lumber stores cater more to the entry level woodworker, or home builders. Neither typically target high end tools. Price is their deciding factor.

Unfortunately, the good stuff you are seeking is lower production stuff, thus higher prices.

The used market is a good place to watch for old equipment, especially if you have the talents to bring an older machine back to life (beyond a Rustoleum overhaul).

Good luck with your woodworking hobby !

Woodcraft is good for hand tools, MLCS is good value for router bits and router accesories. Woodworkers supply of New Mexico has power hand tools, hardware, finishing supplies and stationary tools. Check out flea markets. Old Stanley tools are better than anything you can buy new.

for specialized tools stewmac.com (Athens, Ohio) and traditionalwoodworker.com (Richardson, Texas)

Highland Woodworking, Atlanta Ga.
Website, catalog, email newsletter

Northern Tool

If you want a great blade for your table saw check out Forrest blades, expensive but only need one.
Untitled URL Link

<a href="https://www.woodcraft.com/">Woodcraft</a> and <a href="https://www.rockler.com/">Rockler</a> both have a lot of local retail stores in addition to their online stores. Woodcraft bought out <a href="https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/japan-woodworker">Japan Woodworker</a> a few years ago, which added high quality Japanese tools to their western tool lineup.

For saw blades, router bits and other cutting tools, <a href="https://ballewsaw.com/">Ballew Saw</a> carries a very wide selection at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

Freud Blades I get mine off amazon , you mentioned a router table , Build your own very rewarding project and good experience for a beginner. Many plans on the inter webs.I have a 35+ year old Craftsman table saw with an Delta fence and Freud Blades and can cut flawless edge glue joints with it .It's all about set up.

Thanks for all the help guys. I spent most of the night looking at some of these websites. I've got more things in my wishlist than I never knew existed.

Look up Lee Valley Tools and get their catalog.

rockler and kreg you will find lots good stuff.

Lots of good suggestions in this post. I would add: www.acmetools.com and www.eagleamerica.com. Acme tools handles all hand tools, power tools, and everything in between. Eagle is where I purchase all my router bits. They give you two choices on american made bits or a lessor expensive MLCS Bit. I have always ordered the Eagle bits and have been very happy with the quality and sharpness. Rockler is also a good choice. For ideas plans and tips look at Woodsmith.com website.

Grizzley used to put out a PAPER catalog about an inch thick full of wonderful stuff. Don't know if they still do, and if they do they may charge for it. Woodsmith also had a good catalog.

Well depends on where ya live . And as for the magic box places , Ya got Rocklers (SP) Wood Peckers and a few move that escape me at the moment . Now for me we have what i call the big boy's candy store and there are two with in and hours drive from me . One is Heartville Hardware in Heartville Ohio and we have Kelm lumber in Charm Ohio . either place you will find EVERYTHING you ever wanted in wood working tools and supplys . I personally am getting to the point that for me it's like i have a tooth ach and going into a candy store as i am getting down to the last item on my list of i GOT TO HAVE and that is a nice Shaper . That is the vary last item that i do not have . A lot of my stuff was found on Craigs list , E/Bay and Face book market place . And all was found with in 125 miles of the house and at really cheap prices .

CPO Outlet may be of interest to you. They sell new tools and refurbished tools. The refurbished tools can be had for less than new, are like new, & carry a warranty. Bad Axe Tools for high quality hand tools. Rob Cosman for High Quality hand tools. Jim Bode Tools is an interesting site for old tools, antique tools, and a lot more.

I know Lie Nielsen has already been mentioned, & they are comparatively expensive, but I have a few grand in their tools and believe they're worth every penny.

Many, if not most of the suppliers mentioned will happily put you on their emailing list and send notices of sales & such. Rockler will give free shipping on orders of $35.00 or more just for being an email subscriber.

Lie Nielsen puts on Hand Tool Events around the country. I've been to a couple of them. Everything is on display. Attendees are encouraged to handle the tools, examine them, and try them out. Pros are on hand to assist in any way requested. Other vendors are usually also there hawking wares such as used tools and/or specialty tools. It all makes for an enjoyable day - or two if you want to attend both days.

I have no affiliation with any of the aforementioned suppliers other than as a satisfied customer.