Day Trip to Woodcraft, Birmingham Al.

FYI woodcraft is great but not as good as you may think. They have a lot of items to see but not everything thats on the site. I drove 80 miles to one in PA and it was worth it, the employees all seemed very knowledgeable and super friendly. It was worth it for me and I will do it again. But for 180 miles you may want to see if there’s something you can add to your trip to sweeten the day. The one by me had about 10 big machines total. It appears most big stuff is direct ship and small stuff might be warehoused. Again I had a great time there I just dont want you to drive 180 miles and be let down.

Ive been trying to talk my wife into a canada trip so I can get to lee valley

I’m in Mobile. My daughter went to Montevallo so I got to make a trip to Woodcraft with every visit. She graduated so now I don’t have a reason to go. Last trip was moving her home a few months ago.

The only things around there are the mall. Sure it’s a big mall, but still a mall. I never really looked but I’m sure there are some hardwood stores in that area. Might be worth a look.

Yep, been to the store in Tampa several times. As you say, great folks, interesting to talk to them.

That’s why I’m posting “them700,” I’m hoping someone that lives in the area can tell me something to see and/do.

-- Randy in Crestview Florida, Wood Rocks!

I’ve never been to a woodcraft or Rockler or HF or any dedicated woodworking store but some how lots of their products ended up filling my drawers and shelves in my shop. My nearest Woodcraft is about 80 miles away if they want something from my stock they have to come to me LOL

-- https://www.artisticwoodstudio.com/videos

You can check out the wood workers guild. It is in a historic old school building.

Atlanta has two Woodcrafts, a Rockler, and Highland Woodworking. Twice as far to drive, but more to see.

If you ever decide to re-visit the Tampa/Clearwater store, they recently moved to a new address so be sure to get it first.

-- "Measure twice, cut once, count fingers"

Atlanta has two Woodcrafts, a Rockler, and Highland Woodworking. Twice as far to drive, but more to see.

- rljatl

PeteyB, I’ll do that.

As for Atlanta; that will have to wait for a long weekend. And I don’t know that I’m up for the Atlanta 500 (as I have heard driving around there is like).

Billthediver, yes I’ve been to the new store. Not near as nice as the old one. Hard to find too. Way back off the road the way it is. Is all that construction still going on where the old store was?

Hotbyte, The Varsity? Not familiar with that. Intriguing.

-- Randy in Crestview Florida, Wood Rocks!

I would say to heck with Woodcraft, there’s a Rockler just north of Orlando that you should aim for.

-- “If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.” ― Lenny Bruce

Uncanny, really. I didn’t know that. Never been to a Rockler Store. Are they much different than a Woodcraft store?

-- Randy in Crestview Florida, Wood Rocks!

Uncanny, really. I didn t know that. Never been to a Rockler Store. Are they much different than a Woodcraft store?

- RandyinFlorida

Rockler is a top notch company. From my experience, Rockler’s employees are friendlier, more helpful and happier with their jobs than Woodcrap employees. Rockler has an extensive in house line of tools and jig making equipment that you will not find at woodcraft. They run great deals and they give fair opinions about tools, instead of just crapping on every manufacturer that is not represented on their showroom floor as Woodcraft so often does.

I would argue that Rockler is the best tool company with a retail chain in America. That said, I have not visited the one in Florida, so I can’t speak to that one directly.

I have, however, dealt with the Woodcraft in AL, and I would frankly rather light myself on fire than return there and give them my money.

-- “If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.” ― Lenny Bruce

It claims to be the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Truly, unless you grew up going there or came to like it while attending Ga Tech (I did both), it’s just greasy burgers, hot dogs and fries/onion rings. It is an unique experience and if in Atlanta and can make it for a meal is worth trying.

I don’t find driving in Atlanta much different than other large cities.

I’ve been to both the Woodcraft and Rockler stores in Atlanta…not sure if this comparison would hold true for stores in other areas. I found they were very similar. Rockler seems to have more store brand supplies while Woodcraft has their Wood River line of tools. They both carry lumber that seems expensive compared to true wood retailers.

If you get to Atlanta, the atmosphere/environment of Highland Woodworking is wonderful. It is in an old 2 story building and wood floors, etc. I started going years ago when it was Highland Hardware and they sold general hardware items and a little woodworking stuff.

...
Hotbyte, The Varsity? Not familiar with that. Intriguing.

- RandyinFlorida

They both carry lumber that seems expensive compared to true wood retailers.

Yeah, these are not the places to buy lumber…and I don’t understand the folks who do.

-- “If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.” ― Lenny Bruce

They both carry lumber that seems expensive compared to true wood retailers.

Yeah, these are not the places to buy lumber…and I don t understand the folks who do.

- UncannyValleyWoods

Their BF prices for common woods are basically the same as every hardwood dealer around here. Exotics are way overpriced though.

-- Allen, Colorado (Instagram @bobasaurus_woodworking)