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Now you can use your browser's built-in search box to search Rockler.com! If you use Internet Explorer or Firefox you can now add Rockler to your list of search options. This enables you to search right from your browser without going to Rockler first. Best of all... it's easy!
Internet Retailer, a monthly national business magazine, web site conference, and directory serving the retailing community, has once again recognized Rockler Woodworking and Hardware as one of America's 500 largest e-retailers, based on annual 2008 Internet sales.
Internet Retailer determines its rankings through its own research--which is confirmed by the various retailers--involving company financial, operational, and performance data in 19 key categories.
So hey - if you haven't shopped Rockler online yet, come check us out! www.rockler.com
In case you haven't been checking lately, Rockler has added many great new tools from Jet and Powermatic. They range from smaller items like the Jet JMS-10CMS, 10" Compound Miter Saw, to the rather awesome Powermatic 1632 Open End Belt Sander (5HP 1PH 230V). See the entire line-up here:
In the world of tools, what makes for an instant success? One sure course to tool stardom is meeting an old challenge with a truly innovative and successful solution. You've seen it happen: once in a while, some new gadget hits the market and people everywhere grab it up, wondering why someone didn't come up with such a thing long before. At the risk of seeming immodest, that's exactly what happened to the Rockler Sure Hook cabinet door hanger.
Well, it's here, and we're hoping that small, medium-sized, or gigantic box under the tree turned out to be exactly the woodworking gift you wanted. Christmas is an exciting time for huge numbers of our customers. We know that because every year, a few days after the big event, waves of customer reviews start rolling in describing the year's haul, and how it's being put to use. It's the "how it's being put to use" part that we like best. Mixed in with valuable insights on our tools and supplies, we're frequently privileged to witness some pretty impressive end results. So, in honor of the talent and hard work of our customers, here are a few of our favorites:
This beautiful wine cabinet was built by Barry Semegran, who reviewed of our Polyurethane Satin Gel Finish, a product we've had on the shelves for decades. According to him, this wipe on poly is so easy to use and forgiving, it's almost like cheating. It doesn't look like Barry cheats or cuts corners very often to us - in either design of execution. We especially like the painted images on the inside of the doors - a nice surprise when you open the cabinet.
We'd guess that the skills acquired in an auto body shop would transfer well into the woodshop, and here's proof. Built by Mike Leslie for his shop in Sundance, WY, this service cart looks too good to use. Mike was kind enough to include the image along with his review of the Accuride 3832 Full Extension Drawer Slide - which he seems to have worked out very well for him. Later, he got a chance to use the slides again in a matching tool chest. A great design and, judging from the picture, a masterful finishing job. Again, we're wondering how he can bring himself to actually use it.
Here's a solid looking toy box with a couple of nice touches. Its builder, Dennis DeMorest, used our Antique Brass Piano Hinge and Toy Box Lid Supports as part of the clever fold-down chalk board lid design. We also like the inlaid blocks in the sides and front.
We often wonder what becomes of some of the more obscure hardware items we've had on hand for years - such as our Leather Case Handles. Things couldn't be better if they all ended up the attached to items of comparable quality to this handsome walnut and elm burl briefcase. Brad from Austin TX built it for a client in the early 1990's. Fifteen years later when the handle finally wore out, he was happy to find the exact same part still in stock.
Thanks to David T., from Cypress, CA for this impressive image and his kind words about our Wine Box-Elder Burl Pen Blanks. You'll find several images of finely crafted turned pens in our customer reviews. We chose this one because it's an exceptionally well-made example, and because of the format, which really brings you up-close-and-personal with what a great pen looks like. We admire the confidence David must have in order to show the world his work with such bald-faced clarity.
The art of inlay is a branch of woodworking that you can take to high levels of craft, design and expertise without owning a huge shop and tons of expensive tools. As a matter of fact, if you choose "marquetry" (in simplified terms, using thin sheets of veneer instead of the comparatively thick pieces of wood stock used here) you can do the most interesting and demanding parts of the process while sitting at your kitchen table. If you'd like to give it a try, we hope this example will both inspire you and give you something shoot for. The maker, Bob Shultz from Los Gatos, CA, used our thin stock Padauk and Purpleheart lumber for the flower petals.
We could go on and on. But more than likely, you have some tool testing, set up or assembly to get on with. So here, in parting, is a departure for Dave Miller, a canoe and kayak builder in Juneau, AK. Dave sent this along with his review of (and general praise for) the Japanese Dozuki Saw, a tool he says excels at accurately cutting the thin, narrow slats he customarily applies to the building of watercraft. We've never seen anything like it. Our only regret is that we haven't seen the completed project. So, if you happen to spot a uniquely decked-out teardrop camper in the wilds of Alaska, please snap a picture and send it in post-haste.
And please keep your own pictures and reviews rolling in. We can't wait to see what you're working on. Merry Christmas from all of us at Rockler.
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| "Yemaya" by Cindy Drozda Image used by permission |
Rockler in-store demos happen every Saturday and are free and open to the public, and the classes are worth every penny. You'll get individualized instruction from veteran woodturners that will help you get the basics down or pick up a new skill or technique. Here's a rundown on a few of the woodturning demos and classes at Rockler retail stores across the country:
If you're in the Denver area, and you'd like to learn to make artfully crafted lidded vessels like the one you see here, sign up for Cindy Drozda's Hollow Vessels class, beginning November 12 at the Denver Rockler.
If you're near the Twin Cities, there's a Yo-Yo Turning class on November 12 that looks like a lot of fun at the Minneapolis Rockler. As an added incentive, if you buy a lathe while you're there, the class is free.
For those of you in the Mesquite, Texas area, there's a Basic Spindle Turning class with Wayne Bounds on November 14 at the Mesquite Rockler. This class is a great way for someone who's relatively new to woodturning to get acquainted with the fundamentals of the craft.
The Holiday season is upon us - (It's upon woodworkers with holiday projects ahead of them, especially). To help you get started, there are ornament turning classes and/or demos scheduled for the very near future in Pittsburgh, Salem, NH, and Buffalo, NY. And to get started on a couple of great holiday gifts, brush up on pen turning at the Arlington,TX, Orange, CA or St. Louis Rockler, or try bottle stopper turning in Schaumberg, IL or Greensboro, NC.
That's just a sample, and they're coming up quick, so if it's a class you're interested in, be sure to get registered soon. If we didn't mention your neck of the woods, check our Store Location Map for a Rockler store in your area. You'll find more information on upcoming Rockler classes and demos on individual store home pages.
Every Saturday, Rockler retail stores across the country hold demonstrations of the latest woodworking tools and most tried and true woodworking techniques. Rockler in-store demos are always free and they're a great way to increase your woodworking knowledge and get to know fellow woodworkers in your area at the same time. Here's a sample of what's going on this weekend:
If you in the Portland, Maine area, you're really in luck. The Portland Store has multiple demos scheduled, covering a couple of woodturning techniques, waterstone sharpening, and vacuum bag veneering. And they're holding their anniversary sale.
The Tinley Park, IL store is the place to be if you've been wanting to learn how to make raised panel doors.
Wood finishing is an art form in itself. You can pick up a few pointers if you're in traveling distance of the Beaverton, OR Rockler.
The Torrance, CA store always has a great line-up of demos. This weekend, learn how to pick out and use a dovetail jig. Or, if you have kids on your holiday gift list, check out their toy-making demo.
You can learn how to carve a Santa with a Flexcut Detail Knife in Cambridge, MA, get the low down on router basics in Royal Oaks, MI, or become an expert on scroll saw blades in St. Louis, MO. The list goes on...
If we didn't cover your part of the country, check our Store Location Map to find a store in your area. Then check the store's home page to see what they have scheduled. Check with individual stores for exact demo and event times.
If you want to learn about the newest woodworking tool and equipment innovations and meet fellow woodworkers in your area, then don't miss the in-store demos held every Saturday at Rockler retail stores across the country. Rockler demos are free and offer valuable insight into time-tested woodworking techniques and the tools that make them easy and accurate. Here's a sample of what's going on this weekend:
If you're in the Arlington, Texas area and you have a cabinetry project coming up, be sure to check out the "Drawer Installing made Easy" demo at the Arlington store.
The Portland, Oregon Rockler is the place to be if you're just getting started using a router and want to learn about all of the great stuff you can make it do.
Get up to speed on turning small parts on a lathe at any of the Twin Cities Rockler stores.
The demo at the Buffalo store will highlight the versatility of Rockler's own Adjustable Clamp-It.
And if you're near the Denver Rockler, you have a chance to see first hand how easy the BeadLOCK system makes loose tenon joinery.
If we missed your area, check our Store Location Map to find a store near you. Information on upcoming demos is listed on individual store homepages, where you'll also have access to a schedule of the other woodworking classes and events that many Rockler retail locations offer. Check with the store for details on their demo and event schedule.
Interested in learning about the latest woodworking tools and time-honored techniques for free? Then get in the practice of checking out the in-store demos taking place every Saturday at Rockler Retail stores across the country.
This Saturday, there are demos covering everything from re-sawing lumber at the Danvers, MA store to French polishing at the Torrance, CA Rockler. If you're in the Seattle area, you can learn all about applying veneer and laminates, and if you're near Phoenix, stop in and learn how to turn decorative pens and bottle stoppers. There's biscuit joinery in Milwaukee and miller dowel joinery in Denver. Carve a walking stick in Tukwila, WA or steam out dents in San Diego. Get up to speed for your advanced scroll saw project in Pasadena or learn how easy drawer slides can be in Mesquite, TX.
And that's just a sample of the many demos, classes and events scheduled for this weekend. If we didn't mention your neck or the woods, check our Store Location Map to find a store near you. You'll find a schedule of upcoming events listed on each store's homepage. Check with the store for exact event and demo times.
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| "Yemaya" by Cindy Drozda Image used by permission |
There are many ways to learn woodworking. Books and DVDs are a great source of information, and there's nothing wrong with trial ans error. But if you really want to sharpen your skills or pick up a new technique, nothing beats a woodworking class.
If you live within traveling distance of one of the many Rockler Woodworking and Hardware store's that offer classes, you're really in luck. The woodworking classes held at Rockler retail stores are taught by experienced woodworkers who are enthusiastic about their craft. Class sizes are small - 10 students or less in most cases - so you can expect the kind of individualized instruction that really helps when you're learning something new.
Here's a sample of the great woodworking instruction upcoming at Rockler retail stores around the country:
Free next Tuesday evening? The Minneapolis store is offering a class on panel door construction August 1, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. You'll learn everything you need to know about this fundamental cabinetmaker's skill to make standard and arched top raised panel doors.
August 5 at the Denver store, Cindy Drozda will offer instruction in the techniques she uses to produce her signature style lidded containers (see "Yemaya," above). This is a great opportunity to learn from a master wood turner who has elevated the craft to the level of fine art. Students will work on their own projects and most will take home a completed container.
Also on August 5, the Phoenix store is offering an advanced turning class. If you are an intermediate-level wood turner, this would be an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn techniques that go beyond the basics.
Check our Classes and Demos page for classes at a store in your area. Not sure if there's a store in your area? Check our Store Location Map.
