Even though Rockler is part of a national chain with an impressive online catalog, visiting their store in person is an entirely different and better experience. What sets this location apart is the staff. Every salesperson I spoke with had real hands-on experience in woodworking. It's refreshing and reassuring to talk to people who've actually used the tools and techniques themselves. They've made the mistakes, learned the tricks, and are happy to share that practical wisdom. The team is also impressively knowledgeable about the nuances of the equipment they sell. Whether you're asking about routers, lathes, or the latest in joinery gadgets, they can break down the pros and cons of each option with insight you won't get from just reading product specs online. That kind of expertise is priceless when you're making a tool investment. As you can see from my photos, the store is well-stocked with a wide range of tools, hardware, jigs, and supplies for all skill levels. And if they don't have something on hand, the staff is quick to check their comprehensive catalog. read more

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While my recent visit didn't lead me to buy anything, I really appreciated the time that the employee I spoke with spent sharing where I might find some decorative paneling I was looking for. He also shared a few options to make my vision happen with different trims and router bits. He shared some names of lumber yards that I might find the exact paneling I was hoping for - I really appreciate that info and that he was supporting the other local lumber/woodworking businesses. For sure will be back for future projects since I really liked the ethics and friendliness here! read more

The hours as of August 3 are Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM. read more

Rockler Woodworking & Hardware - Store hours - Hardware Stores Near Me - Minnetonka, Minnesota

This place is like a toy store for adults with an addiction for woodworking. I went in looking for some heating protection for my work and was blown away by the inventory, classes and knowledgeable staff! I'll be back for sure! read more

Always spend more than what I want when I walk in. I would say most of the folks that work there are fairly knowledgeable. Keep in mind they're being paid to be store workers, not experts. They always feel willing to help and if they don't know an answer and there's time they'll research it for you. Store is always perfectly clean and organized. I don't think I've ever seen a product in the wrong location. read more

I recently moved CLOSE to the site of this store, so for kicks & giggles, I walked in to check it out (ALSO, every since my 7th & 8th grade Woodworking classes of making the bubblegum machine, bench, shelf, & clock, I've wanted to follow-up and become a master woodsmith (because that's also the natural progression after you master word-smithing (don't correct my spelling, I'm actually the one who decides how things are spelled)). I walked in with an open mind and walked out with temporarily dashed dreams. First off, I REALLY DO appreciate that I received attention and that 2 employees checked on me to see if I was looking for anything in particular. I told them I didn't know what I was looking for and that I wanted to browse and see what they carried. We left it at that. There was also construction going on, so I can only imagine that bigger and better things are to be unveiled. Up to this point, nothing wrong has happened. It was when I came up to the register to ask questions that all wood routers started heading southbound. The man I talked to didn't sound like he worked there regularly (was covering from the corporate office?). I asked if they had classes available and he pointed to the construction area tarped off (another term and spelling that you're not allowed to correct me on) and said that there was no space currently and that he didn't know when there would be any, but yes, theoretically there should be. I asked if I should look on their website for further information, but even that he didn't recommend. He sounded frustrated with how the company operates in general, so while I can easily empathize with that, I was truly disappointed to not be given any kind of easy information for follow-up. Doesn't mean I won't be back in a few months to try again, but my 3-star experience left me rubbing sawdust out of my eyes (no, you may not copy my cleverness in your next woodshop review...this is all trademarked). read more

Rockler Woodworking & Hardware - Reconstruction - Hardware Stores Near Me - Minnetonka, Minnesota

I had a specific woodworking project (a 3-person cribbage board) that I needed to buy some interesting wood for. The first person to help me was very friendly, and showed me the different types of wood that would work well for this; I wandered over to look at the wood bin (odd pieces) and found one piece of curly maple that I thought could work, but it was a little banged up. Then another woodworker asked if I needed help, and he understood perfectly the kind of wood that I found interesting for this project, and turned out to be an expert in making cribbage boards. We had a delightful conversation, he showed me some interesting boards, educated me about some aspects of making them (the wood bin piece wouldn't have worked very well), and I ended buying two different pieces that I love. I've always found people there to be helpful and willing to share their expertise, and respectful. read more

This has to be the most unfriendly store I've been to. I feel their only focus is to upsell you on stuff without even asking qualifying questions. In the last 45 days I've purched a Festool Dust Extractor, a Festool orbital, an Earlex 6003, plus a bunch of random supplies. You'd think they'd be a little more polite and helpful at that point, but all they litterly care about is upselling. Reminds me of the Ultimate Electronic days (who's now out of business). I wouldn't recommend this store. If you want Festool products, go to a Sherwin store who carries them, or order online. read more

Woodworking and refinishing projects can be an expensive. Rockler illustrates this well; but they carry such a wide array of specialized inventory that I can understand the pricing. What are you going to do when you need that special hinge to fix that antique chest you refinished? (And by the way, since you removed the original finish its not really an antique anymore...) You can't order it online because you need to hold it in your hand to judge whether its right, and they don't carry them at local hardware stores; so you pay a premium and get something exactly right at Rockler. Of course you could stock a whole workshop here also if you win the lottery. Its clearly for serious woodworkers (i.e. wealthy and retired,) but anyone into do-it-yourself projects would benefit from a look around. I watch their mailer (available in the store) for good deals and coupons. I still have every woodworking tool that I have purchased here. They sell high quality stuff. They also carry rough-cut hardwoods, including some exotic species that might come from rainforests. (Yes - the lungs of our planet make beautiful furniture!) But I assume that they can verify where they source these. read more

I created a Yelp account because I have found Rockler to be a great place to buy hard to find items. I have gotten window casement latches, rare earth magnetic latches, table lifting hinges, and other small fasteners at Rockler when I could not find them elsewhere. Some of them can be pricey particularly if they are in brass, but if you need them you need them. I've also gotten some stands (some assembly required) for shop equipment. Very good and reliable company. read more

If you want to be spoken to like you are a complete idiot feel free to shop here. Had never been in but they had this special paint I wanted. Saw it in stock online and assumed since it was a smaller shop they'd have it. Saw the sign for the product I was looking for but the paint wasn't by it so I asked an associate if they had the paint/if he'd let me know where it was. Not a big deal at all that it was out of stock and I would have gladly ordered it online through this store but I'll be talking my business elsewhere. I don't need rude old men talking down to me. read more

My husband placed an order for an item online, but when we received the item, the box was damaged in transit and the item was missing. We called the company, and the friendly customer service representative apologized and said she would get another item shipped out immediately, which she did. Unfortunately the item was inadvertently shipped to our billing address and not our shipping address. We called the company again, and the person with whom we spoke was very apologetic about the mistake, and shipped a third one out to the correct address. We thought it would be more complicated - that we would have to go to the trouble of retrieving it from our billing address and re-shipping it ourselves, but the representative took care of everything for us. I know what some of you might be thinking - it was their error and therefore they should have done it without question. However, these days, it seems like customer service is really lacking with most companies, even when the company is at fault. So we applaud Rockler for doing the right thing by their customers! Thank you! read more