Rockler Woodworking and Hardware - Olathe — Attraction in Olathe

I was in the market for a Laguna 14 Twelve band saw and a Resaw King 3/4" blade when I called the Rockler store in Olathe, KS and was told they had what I was looking for. They said they would hold it for a few days until I could get there, so I loaded up the family the next day and headed West. Having never been in a Rockler store in person, and only visiting their online store, I was like a kid in a candy shop the moment I stepped through the door. After perusing their goods for nearly half an hour I finally asked one of the fine gentlemen in a Rockler vest if he could tell me the difference between a Laguna 14 Twelve and a Laguna 14 BX. After getting a quick rundown of the different specs and usages, I asked him if he had one available and he said he did but was holding it for a guy who was interested in it (me). The first good feeling I had about this Rockler employee was that he held true to his word. Long story short, or so you thought, I paid for the rather expensive beauty, got it packed and headed home. While unpacking it, I heard a clank on the ground and saw where a handle was broken. I was sure I didn't break it because the break itself looked quite old and weathered. I made a quick phone call, and the manager said they would ship out the part that day, free of charge. The second good feeling I had about the Rockler employees was that they strove to take care of their customers. With one hurdle crossed I continued assembling the band saw. When I started my attempt to put the blade on is where the next comical error was brought to light. I must admit, I struggled longer than I care to say trying to get the blade on when I realized I was never going to be able to stretch the steel another 10 inches. Going back to the Laguna Resaw King box I quickly realized the mistake. I needed a 115”, but they had accidentally grabbed a 105”. For those of you who think size isn’t everything, it does in this case! Sheepishly I made another phone call. After explaining my situation and how I would be willing to drive back and return the blade, I was also looking at spending around $80 in gas for these trips back and forth now adding up to roughly 4.5 hours, the gentleman reassured me that they would take care of me. So, the next day we loaded up and started the long haul again. Having checked the box to make sure the blade was the correct length, we packed it up along with a very discounted Laguna light system and headed back home. A third good feeling, the Rockler folks made me feel like part of the family and were extremely friendly and helpful. This is where the comedy really comes to a head. The next day I eagerly made my way to the garage to get the saw up and running and the blade fit perfectly, but it looked different. Once again, I reviewed the Laguna Resaw King box and checked the label. Sure enough, it was the blade I had paid for, but it still didn’t seem right, then I checked the tag that was strapped to the blade itself. Bingo, while the box was for a Resaw King 3/4” x 115” blade, the tag on the blade showed I had a Laguna ProForce 1/2" x 115” blade. For the third time I picked up the phone to make the dreaded call. I told them of the newest mishap with a Laguna ProForce somehow making its way into the Resaw King box. I told them I liked the $40 ProForce and would be willing to pay for it but would still like the $150 Resaw King I had paid for. The manager was, once again, very generous and said I should just keep the ProForce for the troubles and I would receive the correct blade in the mail the following day. I only want to tell you this story because I want to stress how incredibly humble and polite the Rockler employees were in Olathe, KS. This experience is one I will never forget, and it was the courtesy and professionalism of the Rockler team that made the lasting impression. Bottom line, Rockler has my business for life and if you’re serious about woodworking or just wanting to learn, the awesome gentlemen at Rockler in Olathe, KS are the ones to...

I had really high hopes…however they were quickly dashed over the 34 minutes while in the store. The store it self, great no complaints. It has everything a woodworker could imagine! I walked into the store to inquire about classes but also found that they sale the wood I use for a decent price. I asked a team member if they cut down boards and he respond yes with an additional cost. I didn’t care! They had what I needed! So I waited and waited some more. Every time I walk by he was helping some different. Finally, after 25 minutes I ask if he’s gotten to my wood yet? He says no. Now, I’m a bit frustrated but it’s okay. I walk to the front and let another team member know my concerns. He was so pleasant, and offered to do it for me. However, this is after he assisted two others who were shopping around the store. I finally said never mind but said I would return at a later date. Specialty shops are hard to find especially stores that have decent prices! I’m disappointed in the customer service and the fact that I had to walk out without...

I use to like this store when I only shopped online. I have visited this store 4 times now and every experience has been awful. The first time I went the sales guys wouldn’t even let me look around the store they just kept dragging me from place to place. The next two times I came in ( middle of the day) no acted like they wanted to help me or even knew what I was asking about. And the last time I showed up they obviously didn’t want to take my money because the guy closed and locked the door in my face. And after the he wants to open it back up and yell at me as I’m walking to my car. So I’ll be driving across town to your competitor for my...