Woodcraft Supply

Terribly poor customer service in-​store, wavering between neglectful and cocky. Just a couple of examples. Walked in to get information on buying a lathe. A manager yelled to the guy who was making a pen in the back, «they’re looking at lathes… give them some help!» The guy got up and seemed put out when we asked for some info. Today we called ahead with a description & part number to verify if they had an item in stock. Was able to give only the description and was told «looking at it right here, don’t need your part number, we’ve got it». Not surprised to find out they didn’t have the item when we arrived 30 minutes later. I can only suggest to shop online (Woodcraft OR the much cheaper Amazon) & have your merchandise delivered to your door to avoid in-​store aggravation!

Great experience with lathe expert as detailed below
I am a lathe junkie… I make goblets and bowls, and because I’m fairly new and am not wealthy, I have cheap gouges that I bought on the internet instead of at Woodcraft. I came to the ugly conclusion the other day that I didn’t know how to sharpen my tools correctly, so I set out to find someone to get me on the right track. A really young guy named Tyler at Woodcraft is their undisputed lathe expert, so I went to talk to him about my troubles. I expected his time to cost me 20 or 30 bucks, but he put a new edge on the 2 that needed them for free! I will now be able to sharpen correctly from watching him do it. If your in the Overland Park area and you like specialty wood working like lathe projects, go check this place out if you’ve never been!

I have continued to buy stuff at Woodcraft, I have spent more than I care to admit. The review below was correct at the time I wrote it. The service has continued to improve. One of the guys there, was a rep for a major machinery company, and is very knowledgeable and helpful. Most of the others are pretty good. I have had good luck when I had to return a couple of items. Some of the items on the sales flyer are really good deals.
Part of original review:
I agree with the previous reviewer. I have dealt with Woodcraft since 1972 (mail order) and was really excited when they came to town, but they have never quite lived up to expectations.
The selection is good and the prices are high. If you are lucky, you get a good employee to wait on you or they leave you alone.…
One time when. .. so I just left.
A couple of years ago I talked to the manager about this, and he was really surprised, he felt that they had great customer service. He told me he would work on this, but service is still spotty.. ..

Great selection without having to wait for the UPS man. The service is great, I have never a question they couldn’t answer.

I want to love this place, but it is just tolerable.
Prices are high, but sales can be good values.
Decent selection for the hobbiest who may need something for a weekend project and doesn’t want to wait for the UPS guy.
Customer service. A merchant can justify higher prices when service is exemplary. There are some great folks here, but there is one guy (he is always there) who must be a spy working for the competition. He has feigned to wait on me 5 or 6 times and is always awful. Those of you who frequent this place know who I am talking about. The fact that he is still there means he is either the owner (too bad) or his brother-​in-​law (ouch.) If he is the only one working, I just turn and walk out of the store.
To take advantage of their sales, shop online!