I buy a boatload of stuff from our local Woodcraft in Clearwater, FL. Real nice guys / manager / owner. They have been a non-stop source of good advice for me from when I started in this hobby. Delivered my SawStop and constantly special order stuff for me.
It's a tough business. The margins are quite thin, and the target clientele is aging. My biggest complaint is one of inventory. It's frustrating when they have 1 of an item, and I need two (although Lowes and Home Depot do the same thing lately too).
I try to order from them instead of mail order, just so they stay in business, despite it being easier to just click online and have things appear at the door.
I think there is a lot to be said for a nice, well run business that is in your neighborhood, so you don't have to wait a week to get in supplies when you need them.
And I do order from Rockler, and Lee Valley. They have different stuff, and Lee Valley's customer service is superb.
- After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
- It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.