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Laguna Goes Retail: Woodcraft, Rockler, and Laguna equal happy bedfellows

Wolodymyr Smishkewych, Guest Contributor

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LT14 SUV Bandsaw

Photo courtesy Rockler

2HP Mobile Cyclone Dust Collector

Photo courtesy Rockler

Laguna Platinum Series Tablesaw

Photo courtesy Rockler

LT14 SUV Bandsaw

Photo: Photo courtesy Rockler

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In what signals a sea change for the innovative tool and machine company, Laguna Tools and Rockler Woodworking and Hardware announced a retail sales agreement with earlier this week. Both companies are household names to most woodworkers, but Laguna has most often been known as a direct-sales company. What does this mean for U.S. and North American woodworkers in general?

For one, Rockler is but one U.S. retailer to market and distribute Laguna brand power tools to woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers via online and retail channels throughout the United States. Woodcraft, another familiar woodworking retailer, has carried Laguna bandsaws at select stores since November of 2010.

Reached by phone today, Andrew Bondi, Woodcraft’s National Power Tool Sales Manager said that the Woodcraft franchise “wants to make sure that [Woodcraft’s] available products match up with customer interests and demographics. We launched this pilot program by offering Laguna’s 14 in. bandsaws and cyclone dust collectors at 15 stores around the country. By late fall 2011, Woodcraft hopes to have a full Laguna presence at all 83 stores around the country, as well as in the catalog.” The only Laguna products that Woodcraft will not carry is the tablesaw line, given their existing successful relationship with SawStop.

At Rockler, the flagship items in the Laguna series will be their LT14 SUV Bandsaw (Rockler item number 42038), the 2HP Mobile Cyclone Dust Collector (Rockler 42033), and the Laguna Platinum Series Tablesaw (Rockler 42027). Rockler’s site currently lists at least a dozen Laguna products at the moment and the list will grow, according to Ann Rockler Jackson, Rockler CEO. Rockler plans to add more Laguna items throughout 2011.

“We are thrilled to offer the legendary quality of Laguna power tools to our woodworking customers, and to help Laguna expand their presence across the country," said Rockler Jackson in a press release. “Laguna has a solid reputation for unmatched quality and innovation, which compliments Rockler's 56-year tradition of offering unique, high-quality products to woodworkers.”

Catherine Helshoj, Vice President of Laguna Tools stated in a PRWeb press release "our formal business association with Rockler is a win/win for woodworkers who will benefit from two companies that share similar values, history and a passion for providing exemplary customer service. For more than 25 years, the Laguna Tools brand has been synonymous with technologically-advanced equipment offered at affordable prices. We're very selective about our business alliances, and we're proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding organization." In a phone interview with Fine Woodworking, Helshoj added that although Laguna has been approached by others in the retail industry for the last 25 years, they wanted to go with well-known, established companies that woodworkers trusted and whose values and communications model matched theirs. Three years ago, Laguna entered the wholesale market in Canada, with a promising return in growth; this encouraged the company to step into the U.S. market for 2011.

So for those who have only had a chance at some face-time with Laguna at the National Woodworking shows, expect to see their machines later this year at a Woodcraft or Rockler near you.

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Comments (3)

mcneill writes: I purchased a Laguna 14" SUV Bandsaw last fall at the woodworking show. It is head and shoulders above my former Delta and GI bandsaws. The Resaw King blade and the driftmaster fence make it possible to resaw, with ease, lumber that other saws can only dream of. I couldn't be happier. I would definitly look at Laguna again if I decide to upgrade any of my other machines.
Posted: 11:03 pm on February 12th

Lucky43 writes: I have a Laguna Combo machine and while there are a few thing I am unhappy about for the most pat this has been an outstanding company to deal with.
Some of their machines do not have "standard" parts on them, and the buyer must be aware to look for these before purchasing. Their miter slot for example is a two tapered slot and not compatible with any other saws or attachments that use a "standard" miter slot. Laguna does have available steel tapered to fit this slot so making your own add-ons can be done.
Laguna imports these tools and do not manufacture them here, so any changes in subsequent models may not be backwards compatible, or easily adaptable.
Posted: 3:58 pm on January 18th

geezee writes: I am not too excited about Laguna going retail. It does not help Canadian woodworkers. I have a 16" Laguna band saw that I purchased several years ago at a woodworking show. The saw is great but my problem is trying to get parts for saw. After I got my saw I realized I should have got the foot brake with it. Because they changed models I could not get this item. I found they don't carry very many parts for their saws.
Posted: 12:15 pm on January 18th

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