Tool for working wood in NYC

[ear3]

Just thought I'd mention an NYC dealer that hasn't gotten much press here, whom I visited for the first time earlier today: Tools for Working Wood in Brooklyn.  I didn't actually go there for Festool, but rather because they stock a good range of decent hand tools -- and I wanted to get some rasps.  Ended up getting a couple of rasps from their in-house brand called Gramercy Tool, which compares favorably to the more expensive Auriou rasps they also carried.  But also took the opportunity to admire the full range of Festool they offer.  They are the only dealer I can recall who actually has on the floor the 16 ft. rail, which they can do because it's a warehouse building with tall ceilings. 

I'm really happy I went there, and would definitely go back.  I was the only customer there on a late Saturday morning, and there were two employees just chilling with the roll gate open onto the sidewalk carving spoons.  It's nice to buy from people so invested in their love of woodworking.   

EDIT: I was searching to see if they have a profile on the FOG, and found that the owner [member=1208]joel moskowitz[/member] made a few posts back when they started selling Festool in 2007, but otherwise has not been active on the Forum.

 

[otis04]

I ordered from them once (not Festool), and thought they had a great selection and customer service.  Also, the regular newsletter is enjoyable to read.  It isn't a sales flyer, just a nice read - wood working related.

 

[Tinker]

Just thought I'd mention an NYC dealer that hasn't gotten much press here, whom I visited for the first time earlier today: Tools for Working Wood in Brooklyn.  I didn't actually go there for Festool, but rather because they stock a good range of decent hand tools -- and I wanted to get some rasps.  Ended up getting a couple of rasps from their in-house brand called Gramercy Tool, which compares favorably to the more expensive Auriou rasps they also carried.  But also took the opportunity to admire the full range of Festool they offer.  They are the only dealer I can recall who actually has on the floor the 16 ft. rail, which they can do because it's a warehouse building with tall ceilings. 

I'm really happy I went there, and would definitely go back.  I was the only customer there on a late Saturday morning, and there were two employees just chilling with the roll gate open onto the sidewalk carving spoons.  It's nice to buy from people so invested in their love of woodworking.   

EDIT: I was searching to see if they have a profile on the FOG, and found that the owner [member=1208]joel moskowitz[/member] made a few posts back when they started selling Festool in 2007, but otherwise has not been active on the Forum.

[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]
I probably will never go to their warehouse; but I did get hooked into researching the website.  I have just spent close tto an hour of being sidetracked into some fantastic history.  Somebody has done a great (and time consuming) job of bringing back pages from 100 years ago.  I don't think I will ever find the time to read thru all that is in there, but great reading for occasional perusal.

Oh! Almost forgot, there seems to be a great selection of tools in the "store" as well.
Tinker

 

[NHSP759]

I live nowhere near Brooklyn, it would take me 6 hours to drive there but....I was researching Moxon vise hardware and found their site. After reading all of their articles in regards to their Moxon, I bought the hardware kit to make my own. Super fast shipping and they were quite inexpensive. They've been in my Favorites ever since.

 

[ear3]

I'm also excited because they are going to start carrying Benchcrafted vises in the next couple of months.

I live nowhere near Brooklyn, it would take me 6 hours to drive there but....I was researching Moxon vise hardware and found their site. After reading all of their articles in regards to their Moxon, I bought the hardware kit to make my own. Super fast shipping and they were quite inexpensive. They've been in my Favorites ever since.

 

[Michael Kellough]

"there were two employees just chilling with the roll gate open onto the sidewalk carving spoons."

Have they moved again? First time I visited they were in Manhattan.
Last time I visited the Brooklyn store it was on the second or third floor.

Or maybe they were just occupying the freight elevator waiting for a delivery?

 

[ear3]

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member]  I think so, as they said they had only been in that location for 6 months.  It's on 26th street in what I think is technically Sunset Park.  Right on the water off the Gowanus.

"there were two employees just chilling with the roll gate open onto the sidewalk carving spoons."

Have they moved again? First time I visited they were in Manhattan.
Last time I visited the Brooklyn store it was on the second or third floor.

Or maybe they were just occupying the freight elevator waiting for a delivery?

 

[McNally Family]

https://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/more/directions.html

 

[Michael Kellough]

Looks like they're about 4 blocks north of the previous location. Being on the ground floor is good.

If you are in the Greenpoint area and need Festool stuff go to G.T. Rentals. Their website isn't updated to show it but they do stock a lot of Festool stuff. It's no comparison to TFWW, stricktly business. Kamco Supply is another under the radar Festool source in the city. Locations in both Brooklyn (not far from TFWW) and Manhattan.

 

[Steve-Rice]

I do a lot of veneer work and I have every kind if veneer saw on the market, but the Gramercy Tools veneer saw is definitely the best of the best.  I really love working with that saw. In addition to the excellent cut, I think the saw is a work of art.

 

[bdiemer]

I'm  glad I came upon this post I'm due for a trip there from long island and I didn't know they moved. They're a great store and the only legit hand tool store I can drive to. If some of you guys like to go old school once in a while, their holdfasts are the best bargain in woodworking, period. I need a rip cut back saw and I'm thinking of getting one of their kits.

 

[Corwin]

I'm  glad I came upon this post I'm due for a trip there from long island and I didn't know they moved. They're a great store and the only legit hand tool store I can drive to. If some of you guys like to go old school once in a while, their holdfasts are the best bargain in woodworking, period. I need a rip cut back saw and I'm thinking of getting one of their kits.

There, that needed highlighting.  [wink]  I just received my [first] pair a few days ago. Thanks Joel, they are wonderful!

 

[Bob Marino]

I have known Joel Moskowitz (owner of TFWW) since he first opened his store in Chelsea NYC many moons ago, looking to buy some chisels, before he started carrying the Festool line (actually I went there with some Festool catalogs and told him he should look into selling their products - duh, what was I thinking? [scratch chin] [blink] [scratch chin]). Our paths have crossed a dozen or so times over the years and I have nothing but respect for him. Extremely knowledgable and down to earth, he's a good guy.

 

[leakyroof]

I'm  glad I came upon this post I'm due for a trip there from long island and I didn't know they moved. They're a great store and the only legit hand tool store I can drive to. If some of you guys like to go old school once in a while, their holdfasts are the best bargain in woodworking, period. I need a rip cut back saw and I'm thinking of getting one of their kits.

There, that needed highlighting.  [wink]  I just received my [first] pair a few days ago. Thanks Joel, they are wonderful!

. Yes THEY are.  I haven't bought from TWW in awhile since loading up on hand tools and shop supplies from them in the past . Didn't know they had moved again.  [blink]

 

[Mismarked]

I am headed to NYC first week of December--first time in years--and had been thinking about visiting their store.  I figured if I searched on this site I would find a post about it from Ed, and saw this thread.  Definitely going to go.  Wondering if I can transport rasps and such back to Houston in my carry-on baggage.

 

[HarveyWildes]

I am headed to NYC first week of December--first time in years--and had been thinking about visiting their store.  I figured if I searched on this site I would find a post about it from Ed, and saw this thread.  Definitely going to go.  Wondering if I can transport rasps and such back to Houston in my carry-on baggage.

Nope - I bought a rasp at Highland Hardware in February and TSA made me check it.  Fortunately I had a carry on that I was able to stash it in and check.  Any tool with a metal shaft, where the total length is > 10" is verboten.

 

[RKA]

You didn't ask, but I'll throw this out there in case it's helpful...if you're considering one of the larger sizes (12") look at the shoulder of the steel by the handle.  I bought a Grammercy 12" rasp and found that corner was sharp.  My other Auriou from LN has a softened shoulder.  Both were comparable in price.  The pictures of the Auriou rasps on the TFWW website also have a sharp edge like the Grammercy, so either they are dated pictures or LN has ordered them with better finishing? 

 

[ear3]

  Wondering if I can transport rasps and such back to Houston in my carry-on baggage.

Lol.  I bet those aren't listed under the TSA FAQs!