FOR SPECIAL RELEASE
November 18, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Travis Hise, Accessory Sales
Tel:  (949) 474-1200 ext. 9672
E-mail: travis_hise@lagunatools.com

Four Hyde Park Kids and a Bandsaw Named "Benny":
How Laguna Tools is helping one small shop restore the most historic neighborhood in Austin, Texas

Down a quiet street in Hyde Park – one of the oldest, most scenic neighborhoods in Austin, Texas – sits a small woodshop that is making history by preserving it.  John Hindman and his fellow craftsmen, Jacob Barnes, Mari Flores, and Taylor Yarbrough (pictured below), started Red River Restorations, LLC almost 16 months ago and have been working arduously since then to help restore the many grand, historic homes nestled within the timeless beauty of Hyde Park.

Because Hyde Park is designated as a "Local Historic District" by the City of Austin, architectural changes to structures within the district must be compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood.  Red River Restorations specializes in this type of historic preservation, consisting primarily of wood screens, vintage screen doors, entry doors, sash weighted windows, and other fine woodwork handcrafted in Red River’s small shop, a 700 sq./ft. restored garage dating back to 1935. 

Hindman’s original "shop" was actually his front lawn, where most of his woodworking was done using small tools from the local hardware store.  But as the demand for his business grew, so did the sophistication of his shop.  "We gradually built a nice wood shop with all the essentials, paying cash and buying the best quality tools we could find," Hidman explains.  "We are planning to be in business for the long term."

As part of their long-term business plan, Red River Restoration recently purchased a LT18 Bandsaw from the Laguna Tools 3000 Series, fondly naming the high-power machine "Benny," after the Laguna Customer Service Representative who guided them in their purchase.  "Benny’s" award-winning performance accommodates a much larger capacity while simultaneously facilitating the custom design work signature to vintage restoration.  Most importantly, the uncompromised quality of the LT18 Bandsaw is paired with an affordable price tag and branded by Laguna’s own tradition of innovation and excellence in customer service. 

Hindman talks about his plan to expand his business in 2010, opening a second shop in Hyde Park to specialize in constructing entire custom vintage buildings.  "Of course, we will be contacting ‘the real Benny’ at Laguna to purchase additional products next year," Hindman claims.  For now, Laguna Tools is proud that "Benny the Bandsaw" gets to play an important part in Hindman’s dream to keep the City of Austin historic.

Laguna Tools, based in Irvine, California, has been leading the industry in woodworking innovations for 25 years and continues to challenge the industry with new advancements.  At Laguna Tools we aim to be "globally local" by investing our time, support, products and services into many community outreach programs.  For more information on the Laguna Tools quality line of performance products, please call 1-800-234-1976 or visit our website at www.lagunatools.com.