The Business of Building Trust

When woodworkers need high quality tools that they can depend on, they go to Laguna Tools.

Busy craftsman Charles Di Antonio makes certain to include the important things in life in to his day. His family and his woodworking are at the top of the list. The skilled woodworker enjoys combining his two loves and making things of beauty and enduring value for his loved ones. “I create things for my family mostly, and have a to-do list that goes on forever!” And no wonder.  From cabinetry to toy boxes, Charles is ready to take them on.

Passion for the Craft
As it is for many woodworkers, his love for the craft and the tools of the trade developed early in life. “It all started when I was a child.  I loved tools and wood, and was always building something.  I drove my father crazy, as I was always getting into his tools.” Though the love was fostered early in life, it was not until adulthood and retirement that Charles had the time and could pursue his passion seriously. After taking some local adult education classes and then moving on to workshops at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, he continued his woodworking education by honing his skills on his own.  After finishing his first project, a medicine cabinet, he was hooked.  His passion for the craft was evident right from the start as evidenced by the time and dedication he put into learning the trade.

Outstanding Reputation
Charles began woodworking in earnest after having retired from Gillette six years ago as Director of Pack Centers, Grooming Products. “This was a new outsourcing approach to packaging our products that required me to evaluate and recommend vendors in the U.S., Canada, England, Malaysia, and Australia.  Have a good business practice was high on my list of criteria for recommending and selecting vendors.”   He continues to value and utilize all of the knowledge he gained in that position. To Charles, it is essential to deal with people and sources you can count on if you want to achieve the highest standards of success both professionally and

personally. A bad experience with one person in a company can make for an overall poor experience’ while it takes every person from top to bottom, and superior products to create a “stand- out” company. And that is exactly that led him to Laguna Tools.

Award Winning Woodworking Tools
When it comes to tools and the companies he deals with, Charles does his research. After seeing that Laguna Tools received “Best Overall” in Fine Woodworking Magazine, top in cutting power in Wood Magazine  and favorable reviews from members of his Woodworking Guild, he felt confident in purchasing a Laguna 16" bandsaw. There was still some concern with distance, however. “The only issue that concerned me was that I was 3,000 miles away from them. I live in Massachusetts and Laguna Tools is located in Irvine, California.” His concerns were allayed when his bandsaw arrived on time and without problems. “The whole process worked just as they said it would, and I had no problem getting what I needed when I needed it. I was amazed.”

Superior Support
“By far the best and most helpful part of the process was getting the instructional DVD in advance. Before the equipment arrived I was able to view the DVD which allowed me to prepare myself for the riggers I needed to move the machine as well as make arrangements in my workspace to accommodate it with electrical needs and space.” Additional benefits from the DVD were also apparent.  “Usually when you get a new tool, there is this fairly significant piece of equipment sitting there in front of you waiting while you go through a manual just to turn it on. I was able to watch it and pause it through every step, see it up close and then do it myself. There is no room for misunderstanding.” says Charles “It just took all of the questions out of the process.” The informative Laguna Tools Bandsaw DVD, which he used as a ready reference, was a highly effective tool itself in setting up and learning to operate the new equipment. “It was like having someone from Laguna Tools right there with me. It was by far the easiest setup I have ever had and I cannot speak more highly of this method of setup. It even includes helpful tips.”

The Laguna LT16 Bandsaw at Work
Woodworking is a passion that others can delight in. “I have built small toys for my grandchildren Grady, Emily, Griffin and Addison, and my wish is that my family gets enjoyment from things I build.”   Charles’ other projects have included deacon’s benches, an entertainment center that he and his wife Pat enjoy. His current work in progress is a mahogany bench, which the Laguna LT16 Bandsaw will play a big part in completing.

Precision Tools and Top Quality Work
Every craftsman feels the unexplainable calling of the craft. It is more than a desire; it is the need to work with wood. It is the thrill of using top quality woodworking tools and products and creating beautiful pieces.  There is just something in woodworking that satisfies the soul like nothing else, and something about handcrafted items that expresses so much of what we think and feel. Creating an item with form and function that will be treasured for years to come is what drives Charles Di Antonio to perfect his craft.

Mr. DiAntonio’s Shop includes: Laguna LT16 bandsaw, lathe, planer, jointer, Festool system (includes multifunction table, plunge saw, router, and sander), compound miter saw, tablesaw, assorted hand tools and sharpening equipment.

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