Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Jul 02, 2003 01:46am | #1

   I'm not familiar with that name.  Did a search on Google and couldn't find anything there.  Did you, perhaps, mean Bridgewood, the brand sold by Wilke Machinery? http://www.wilkemach.com/WelcomeToWilke.html

   Jeff

2. 
   Lilshaver | Jul 02, 2003 01:50am | #2

   If you mean Bridge City Tool Works, I believe that they went out of business. But, as in so many things, I may be mistaken. They are quality tools but at a premium price.

1. 
   eclaeys | Jul 02, 2003 10:07pm | #4

   Thanks Jeff

   It was Bridge City Tool Works.  I had a brain zit when I spelled it out.

   Theanks again

   ED

1. 
   PelhamPete | Jul 03, 2003 03:25pm | #5

   Hi all,

   Not only is Bridge City Tools still in business ... but I just got a couple of their (blemished) planes that they had on marked-down sale.  Oh my God are they amazing tools (from a fit-and-finish and overall aesthetic perpective). 

   The "Wow Factor" just can't be beat. 

   Suffice it to say- their $50.00ish plane blades (irons) come from the factory with a literal mirror-finish over the ENTIRE back of the blade.  A MIRROR finish!  Simply can NOT be improved upon. (They even suggest that you never touch the back of the blade to try and improve it ... that it can't be done.)  I am absolutely overwhelmed by their quality (and I have several Lie-Nielsen planes).

   Well- I couldn't help myself:  I ended up "purchasing w/plastic" their CT10 Low-angle smoothing plane. 

   Now if I can just steel myself and introduce them to some wood! <grin>

   -Peter T.

1. 
   KyleZ | Jul 03, 2003 10:02pm | #6

   Pete,

   That is a pretty significant gloat.  I would say that I'm jealous, but when I saw the price of those, I knew it was way out of my league.  I didn't (and still don't) consider their planes to be a realistic proposition for me, so I never got worked up over it.

   Let us know how it works.

   Kyle (who would be happy with a few L-Ns and C&Ws)

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Jul 04, 2003 12:45am | #7

   OK, maybe I'm missing something significant here.... $650 for a block plane?  They must laugh all the way to the bank.

   Jeff

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 04, 2003 01:17am | #8

   So what's the "dirt" on BCTW?  They were going out of businees.  Did they and come back or reorganize or get bought out???  I hope they make it.  I have one of their sliding bevels and they have a couple of other things I'd like to get when an impulse buy strikes.  Lifetime guarantees aren't much good from a company that's teatering on the brink.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

3. 
   KyleZ | Jul 04, 2003 02:05am | #9

   John,

   They were on the verge of going out of business last year, but they were bought out.  John Economaki is still in charge of tool design.  It does not appear as though things have changed much.

   Jeff,

   Their planes are expensive, (as I mentioned in my previous post) too rich for my blood.  However, there is a lot of hand work that goes into making their planes.  I believe the sides are double dovetailed to the sole; and they have some infill elements.  As Pete mentioned in an above post, they advertise that their blades and sole are perfectly flat; no tuning necessary.  It takes labor to accomplish that.  Obviously, they are not laughing all the way to the bank as they almost lost everything last year.  There are only so many people willing and able to purchase tools in that price range.  Plus, there are several competitors competing for that business.

   Several woodworking tool makers have popped up in recent years, and I hope they all do well.  Interestingly, these modern toolmakers fill a wide variety of prices points. Veritas on the lower end of the price scale to Lie Nielsen and Clark & Williams, to Shepherd, to Sauer & Steiner, to Karl Holtey.  It is nice for the modern woodworker to finally have such a big selection of high quality tools.

   One last point.  I have heard that in the past a quality plane would cost the tradesman about two weeks wages.  If you think about it along those lines, everything but the Holtey planes are well within range. <G>

   Kyle

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Jul 04, 2003 03:29pm | #10

   Thanks, Kyle.  I've often been amazed at the poor tolerances on so many of the machines and tools marketed to us woodworkers.  Can't see why a manufacturer with a half way decent machine shop can't produce even moderately priced goods that require no tweaking.  Don't believe they'd get away with such shoddy work for other industries or consumers.  Aren't we demanding enough?

   Jeff

5. 
   KyleZ | Jul 04, 2003 04:52pm | #11

   Jeff,

   I think that when Stanley and Record were about the only producers, they assumed that we were not demanding enough.  Either that or they did not care because they assumed that it was not a large enough market to make it worth their while.  I'm just glad that void has been filled by the toolmakers I mentioned above and many others.

   Cheers

   Kyle

6. 
   creekwood | Jul 04, 2003 09:12pm | #14

   Good point on the two weeks wages bit. We always get what we pay for. If a quality plane would cost that much long ago, it puts things in perspective as to what you might pay for one like Lei-Neilsen. Everything I put in my shop is going to be the best I can possibly afford. That way, maybe the tools will be around to hand down to my son, and maybe his son, too.

7. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 07, 2003 05:54pm | #18

   Thanks for the info.  I hope they survive.  I met John at a show a few years ago - real nice guy.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

8. 
   PelhamPete | Jul 05, 2003 01:47am | #15

   Hi Kyle et al,

   You wrote:

   <That is a pretty significant gloat ...> [..snip..]

   I'm not sure that you meant (overly?) flattering praise, or the more accepted definition of "gloat": To feel or express great, often malicious, pleasure or self-satisfaction, example- Don't gloat over your rival's misfortune. 

   Sorry- I didn't mean to imply that the quality of the plane reflects one wit on my feelings about myself, or anything else related to ANYTHING other than my overwhelmingly positive response to the work that went into designing, maufacturing, and just general work that goes into Bridge City's tools (*IF* my two _blemished_ planes are any indicator of the overall quality of rest of their tools)

   You mentioned Holtey planes.  It is my sense that the Bridge City planes are the only planes that approach his 'wow factor.'  I have 'lusted' to get my hands on a Holtey, actually really only to see one, but my best guess is that just ain't gonna happen.  Pretty much the same thing is probably true about BC planes- I will probably never even see one.  Perhaps like some others on this list- I find myself inspired to do finer work when the tools employed to do said work are of high quality (fit, finish, function).  I just got a 0 percent for a full year credit card and so therefore decided to take the "Bridge City Plunge."  Don't hate me because my (planes) are beautiful! <<grin>>

   FWIW- I fettled my low-angle Stanley block plane to the extent that it is easily the most used of my arsenal (which, yes, includes the LN low-angle block) ... this due entirely to its stellar performance. (Hummm ... can you tell that I am feeling just a wee bit defensive about your post?)

   You (also) wrote:

   <Let us know how it works.>

   Well, I haven't used my block plane yet, and my CT10 smoother hasn't come in, BUT already I was surprised to find that there is no lateral adjustment for the iron on the block plane.  Obviously if one is cautious about one's grinding/honing, this shouldn't be a problem....

   -Peter T.

9. 
   KyleZ | Jul 05, 2003 07:59am | #16

   Pete,

   Please don't be offended.  A "gloat" in woodworking internet message board parlance has a positive connotation, not a negative one.  For example: if someone happened to report that he/she found a Stanley #1 at a garage sale for $2 that would be a gloat.  If you report that your wife bought you a L-N 4.5 for your birthday, that would also be a gloat.  Woodworkers are always happy when their fellow woodworkers get a great deal or get a great new tool.  Since I am not Webster's Dictionary, it is kind of hard to explain. But trust me, I was not trying to imply that you were bragging in any sort of way.  The folks over at Wood Central use the phrase a lot, usually describing their own posts of new tool acquisition..

   From what I understand, the Sauer & Steiner infill planes may give you a similiar "Wow" factor as a Holtey.  They are spendy, but I think they are much less than a Holtey.

   Don't worry about the lack of lateral adjustment.  I have a couple L-N's that are like that.  Just be mindful of that when you are sharpening.

   Kyle

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 04, 2003 05:09pm | #12

   Peter, do you have contact info for Bridge City that you could post please?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Jul 04, 2003 06:11pm | #13

   Gee whiz Jamie, a real Google girl would never have to ask!

   http://www.bridgecitytools.com/ok_default.html

   Jeff

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 05, 2003 11:14pm | #17

   Mr. JeffK, pleazzzzze, anytime you see a post from me before 9am in the morning, you simply have to cut me some slack!  The reason I was up reading Knots at 7:09PST was because I was clearing the decks to spend the 4th and 5th with a high-powered 6-year-old boy (this kid makes the EverReady bunny look like a whimpy sprinter).  Simply no time to Google.  Besides, Pete should know better than to say "Oh, don't fear, they're still here" and not clarify their internet status.  What's the Knots World coming to anyway?  (TeeHeee)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   DennisS | Jul 30, 2003 02:47am | #19

   Well - I just received a box of "stuff" from an on line friend who exited the woodworking hobby some years ago. I think I've died and gone to heaven.

   Two marking guages; Three (different sized) squares; 24" T-square, depth guage; three angle gauges, .... 6", 12" and 24" SS rules in both metric and imperial. This is a veritable treasure trove of marking and measuring 'stuff'. There's stuff in this box I don't even know what it's used for! (grin)

   So -

   Since this obviously predates the sale of Bridge City Tool Works to its current owner, would it be safe to assume that these tools may, some day, be worth more than just their face value? In the second breath he asks, these tools haven't been given the best of all conditions with respect to storage. I know that some antique are actually worth less if they've been shined up than if they were left in their original condition. I'd like to take some scotchbrite or other genteel media and restore the brass on these tools to a bit nicer look but I don't want to dimninish their intrensic value. (for my heirs, that is, I have no intention of selling them - so forget it, Doc & Sarge (grin))

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 30, 2003 07:14am | #20

   Dennis: Boy oh Boy do you ever have our number... Check out to see if there really worth mucho $$$  if not then get some Brasso cleaner its the cats meow for cleaning brass..but if there collectors quality leave as is.. & if you don't want to be bothered with that triffle chore send em to me & Sarge & we will divey up the loot between us ..might even share with Jamie..<G>..

                                               ToolDoc

2. 
   DennisS | Jul 30, 2003 08:47am | #21

   Hi Doc -

   These are the thing of catalog browsing and tears. The fit and finish, other than the oxidation I alluded to, is beyond any of the wannabe tools I own.

   One of the marking gauges seems a little stove up (the arm doesn't seem to want to slide at all) otherwise they're all in what appear to be perfect working order. I'll check out the squares as soon as I get up north this weekend to the shop.

   I was too embarassed to ask my buddy this, but I'll bare my behind and ask here .....

   One of the "tools" he sent consists of a set of concentric circular things that stack one on top of the other to make a rather tall cone. The diameters range from about 1/8" to something like 2". Each 'stage' in this stack is about 1/8" thick. The entire assembly is in (as I recall - I've repacked the thing for transport north) 5 or 6 pieces.

   Is this like a hole gauge of some kind? It's kinduva neat piece but seems somewhat excessive for something like finding the diameter of hole. Plus as you stack the pieces together, there's an ever so slight bit of tolerance between each segment.

   No, I've never requested or received a Bridge City tool catalog.

   Got two Japanese waterstones along with this other stuff. My neighbor is native Japanese. There's no writing on the box except for the Kanji. I took them over and asked him what it said on the boxes.

   "Oh - these are for professional ... not for the hobby person"

   Hahahahaha .... I've *ARRIVED* ....

   Eat yer heart out! -(grin)

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

3. 
   PelhamPete | Jul 30, 2003 02:52pm | #22

   Hi Dennis/all,

   You wrote:

   One of the "tools" he sent consists of a set of concentric circular things that stack one on top of the other to make a rather tall cone. The diameters range from about 1/8" to something like 2". Each 'stage' in this stack is about 1/8" thick. The entire assembly is in (as I recall - I've repacked the thing for transport north) 5 or 6 pieces. Is this like a hole gauge of some kind?

   It sounds like you are describing their "turning tree".  It is intended to be used to set outside calipers to a given measurement ... a kind of circular ruler. :-)  The turning tree is supposed to be accurate to within .005" and .000"

   Congratulations on your amazing (free) package-of-goodies ... G.I.N.V.U. (read: Gee, I envy you! lol)

   -Peter T.

4. 
   DennisS | Aug 11, 2003 08:36am | #25

   Way cool Pete - Thanks for demistifying this particular piece.

   I've yet to 'clean up' the various pieces in the box. And for the record, they weren't exactly "free". Cost me a case of medium Yakima Valley Cabernet ... shipping included. But judging from a few catalogs I have on hand here, I'm still coming out pretty much to the better.

   Thanks again ....

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

5. 
   Kell | Jul 30, 2003 03:18pm | #23

   As PelhamPete said, it is the turning tree they produced a number of years ago and it is specifically for setting calipers to exact dimensions for extremely accurate turning.  Far as the value goes, I believe they've only been in business for about 20 years or less and it's going to take a while before these become "antique" and the value goes up, assuming it does at all.  If it were me, I'd clean them up and use them.  While they are beautiful tools, I have 7 tools that I purchased from them over the years, they are incredibly accurate and meant to be used.  I use several of mine on every project that I build.  Getting the TS-1 try square about 13 years ago was the one thing that raised my skills to a new level.

   Kell

6. 
   DennisS | Aug 11, 2003 08:45am | #26

   Thank you very much for the reply, Kell.

   I think I'll proceed to simply 'use' these otherwise beautiful measureing and marking tools and not relly worry about the tarnish on the brass.

   I agree totally - as the quality of my tools increases, so does the quality of my work. But then, I've had the benefit of rubbing elbows with a few of the finer craftspeople in my locale who've also taught me that patience is worth as much as any tool you can buy.

   Doc -

   You having some sort of conversation with Jamie behind my back? (grin)

   The previous (two) posts explained what the 'mystery' tool is. Not sure why my buddy had this particular "thing" since he didn't seem to indicate that he was in to turning to any degree.

   Can't wait to get back up North to the shop and drag these out just to swoon over them. Of course, Doc., when you come out to visit here in the PNW, you'll have a chance to "view" them just like you can view the crown jewels in the Tower of London ....Look but don't touch! (hahaha)

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

7. 
   ToolDoc | Aug 11, 2003 05:33pm | #27

   Dennis: OK I will put my nose up against the glass & droll over you Jewels but won"t touch.....

                                     ToolDoc

8. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 30, 2003 04:08pm | #24

   Dennis: Me thinks you better get the catalog cause I haven't got a clue as to what that tool might be. as far as you being Professional, Hell we all knew that a long time ago, althou IM not sure Jamie did she ussually has quite a few other words to describe you.. ha ha only kidding..

                                      ToolDoc

3. 
   alanplanesaw | Jul 02, 2003 05:01am | #3

   If you meant Bridgewood (as already suggested) they are alive and well.  Have several pieces of their equipment -- great stuff.

   http://www.wilkemachinery.com/index.html

   And, yes, Bridge City Toolworks is alive and well.

   http://www.bridgecitytools.com/

   How much do you want for your mags?

   Thanks,

   Alan - planesaw