Happy Memorial Day DSN!
Here’s a quiz for the Drivel Starved Nation; When was the last time we made our Flushing Chisel?
If you guessed 2003, you WIN! And if you guessed 2013 you would be correct as well.
Of all the tools we have made over the past 30 years, our flushing chisel was one of the most cherished if you believe our customers. Here at BCTW, we believe you! The new version is similar to the old blade-wise, but features a completely redesigned grip. After a ten year absence, it is time to bring it back.
Here is a sneak peek at the FC-1v2 Flushing Chisel.
In aluminum:
And the limited edition FC-1v2 in stainless;
We will open these two tools for pre-order sometime this week. This FC1v2 is a world class bacon saver when it comes to cleaning out corners and difficult to reach crevices and I am pleased to be able to offer them again. If you have a favorite memory of the original FC-1 please do share it here!
-John
And to think I have been flushing with the lever on the tank all this time without know there was a chisel to use!
Okay, seriously that redesign is sculpture, sexy sculpture. Very nice, I’ll be making room for it in my shop.
Best,
Rutager
Well, that’s just gorgeous! A very distinctive look – similar to the FC-1 in its deceptive simplicity, but a completely different emotional evocation. Beautiful.
I was fortunate to get an FC-1 on ebay. It was the second BCTW tool I got (the first was the MG-3). I believe you’ll find that I clicked on the “please make more” button on the FC-1 about 3 years ago. Maybe more. It’s crazy how much they go for on ebay – but well deserved. That arching wood and brass handle is sculpturally stunning. This new one is equally beautiful – just different. I’ve used the FC-1 for all kinds of things. Its beauty belies its effectiveness in all kinds of flush-chiseling jobs. I’m wondering whether the FC-2 might even be better…?
— Peter
Sorry – “FC1v2”. Not “FC-2”. Silly me…
One wonders what an FC-2 might look like…
— P
All that digital corrugated cardboard makes me think it could double as a box cutter.
How do you sharpen the bevel? Unscrew the handle from the blade?
It looks like a great tool although it appears the handle tips cross into the cutting bevel planes which it seems will require the whet stone sharpening strokes be something other than the normal parallel to cutting edge strokes?
Hi All-
To sharpen, the handle must be removed – as in the first version. It is held on with bathroom caulk, 14 rivets that need to be drilled out, 6 tungsten machine screws and a new adhesive made from octopus suckers. Takes about two hours to remove the blade. New rivets are only $5. FYI. 🙂
-John
LOL! While removing the two hex-head screws to get the handle off the FC-1 is pretty easy, you do have to remove the BCTW medallion to do it. The FC-1 I got off ebay did not have the medallion (perhaps that’s why it was cheap). Will there be a trick with the FC-1v2 to get the medallion off? A magnetic switch? Heat-sensitive glue? The adhesive made from octopus suctorials seems like a good idea…
— Peter
That seems just a bit of over-kill — I guess you are concerned about the chisel escaping the handle & flying wildly toward spectators. 😉
Peter,
The medallion on the FC-1 does not need to be removed to liberate the iron from the handle. There are only two attachment holes in the iron, same as the FC-1v2 and they straddle the medallion.
If you have to remove the medallion to separate the iron, I want to see that tool-I don’t think we made it.
-John
“The adhesive made from octopus suctorials seems like a good idea” — only a marine biologist would think that… 🙂
I have to say my FC-1 is one of the most beautiful tools I own. My favorite thing was just the first time I opened the bix and looked at it in person. Like many other BC Tools it also has a perfect feel in your hand.
John (and everyone else): Sorry for my stupidity! Of course the medallion does not have to be removed to get the blade off for sharpening. In my brain I’ve somehow conflated the lack of a medallion with the screws being in that recess – which clearly they are not! I’m so sorry to have caused any confusion. I guess I should actually look at my tools before posting.
But it was tricky drilling out those rivets…
Just kidding. Two hex-head screws. It’s easy. And the blade sharpens up amazingly well on my Shaptons. I did it by hand – seemed easier than using a guide. The large bevel makes it easy to register on the stone.
Sorry again for the confusion!!!
— Peter
John,
Is there any chance that the blade on this will also work as a replacement blade for the original Flushing Chisel? That would be really great if it does. I would like to have one for that handle as well.
Dennis
Dennis,
Yes.
John
Beautiful evolution of the original, John.
I have the original and love it – use it cleaning out glue mostly, but I’ve also used it for flushing plugs for screw holes.
neil
John,
Both of these are gorgeous but especially the SS version. Your FC-1 was and is one of my favorite tools that you have ever made. I have used it for so many projects and just love the feel. 😮 How many will be issued in the LE SS version? Have you set a price point on both of them yet?
Awesome version!!!!!! 😮
Fred
Fred;
Pre-order window is next week. The stainless version will likely be in the 300-500 quantity range. Aluminum more of course.
Thanks!
-John
So. How big is this thing, anyway? Dimensions would be nice.
Yikes – what a dumb mistake.
Overall height 1.4 inches
Blade Width 1.45 inches
Blade Length 4.2 inches
Thanks for catching this!
-John