The video below shows our new surface cove kits (should be available next week). Auto orders have been shipped.
This profile is really interesting. Not only does it do what it is designed to do, which is create a surface profile wherever you choose, but when used in conjunction with the miter fence, it is also a small rabbet plane, and creates two unique molding profiles depending on when you stop cutting. (We included a stop motion clip to illustrates how this works.) This profile would make cool tambours and adds a rich detail to a myriad of projects. It also cannot be replicated with a router. Check your inbox next week for the introductory special.
We finished shooting video of our next “Silent Woodworking” invention and I think you will find this to be an amazing new tool. Hopefully we will have pricing done next week as well.
And, I just finished the design of Commemorative Tool #16!
I think I need a break…
John
HP6v2
Economaki Economic Stimulus Plan For Woodworkers Who Hate Sanding!
December, 2nd, 2008
Today (Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008) we are unleashing the Economaki Economic Stimulus Plan for Woodworkers who HATE Sanding–EESPWHS (pronounced “Holy Cow!)
This plan is based on the fact that the really cool tools sitting in our warehouse are doing you no good. Actually, they are not doing us any good either–a classic lose/lose proposition.
Our Plan to Eliminate Sanding for the Holidays!
Starting today, when you purchase 3 HP-6 sole/iron kits at the regular price, add two more for FREE! (Equal or lesser value, of course).
But wait–there’s more… When you purchase 4 HP-6 sole/iron kits at the regular price, add three more for FREE! (same rules as above)
But it gets better… When you purchase 5 HP-6 sole/iron kits at the regular price, add FOUR more for FREE! (same rule again).
We’re not done… If you buy 10 HP-6 sole/iron kits at the regular price, add NINE more for FREE! This is not a typo!
NOW FOR THE FINE PRINT: As you now know, the free items you select must be of equal or lesser value and all selections are limited to stock on hand (no back orders). The two newest sole/iron kits (1/2 & 3/8″ Face Bead kits) are excluded. Other than that, this is an awesome deal. Be prepared with a couple of alternate ideas–or better yet, call early. The Economaki Economic Stimulus Plan for Woodworkers Who Hate Sanding EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 9th.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a phone order sale only (our new website has some goofy limitations). This means one of the smiling faces I get to see every day will gladly take your order. Patience please if you are placed in a queue–it will be worth it. 1-800-253-3332. OR, you can email us (sales@bridgecitytools.com) your order if we already have your address and current payment info on file (do not email credit card information).
There is yet another cost savings to mention! These items should arrive in time for you to make a couple of gallery-quality holiday gifts–did we mention no sanding?
Below are a couple of ideas and a few pics to start you dreaming…
Have fun–
John
The planter box above can be made in an afternoon. We ebonized the ash and then infilled the pockets on each side with cut moldings. It is simple and beautiful.
This pencil box is a variation on a theme. An entire desk accessory system can be made with this simple theme.
Almost every single profile for the HP6 can be used for frames. Here are two simple versions that demonstrate the power of texture. Frames are not limited to pictures – boxes and cases can benefit from texture, too!
The modular design of all the HP6 sole/iron kits allows for structured nesting opportunities. Here you can see the incredible detail you can add to your projects.
Never underestimate the power of no sanding. Can you imagine sanding this multi-bead profile? We can’t. And our profiled aluminum “stones” allow you to put a factory edge on any of the profiled irons in a matter of minutes–sharpening has never been easier.
Without question, the HP-6v2 is the most versatile tool in our stable of heirloom products. It is also a significant percentage of our overall business–but more important is the fun you will have creating ideas that are uniquely you!
Cool New HP6v2 Profiles!
November, 4th, 2008
The sole/iron kits we are introducing this week for the HP6v2 Mini Multi-Plane may be the most versatile in the family. The pictures below tell most of the story…
These options allow you to cut a half bead on an edge or a 3/4 bead on a corner. In addition, either will do a full bull nose on either 1/2″ or 3/8″ thick stock.
The results are razor crisp. This detail is used in moldings, box making, frames, drawer details and a host of other projects when a sudden urge to deviate from 90 degree corners comes upon you…
Here you can see a full 1/2 bead and a 3/4 bead. The 3/4 bead will be fully exposed once I cut the cheeks off.
This image shows how the bead is formed on adjacent faces. Using the fence is a must for this profile.
Here you can see half beads and bull nose cuts. This is a great addition to your shop if you make boxes or frames.
I don’t know about you, but I get excited to add form and texture to my designs, and I really get excited when it can be done without sanding!
The 3/4 bead is an awesome detail not easily replicable with a screaming router. This is the same piece of wood in the first image after the bead was completely liberated with a shoulder plane. It is a rich detail.
Here is the same miter joint from the opposite face. I don’t think we have an HP6v2 profile with as many different options from the same sole/iron kit as these two new face bead kits.
These have not been posted to our website as of this writing, but they are in stock and you should be able to order them before the end of this week.
–John
Nobody Has Ever Seen Wood Like This…
September, 16th, 2008
Last week I shared our latest Jointmaker Pro discovery; Squiggle Wood. Check out one afternoon’s experiments–wood is just not supposed to act this way. By the way, this is European beech. Oak and ash work too.
It’s hard to imagine woodworking being more fun…let me know your thoughts!
–John
YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq8O3uUilM8&fmt=18
YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq8O3uUilM8&fmt=18
HG-1 Honing Guide in Action
June, 2nd, 2008
It is always fun around here when an idea becomes reality. Later this week our new honing guide will be in stock. Although I designed this tool with the specific needs of sharpening our HP6 profiled irons in mind, it will work on just about every tool in your shop. Here’s a peek of the tool in action…
As you can see, the rear roller is flat. We have had several inquiries regarding a roller that is crowned to facilitate relieving the corners of wide plane irons. Although this sounds like a good idea, the math makes no practical sense. For example, if one wants to relieve the corners of a plane iron by .002″-.003″, the crown in the honing guide roller would be around .001″. This is just not a practical idea (in our opinion) when the same results can be achieved with finger pressure applied to each corner during honing. If a more severe crown is required, a barrel shaped roller might make sense, and if you have that need, you can easily remove the stock roller and insert a shop made roller (wood will work) for your needs.
Lastly, it is not clear in this clip but the clamping bridle pivots and will accommodate aggressively tapered tools–the most common of which are Japanese chisels.
Thanks for watching.
-John
HP6v2 and the Jointmaker Pro, Silent Woodworking–Endless Possibilities
May, 21st, 2008
Our HP6v2 owners are a passionate group. The really smart customers take my summer classes at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking and upon completion enter the enchanted world of creativity and return home a woodworking genius. (I hope my kids are reading this…).
Take Rutager West for example. He bicycles twenty miles to work each and every day, all year long, in MINNESOTA! Yikes! Rutager also happens to be an equally dedicated woodworker who cannot stand the noise, the dust and the risks associated with power tools, particularly routers. Rutager makes boxes and cases. He recently told me in my “CAD for Woodworkers” class that our HP6v2 has changed his life–and cannot wait to receive his Jointmaker Pro. Now that is pretty cool, and speaking of cool, check out some of the things he has been making with the amazing little HP6v2 Mini Multi-Plane… these are details of the frames and components he shows prospective customers–all without sanding! And if you are as impressed as we are, I am certain he would appreciate reading your comments.
The above frame used HP6v2 Mini Multi-Plane corner bead and rabbet kits. It is stunning craftsmanship.
The multi-bead soles (available in four sizes) are a great way to add texture. These shavings in ebony and an unidentified hardwood speak volumes for the capabilities of the HP6v2.
Using the V-groove sole, Rutager plowed a recess to receive the molding made with the corner cove sole which also made the cove on the edge–beautiful work. I don’t know how he makes his laminations!
This frame detail uses the following sole/iron kits for the HP6v2; rabbet, corner bead, and corner radius–all without a grain of sandpaper.
Another view–THANK YOU Rutager for sharing your work!
If you have an HP6v2 story to share, please do!
-John