Bridge City Tool Works

"I have never seen anything like these tools. The HP-12 and the HP-9v2 that I purchased are quite literally the finest handplanes I've ever had. I'm 63 and I've been doing woodworking for 45 years, as a professional. I've never seen anything like this HP-12. It is in a word, magnificent. Thank you! Richard Davis - President of Artistic Woods of Colorado"

"I know I'm crazy, just have to try anything that seems to be a good idea. Even at the sale price this HP-14 scraper plane is expensive. The good new is it is excellent! Straight out of the box, ignoring the manual, I adjusted the depth of cut and immediately started producing lacey scrapings. I think BC has found a way to eliminate the blade chatter that plagues the other makers of scraper planes. Much better than the other major makers."

"This isn't really a practical brand of tools - more like a cross between artwork and tool. Some of their tools are completely unique (like the joint maker pro, though I haven't actually used it for anything real). Their planes and other tools tend to look beautiful and, to my limited skill, work well. I don't think they make sense to buy unless you like the aesthetic, though and are happy just looking at them!"

"TS 1v2 Square: "The straightness of the stainless-steel blade is accurate to ±0.02mm [0.0008in]" This claim does not stand. I compared the Bridge City Tools TS 1v2 square on an AA grade granite surface plate against Starrett machinist squares that were freshly deburred with precision ground flat stones. As you can see from the first photo, no light penetrates when Starrett squares are against one another, however against the Bridge City Tools TS 1v2 Square, light is visible. There should be no visible light whatsoever if the square is within tolerance. Furthermore, the recess at the base has an orange anodized component which is loose, and makes the square rattle. I will be returning this square, along with the HP-8 mini block plane due to poor quality. I am extremely disappointed with the fit and finish of these tools."