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

One hand saw to seriously consider (particularly since it is on sale–Ouch!/Yippee!) is our JS-7 Combination saw–it is an adjustable back dozuki and an adjustable back rip saw. What makes this saw a joy to use is the adjustable back. In short, it completely prevents accidental overcuts–one of the ugliest repairs in the joinery world. This saw is ridiculously fast–and on sale.

The short clip below shows this unique saw in action–and if you would like to save $50 bucks (I can’t believe I just said that), click here. (This price is good through the end of this week or until this batch is gone.)

–John

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!

As mentioned earlier, I have developed a fetish for stainless steel. It is tough, durable and likely will not rust (all stainless steels will rust under the right conditions–as dumb as that sounds.)

Over the past couple of weeks we have been testing various bead-blasted finishes and have settled on a matte finish that feels just plain sexy. Below are a couple of pics of some parts–the t-bevel lock lever/pocket clip is really cool.

–John

PS: I have actually gone two days in a row without making Squiggle Wood. I think I need help.

The image above is a computer rendering of the CT-15 Multi-Square, it is five layout tools that fit in your apron pocket.

The finish and form of this cam lock/clip is really cool!

When this tool is completely assembled it is really going to be fun to use.

News from the Sticks and Stones Will Break Bones but Words are Worse department: We used Michael as a hand model because I was informed by my staff that my hands are not as photogenic as my knees or elbows.

The attendance in Atlanta was spotty, I am not sure about the value of big trade shows anymore…my local connection of friends suggested it was a poor show for sales.

I left Atlanta encouraged regarding the JMP. There was very strong interest from power challenged countries and we are going to ship units to India, Bahrain, Guatemala and one other country I can’t remember at the moment. These are all for programs to put people to work in the tourist industries so I am excited to see where this leads. Also sending a couple of units to Britain. So in many ways the word is getting out. Everybody liked the internet videos that Michael produced in our office and we plan to do another one this week.

I did get a chance to talk at length with yet another internet woodworking expert who has changed his views regarding the JMP after seeing it work. Amazing what first hand knowledge will do for opinions.

Japan was simply exhausting. I couldn’t sleep, the toilets scared me (and I played ice hockey for 20 years…I would rather get hit in the face with a puck (again) than sit around and find out what those toilets do.)  The language barrier was no big deal, cutting wood is easily understood, and many of the visitors spoke English. The JMP is an ideal tool for shoji screen work and I want to make a video demonstrating this capability. The people were very warm, excited and enthusiastic and just like in the States, nobody could believe the quality of the cuts. We have several customers in Tokyo and couple of them stopped by to say hello which was great.

As expected, the food was fantastic.

Tomorrow I will let the cat out of the bag and introduce Commemorative Tool 15–stay tuned.

–John

Here’s a direct link to the YouTube video; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVKQgOqZSo&fmt=18

Also, the Bridge City forum is now open. This is a moderated forum where you can ask woodworking questions or share information regarding our products. The location for entering the forum is at the bottom of our home page. Click on “Community Forum”.

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

Empirically we understand concrete is a painful abrasive (knees never forget) and while regaining my balance I imagined the sidewalk as an endless… abrasive… honing stone… and I was tripping over a… crude honing guide! Sounds weird, but a ray of light leaked into my cranial garden and in that instant, an idea germinated.

I returned from lunch, grabbed a chisel and mocked up the idea using my Razr cell phone. That was all the validation I needed to pursue the development of our HG-1 Honing Guide. And we are thrilled with the results. (In a pinch, a cell phone makes a crappy honing guide, but as you can see, schematically it worked out very well. Don’t be surprised if the “Woodworking Taliban” embraces this ridiculous cell phone alternative …)

The HG-1 is completely different than previous designs. Most significant is the built-in squaring guide which will keep cutting edges that have to be square to the sides in perfect alignment (shoulder plane irons are one example). The other new development is the infinitely adjustable micro-bevel system controlled by the knob at the back of the plane. This was a crucial development for this tool because of the profiled irons our HP-6 Mini Multi-Plane employs.

We will formally announce this new product (and the reference set-up guide for precise primary bevels) in a couple of weeks, with many more details and pricing. Needless to say, it will work well for chisels, irons and really shines when used on our aluminum profiled stones for HP-6 molding irons. Below are a couple of pics to see how the guide unfolded.

Oh, and I forgot, the yakisoba was delicious.

-John