What's the deal with Bridge City Tools?

[avanderhoorn]

I'm starting to get into hand tools more and came across Bridge City Tools the other day. Besides looking really nice and fitting some edge cases for tools that would be really handy to have, I was struck by the staggering cost of the tools and am at a little of a loss as to understand how their business model works. For instance, several of the tools I was tooling at seemed to be out of stock (pending a rerun) and others seems to still be in production, also how does a tools company have limited edition tools, etc. Hence I'm left wondering are they really worth they money, are they that good, is it worth going on a waiting list for the privilege to buy one of these tools, how does anyone afford them, etc?

 

[ScotF]

BCTW makes some of the finest hand tools available. They are a small company and make things in batches at certain times of the year. When you order from them you have to be patient as they build once they receive the minimum numbers. All of their stuff is top notch and usually adds some innovative feature/function that you cannot get elsewhere. That model is not right for everyone and they explicitly state it on their website. But I find the stuff I have bought from them to be worth it and have no regrets.

Many folks treat them like collectibles and some things are only made once and then discontinued.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]Have a look at the Veritas range from Lee Valley.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=48944&cat=1,41182

True, BridgeCity make exceptionally high quality tools. However through their limited edition models they are as much pandering to collectors as practical craft persons and woodworkers.

 

[zipdang]

If you look at Bridge City for the last couple of years versus most of the first 15ish years of their existence,  I believe you can see a transition from the high quality but collector-type tools they started with to the very useful tools they sell now.  Certainly the prices remain high, but that is what quality costs.  I have seen the tools in action at Handworks in 2013 and believe the focus is very much on being innovative but more importantly being useful tools.  As for availability, yes, it can be difficult to wait.  But small (and large) businesses today don't have the deep pockets to maintain large inventories.  Therefore you end up with manufacturing based on demand.  Either you are OK with that and buy a tool you have to wait for, or you move on. Certainly not for everyone, but neither is Festool. I happily own both. [big grin]

By the way, when BCT says the tool will be finished on_____, always add a month or two!

 

[SittingElf]

I don't really have an interest in much of their tools, but I DO own a KM1 KerfMaker, and it's outstanding!  I'm sure their other items are as well made....but I just don't have a use for them.  The KerfMaker is one of my favorite non-Festools.

Frank

 

[Ellingferd]

As someone born and raised in the Northwest, and a cyclist for as long as I can remember, I can tell you it is a common theme among people in Portland who make nice things that people want. Take, for example, Vanilla cycles. They make custom bike frames that are very nice, but cost an absurd amount and require you to wait upwards of 1 year from initially placing a deposit. Sure, they are probably the epitome of a steel frame bicycle, but good lord. I feel bridge city is the same. Vanilla didnt necessarily start out that way, but now that enough people have found out, Vanilla wised up and realized the reality of having a product that allows a business model where they can sit back, collect cash, and work at what I call the "Portland Pace". The "Portland Pace" is slow, wrought with midday breaks for Stumptown coffee, tainted with mustache grease, and ultimately produces a superior product resulting in the individual who placed the order being genuinely surprised upon delivery. Both because of the ultimate quality of the product, and because they forgot they even ordered it in the first place. The show Portlandia is fiction, but not as much as you might think.....

 

[teocaf]

There are similar parallels in the mechanical watch world, the pen world, and many other areas.  Limited editions, superbly crafted, presented and coveted by the discerning gentleman.  Take a look at the plane containing machined copper that they're currently taking orders for.  Almost all of the edition has already been pre-sold. 
http://www.bridgecitytools.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SE-2015-700-x-700.jpg
They also develop other tools that are for a broader audience.

If nothing else, it is a most fascinating story about a guy led by a passion whose company has gone through a number of changes and who has developed a devout following of tool aficionados.  For about a hundred bucks you can get the book that came out with his recent tool exhibition at the Museum of Craft. 
http://www.bridgecitytools.com/default/other-products/books-1/quality-is-contagious-book.html

Or you can follow John's blog on the BCTW website for free and get some fuller insight into what they're all about, along with some great stories about all sorts of things.

 

[bkharman]

I have the KM-1 and use it often... Very simple yet effective machine.

I also have my name in the pot for their new square the AS-24v3. I don't have a problem with the price or the wait as this thing looks to be a great addition to my shop for many, many moons.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]
So is this a superb piece of engineering, Artistic sculpture or a practical tool?

I would never say any Festool was an Art piece, but this plane just might be!

[attachimg=1]

However come to think about it this might be Festool's Artistic triumph of Design.

[attachimg=2]

Or even this -

[attachimg=3]

 

[stvrowe]

[size=14pt]
So is this a superb piece of engineering, Artistic sculpture or a practical tool?

I have several Bridge City planes and will say that they are all three and I do use them in the shop.  In reality, they don't plane wood any better than a Lie-Nielson or a Veritas but they do it with a bit more style.

 

[APRP]

Just thought I would through in my 2 cents. Lee Valley Veritas stuff is fantastic! There was an article in fine woodworking about 2.5 years ago that showcased the manufacturing facility in Ottawa, ON Canada. The company has gone through great length since they began to acquire every Hand woodworking tool that has been manufactured since the start of the industrial revolution. Very few companies put that much R&D into there products They catalogue all of them store them in archives and research the design of the old tools.  From there, they then prototype all of the things they think are good and useful and design a better tool within its segment.  Pretty neat idea since there is much to learn from the past, good and bad. To my understanding all Veritas is made in the U.S. or CND. They also now make a bunch of custom order planes. Everything I have from the Veritas line has never let me down in quality or performance. Here is the link for the article, you may have to subscribe to get the whole thing.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/tool-guide/article/lee-valley-turns-35.aspx

I have to admit. BCT look completely awesome!

 

[Wonderwino]

Having invested more in BCTW tools than I dare disclose to my wife, I must say that I use every tool I buy, regardless of the cost or brand.  Many of the BCTW tools have unique capabilities that are unmatched by any other maker. 

The JMPv2 saw is a prime example.  I was fortunate to be on BCTW's "Dream Team" at WIA in 2012 and demonstrated the saw making consistent, repeatable, difficult cuts that would be impossible without it.

I also have several HP6v2 planes with interchangeable soles that cut a variety of profiles.

Yes, they cost more than your everyday tools and they're not for everyone.  But your creativity is not limited by the capability of your tools.  As John Economaki says, "I've been going bankrupt for 30 years making tools."  [big grin]

 

[fdengel]

I remember reading somewhere about a guitar maker who will only allow any one customer to order one guitar... ever.

The guitars are largely hand-made, sometimes months or years after being ordered, and in too much demand as it is.

 

[VW mick]

I think the bridge city tools look amazing they are definatly art work

I don't know how to post a link but have you seen that chess set the guy made with there cross cut saw thingy

Ha ha I'm sure that's not doing it justice but I think you will know what I mean

 

[jeh]

As someone born and raised in the Northwest, and a cyclist for as long as I can remember, I can tell you it is a common theme among people in Portland who make nice things that people want. Take, for example, Vanilla cycles. They make custom bike frames that are very nice, but cost an absurd amount and require you to wait upwards of 1 year from initially placing a deposit. Sure, they are probably the epitome of a steel frame bicycle, but good lord. I feel bridge city is the same. Vanilla didnt necessarily start out that way, but now that enough people have found out, Vanilla wised up and realized the reality of having a product that allows a business model where they can sit back, collect cash, and work at what I call the "Portland Pace". The "Portland Pace" is slow, wrought with midday breaks for Stumptown coffee, tainted with mustache grease, and ultimately produces a superior product resulting in the individual who placed the order being genuinely surprised upon delivery. Both because of the ultimate quality of the product, and because they forgot they even ordered it in the first place. The show Portlandia is fiction, but not as much as you might think.....

I'll throw precision analog watches into the mix alongside your bikes.

 

[Cheese]

I'll throw precision analog watches into the mix alongside your bikes.

I'll second the mechanical watch addition. Love em...

While we're talking about planes, this reminds me of a conversation I had with the local Woodcraft store. About 3-4 years ago I noticed that they were no longer selling Lie-Nielsen planes. I asked the manager at Woodcraft the reason for that policy change and he told me that Lie-Nielsen said that Woodcraft was selling too many planes and rather than ramp up manufacturing to fulfill the increased demand, they'd rather remain a small enterprise and continue to hand finish the planes and do business as they have in the past. Interesting...

 

[mouppe]

I'll throw precision analog watches into the mix alongside your bikes.

I'll second the mechanical watch addition. Love em...

While we're talking about planes, this reminds me of a conversation I had with the local Woodcraft store. About 3-4 years ago I noticed that they were no longer selling Lie-Nielsen planes. I asked the manager at Woodcraft the reason for that policy change and he told me that Lie-Nielsen said that Woodcraft was selling too many planes and rather than ramp up manufacturing to fulfill the increased demand, they'd rather remain a small enterprise and continue to hand finish the planes and do business as they have in the past. Interesting...

I don't think that's the main or only reason. Lie Nielsen decided to sell directly to the consumer in North America with the exception of Highland Hardware with whom they had a long-standing relationship going back to the start of the business.

 

[Len Coleman]

Craftsman Studio in San Diego also carries LN. 

http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/lie-nielsen.htm

 

[mouppe]

Yes I missed them- they're the only other authorized retailer in North America.

Here is a link to an article about the split.
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/22352/lie-nielsen-toolworks-and-woodcraft-part-ways

 

[Cheese]

Yes I missed them- they're the only other authorized retailer in North America.

Here is a link to an article about the split.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/22352/lie-nielsen-toolworks-and-woodcraft-part-ways

Thanks for the link, interesting article. Also interesting that they did retain 3 of the Woodcraft stores as dealers.