Its hard to find reviews on BCT tools...
I have been working with the 9v2 and wanted to contribute my thoughts....
I am a big Bridge City fan... love the innovative ww products. John is a brilliant tool designer. I love the blogs and the imagination he shares with us.
I am always disappointed when there is no reviews of BCT products. I contribute to that issue by never writing reviews, so this is my first review of this new block plane, currently under promotion price for those interested.
I wanted to love this block plane, but after running it through its paces, I have mixed feelings about it.
First, as always, sitting on a shelf, all shined up, 5 stars,
Packaging, presentation, stellar, as always. Nothing has changed there!
Instruction manual, certificate, storage box, as always, superb and much appreciated.
mine came a bit scratched up, which was unusual, but its not a collector item for me, so it would be scratched after minimal use anyway.
The design is very clever, hinged heel release of blade for change out. Not mandatory, but cool.
The blades are very short, sharpening a bit more cumbersome, but workable with the right jig.
The blade has edges on both ends, allowing two different approach angles, set at 42 & 47 deg. With the flip of the blade you can change cutting angles, or re bevel and have two of the same. A unique and updated feature vs. conventional planes.
I was comparing this 9v2 plane against a $360 LV NX60 block plane, a bit smaller, but it defies its size.
The 9v2 weighs less, and is obvious when planning. Weight matters, even with small planes such as these.
The NX60 blade adjustment is easier and more exact. Although the lead screw adjustment on the 9v2 is precise if you master its use, its a bit cumbersome. I had to use the two backlash adjustment screws a bit tigher than instructions call for, to prevent blade from creeping into the plane. It's a new design, so expect a small learning curve vs. traditional planes.
the 9v2 cap screw diameter is too small, hard on the fingers, should be a tad wider with deeper recesses, such as a star design.
The screw does not have that precision feel, like my other BCT planes. It appears to be aluminum.
The ergonomics, for me, are not great. I have avg size man hands, and I kept moving for the right position, nothing ever felt just right.
The cut in walnut, maple and cherry was OK at best. Remarkably, the NX60 cut much cleaner..both blades were equally sharp. Hard to know why, my guess, the NX60 is heavier, more solid components (all stainless steel). The type of metal matters in these planes. This was a good example of this. The 9v2 does have some alum. components.
The 9v2 has depth skids though, so u are not just buying the plane. I only tried these for a few cuts. They seem to work OK after some tinkering. If you want depth skids, this is a very unique plane offering u the ability to turn your block plane into a thickness planer. Not much on the market that I am aware of that compares. It also comes with a side fence for 90 deg planning, which can be rotated for 45deg. So you get a lot of extra goodies for the price of the plane. It appears the new ownership is clealry moving towards better value for its customers.
The 90 deg fence works well, and is definetly an incentive to buy a plane like this, as most block planes are not designed to perfectly accomodate a 90 deg fence for acheiving perfect 90s for glue ups. The fence is well built anodized alum. The connection is well thought out, however the thumb knobs holding the fence to the rods loosen during use. Finer threads, or double nuts might prevent this. A mild nuissance. Flip the fence, and it becomes a 45 deg fence for bevels.
If you want a block plane with a 90/45 fence, and depth skids, well, this is prob. the best, and only option on the market I am aware of at this size.
while I am still a big BCT fan, I am hoping the new ownership maintains the high build quality BCT was known for. I understand the need to go overseas for cost savings, as well as, the change in materials, there is tradeoffs for everything.
Anyway, mixed feelings about this plane. Of course, my review takes into consideration the price of the plane. Sorry I could not provide a better review but felt obligated to be true to fellow woodworkers looking to spend there dollars wisely. I surely appreciate when I read honest reviews from fellow ww when I am considering a tool purchase.