The Most Over Engineered Plane Ever

[@michaelt312]

I am diagnosed with ADD. This plane would take me six hours to do anything. Because of this, I want one.

[@theoldantleredmyth]

I concur wholeheartedly lol

[@vanessakitty8867]

And what a wonderful six hours that would be.

[@erikwoods8306]

Agreed, but then I'd probably never touch it again. The dopamine wears off too quickly.

[@mattlewis3472]

Lmao I feel attacked

[@michaelt312]

@@mattlewis3472, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean people aren't talking about you.

[@Trashed20659]

Amazing! Adjust angles, side to side, forward-back, increment, etc., etc., etc. 3 hours later you're shaving just like the guy with the hammer-adjusted wood plane was 3 hours ago!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

I've watched Japanese carpenters in competions to see who can take the thinnest shaving off a beam.They use a plane consisting of a body, a slab of tool steel, and a wooden wedge. The simplicity and perfection of the shaving is staggering!

[@tektrixter]

That Joerg (Slingshot Channel) reference was unexpected, but great.

[@mattelias721]

I'm not sure what to think. On one hand, it's a stunning tribute to the ingenuity of the human mind. On the other, my engineer's brain looks at this and thinks, "That... that is... far, far too many degrees of freedom there." At some point, if used even carefully, one of the adjusting doodads will wear and cause a failure mode, and with the remaining things that can be adjusted, how will you ever chase that down? All said, James, thanks for exposing us to this. I feel dirty.

[@GrantHendrick]

Very fun to see this plane but it seems like it would be more cost effective and faster to purchase multiple planes.

[@Rsama60]

It wouldn’t be it is more effective.

[@Vikingwerk]

It’s like a manufacturing design tool, a plane you can set up at *any* function, to help dial in the design of subsequent planes.

[@skippylippy547]

Yes!

[@tarbucktransom]

"Adjustable" as a concept taken to its furthest extreme. Lovely idea.

[@yooper5638]

I want one of these. I also want a new Corvette. I'm getting neither.

[@skippylippy547]

I don't want either one. Never did. OK, you can scream at me now. 🤣🤣🤣

[@flatulentdragon]

That thing looks more like a piece of art than a functional tool. A beautiful piece of industrial art.

[@g1mpster]

That’s pretty much the story for all Bridge Tool creations.

[@johnapppel64]

"Looks more artistic than functional" is a good description of not just the handle, but the whole plane.

[@johnmarten445]

Occum's plane theory? The simplest choice of plane is most likely the best choice of plane.

[@buckmcfarland6638]

An Over Engineered plane that comes in a nice box so I can forget it is in the shop, it would make a great conversation piece.

[@nicholasmanovich4330]

Just received my first bridge city made tool today. The MT2. Phenomenal little tool. Now that I've played with it I want my 100 bucks back. Not to mention the fact it took almost three weeks to get here.

[@donaldstark-zt7tm]

The frustration caused from using that plane makes it irresistible.

[@LewHarriman]

Superb research tool! Not for everyday use, but hey, most complex, flexible research instruments are not built for fast changes in daily use. Thanks so much for showing us, and I'll hope to see some of your always well-controlled results of testing bed angles.

[@skippylippy547]

Exactly!

[@BarryinFredonia]

Odd but cool. Much like a concept vehicle but in the hand plane world. Happy New Year James!

[@skippylippy547]

Exactly!

[@johnford7847]

Excellent video, James. How was beautiful, sturdy cabinetry ever made before such infinity adjustable tools were created? LOL! Still, an interesting device, although I'm not so sure I would describe such complexity as marvelous engineering. Thank you for sharing.

[@martinrwolfe]

They missed a couple of adjustments. No width or length adjustment. I want a plane that can joint a 12' board and smooth a 1' panel in the same plane.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

You speak for the people.

[@jayelwin]

Go go gadget hand plane!

[@thathandtoolguy]

It may be a VP but it certainly is no MVP in the shop.

[@pettere8429]

I dunno, from what James said I think it is more valuable than the Stanley №1 which would make it a strong contender for Most Valuable Plane in the shop.

[@rodneyfrost1674]

Great show , thanks , Fun and info the perfect blend.

[@Andrew-e2r3q]

Bridge City designs look like they are made by people who only watch Star Trek and never the real world😂

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks James and Jeff

[@neilbradley9035]

was not expecting a slingshot channel reference 😂

[@MCsCreations]

Fascinating plane indeed, James! Thanks for sharing!!! 😃 Happy new year! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@kencarlile1212]

Now I just want to know when Reed Planes is going to come out with a 65° frog adjuster. :D

[@juliocesararagon6714]

tienes mucha razon demasiados accesorios para algo tan basico y simple cepillar. saludos

[@skippylippy547]

Great video James! Perfect timing too - just after the holidays - a fun, relaxing, interesting bit of "happy-time". ❣👍

[@jdscally]

Interestingly complex. Will be interested in what your test results are after all is said and done.

[@stevenclarke2592]

Amazing looking plane but way above what I would pay for a plane. The engineering is amazing.

[@mikesalmo]

I don’t know if “Gizmosity” was intended to be a Handtool Rescue reference, but I’m choosing to believe so

[@jricard0745]

With all those set screws, did you check the flatness of the sole 😅 !

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes. It is dead flat.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that, amazing!

[@skippylippy547]

I agree, it is an amazing piece. Well suited for Jeff's purposes.

[@iainmcculloch5807]

For a moment there, I thought you were going to say that was your Christmas present from Sarah! 😆

[@barrydoxseyuk]

Great review. I'm looking forward to the testing. Dont forget diamond paste to sharpen. Yes, for the most part, it stays in the box. Now, most of the nice woods are not allowed (my beloved Cocobolo).

[@brettbuck7362]

"Not allowed"? What do you mean?

[@zacnomore]

Seems like a brilliant tool for plane makers to design the ideal configuration of a more normal plane. Not really that convenient to use in the shop though when you can just switch between a couple planes in seconds rather than minutes of adjustment on this thing

[@chrishb7074]

It’s magnificently bonkers and the world is a better place with it.

[@reedplanes728]

The VP-60 is an amazing plane. It will help us test and learn a lot about bedding angles, chip breakers and throat openings. James will be busy for a while! This plane follows along the long line of woodworking tools that are multi tools. Where this tool stands out is how well it does so many things. It is so well designed and made. I would not call this plane over engineered. It appears to be correctly designed to accomplish the tasks it was set out to do. What a challenge and accomplishment. Yes I also did not like the tote. It is great to have tool makers reach for the stars and succeed. Oh and that often ends up with a costly product.

[@507718]

amazing ingenuity and manufacturing. but you can get three planes or hand tools that do all this for a fraction of the price, but also dayum, thats a nice tool

[@kennethspeed2019]

It looks like a prop from a Steampunk science fiction movie. Interesting to see, but if I had one (fat chance) it would live in a bank vault.

[@skippylippy547]

I don't even know what a "Steampunk science fiction movie" is. I quit watching movies about 20 years ago.

[@kcirful]

Good Lord, and I thought my Stanley 55 was a bit much to set up!

[@velvetvideo]

"let me show you its features" hahaha..great reference

[@briandotson1654]

That tote looks like it was inspired by a Varga Girl

[@philaandrew100]

When toolmakers try to out weird each other

[@myteric117]

"gizmocity" lol

[@Richardwright-we6rv]

love the video James but i too prefer my sweetheart type 15's, greetings from York, England

[@petrsidlo7614]

10/10 would sell my neighbors kidney to buy this.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

This comment has helped me to realize that my neighbors aren't as useless as I had originally thought. Thank you

[@petrsidlo7614]

@@michaeltrivette1728 any time, friend, any time.

[@paullukoskie6955]

This seems like one of those “just because we can, doesn’t mean we should” kind of things…

[@uwyphi]

Is there an engineering genius in the world that can make a plane like this but as user friendly as a bailey pattern ?

[@40jwthomas]

This plane seems like the concept car of planes. Super cool. Wildly over engineered. Expensive. Everyone wants one. But it paves the way for future planes. Maybe

[@dieterjosef]

It's fascinating and well thought through but it doesn't make sense to construct a flexible plane that can do the job of three other planes but is more than three times as expensive (I guess), and you can only use one at a time. That would make sense if it's a large tool for a small workshop but for a handplane it's definitely a disadvantage. But moving the blade sideways can be kept and also the ball bearing for the screw. Complicated but not useless.

[@kennethbezanson4266]

Very intriguing and interesting specimin! Sounds like you should swap the tote before beginning your testing to save your hands some grief

[@genem2768]

After referencing Joerg Spave I'm expecting a really cool slingshot build in the near future.

[@daniel_bohrer]

It's clear to me that you "need" at least three of this plane so you don't have to adjust it every time you need a new setting. One as a shooter and for endgrain, one as a jack, and one as a smoother… 😁

[@robohippy]

I have one of their 12 inch planes that I got just out of curiosity. It is the same one that Rex Kruger reviewed. I had the same problems he did, mostly the bed was seriously warped. I returned it, and the replacement had the same identical problem. They ain't what they used to be. If I ever get a custom plane again, I will buy from Stavros Gakos. If you haven't seen his plane making videos they are worth the viewings! Things of beauty and treasures for life!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Ya their quality after they sold the company has gone down hill fast.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

This seems like a plane designer's plane to me. Find the setup you want then build a plane to match those stats.

[@PatientTortoise]

Looking forward to you two having fun & no I will not be purchasing any of your ‘secondhand’ toys.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bogdanaasarbu8038]

Very interesting plane but , honestly, I don't like planes that have a sole made of more pieces. I think that the sole and body of the plane should always be one single , super solid block .

[@Ham68229]

Ok, just take my money now... Seriously, why aren't all planes like this? To me, this simplifies things just a bit more OCD. Honestly, I don't mind the set up time, I look at this as a multi functional type of plane. One can always change out that handle... just sayin. Maybe you've done this already, not sure, haven't checked through all your video's but, shooting boards and planes? Have you done anthing on that topic? Been thinking of making one that Paul Sellers made years ago. Just curious. Great video as always, cheers :)

[@dandelie2067]

For me, that plane would mostly sit in an original box. I think I would rather have my Stanley #4 Shiefield England made plane. 35 bucks brand new in a box wraped in the original paper. 😳 After 65 years later, straight from the box it took less than a minute to get a thin 1000 shaving. Cheap and works as intended.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

At no point in its features did you mention how many FPS it fires at :(

[@donaldcallahan450]

thats nuts james

[@scottswineford6714]

I really can't envision myself having the patience to deal with that "Modern Marvel". Keeping track of the last settings I used and why would likely grind me to a stop.

[@lelandallen]

If you owned it, would you replace the handle?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes I would.

[@nicetryfbi357]

The evil German laugh was the only thing missing in that reference lol

[@jimspence0]

I have a Wood River 5 1/2 plane that I would use for both the end grain and the figured grain. I believe it would take less effort than what you displayed. (can't really say) It's been my experience (all 45 yrs worth) that low angle planes were not any better than bedrock planes. You can get the angles quite literally to within a couple degrees of each other. Also low angle planes don't usually have as much mass as bedrock so chatter and less momentum can come into play.

[@micahsparkman-rv7dp]

I imagine this is how people reacted when iron body planes were being patented.

[@pettere8429]

Make sure to measure it up and figure out how all the parts are shaped so Jeff can make his own take on it. 😁

[@athmostafa2462]

One tool for a job is easier than such a costly tool 😊 .

[@standswithfish]

Soooo, that would make it a fancy plain?

[@walterw2]

so really you just need three or four of them, each set up differently, all with custom-made replacement totes and you're in business

[@alandesgrange9703]

So, it should be displayed on a coffee table or mantle, versus in the shop. I have a Wilton bullet vice in my man cave. Got it!

[@musamor75]

OTT (Over the top). If you show this to Sam Maloof or James Krenov, you would soon get an answer. I've seen gifted people do wonderful stuff with tools you wouldn't look twice at. There's such a thing as being too clever, then when you cross the boundary, you look something else.

[@paulcernava7091]

One plane to rule them all

[@dalepatton4861]

I can't use one of those because I'm a Television Engineer NOT a Mechanical Engineer.

[@robertberger8642]

Ok, fine, you’ve convinced me. Mail it to me and I’ll accept it. Incredibly generous of me, I know.

[@kent5400]

If someone had bought the entire production run, they could have each one set up differently. Then the issues would change; which one is the...?

[@perstaunstrup3451]

Sooo… one VP plus 5 min for every setup; or 10-15 Stanleys, all prepared for their individual strong side, ready to use; tough choice.

[@BuckSterling1]

If only the sole length could transform between a #3 and a #7 it would be perfect!

[@MarkBenge]

i bought a combination plane once and only use it for rabbits because it so fiddly single use tools are what i buy now

[@BunnyKins1970]

Will you be doing a 'Dropped it onto a concrete floor' test? 😅 💚🐇🐴💚

[@robertmceuen3630]

I realize if you want a plane like this, price does not enter your mind. But what is the PR?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I have only seen 4 of them sold in the last decade and prices ranged from $1200-4500

[@krisvind1715]

Joerg would be proud

[@RYwoodview]

This is no plane Jane. . .

[@kendehaas668]

It appears that it is about as time-consuming to set up as a #55. Probably just as finicky too.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

it actually has more parts then a 55.

[@1deerndingo]

There's a difference between Need and Want. Most are consumed with Want.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

but I NEED this!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

A test bed for a VP. 60

[@ChangShuyeGuqin]

Wood by Joerg? Wait...what?!

[@SeahawkSailor]

I like your description “gizmocity”. Cool, but designed for a wealthy collector. Rather like a Lamborghini…

[@perrymurphy4100]

If I wanted to know the price exactly I guess I can just research it. But that would require effort on my part. It's not worth it because I don't care enough. Don't get me wrong, I loved the video, because it was well done and confirmed an existing opinion. Now don't you feel good James?😂😂 Keep em coming lad, you're doing great!!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

There really is no going rate for them as they don't come up for sale very often. I'm only seeing three or four of them in the last 10 years. I've been the cheapest I've seen was $1,200 but I saw one that went for $4,500

[@airnashville3883]

Bridge City Tools: the pox John Economaki cast upon the woodworking world

[@ianpearse4480]

It's shiny!

[@glencrandall7051]

It's brilliantly engineered. But I you cannot use it because of the uncomfortable handle , then it's worthless.🙂🙂

[@abhisheksoni2980]

I mean, if you have a really small cabinet with space for just one plane..

[@ronboe6325]

Well you could simply carve a new handle and save the factory one. Still. Not a user. Great plane to have in the tool and die shop to design up a new plane. Or if you just like collecting cool stuff.

[@nomercadies]

My Cabinet! Ah!

[@mabooooyleatherface.1044]

At first i was amazed ,, i need this " is what i said to myself . Then i heard the price and really it looks gimmicky and bad and i'm totally fine with the fact that i will never ever own one .

[@AJman-EZ]

CDB! 😁

[@DougD-j2h]

If I had a plane like that, I would have an anger in me like that of the comedian Lewis Black. There would be a lot of yelling and frustration coming out of me.