Comparison: BCTW HP-8 and HP-8v2 Mini Block Plane

Created by Hung Nguyen, Modified on Thu, 21 May at 6:33 PM by Gabriel Izzo

Hand Planes · Bridge City Tool Works

HP-8 vs HP-8v2 Mini Block Plane — Full Comparison Guide

Overview Comparison

Original

HP-8

Angular · Straight body · Orange cap

Next Generation

HP-8v2

Ergonomic · Curvy body · Rotating clamp

Sole Length
94 mm (3-11/16″)

Sole Width
33 mm (1-19/64″)

Sole Width
35 mm (1-3/8″)

Iron Width
26.7 mm (1-3/64″)

Iron Width
25 mm (1″)

Iron Lock
Orange magnetic cap + locking knob

Iron Lock
Clamping foot + rotating disk

Skids
Longer · Machine screws (M4-0.7)

Skids
Shorter · Knurled thumbscrews

Cutting Angle
42° (same)

Iron Hardness
HRC 60–62

Best For
Traditional feel, proven design

Best For
Ergonomics, canting flexibility, ease of use

Overview

The HP-8 from Bridge City Tool Works is a precision mini block plane designed for fine detail trimming, flush work, and controlled shallow cuts. It uses dual depth skids adjustable in thousandths of an inch, and quickly became a favorite for woodworkers where larger planes feel cumbersome.

The HP-8v2 is the next generation — refining ergonomics, improving blade adjustability, and introducing more user-friendly hardware. Both share the same cutting angle, materials, and sole length, but subtle design changes make a meaningful difference in feel and usability.

Key Differences

1 — Plane Body

HP-8

Straight, minimal body with a more angular shape.

HP-8 Body Profile

HP-8v2

Same sole length (94 mm) but redesigned with a curvier, more ergonomic profile for comfort and control.

HP-8v2 Body Profile

2 — Iron (Blade)

HP-8 Iron

Width 26.7 mm (1-3/64″) · Thickness 2.5 mm

Held by a locking knob pressing on an orange magnetic cap.

Adjust: Loosen cap knob → rotate combined feed/lateral knob (1 turn = 0.07 mm / 0.003″) → lock when flush.

HP-8 Iron & Orange Cap Mechanism

HP-8 iron and orange magnetic cap mechanism

HP-8v2 Iron

Width 25 mm (1″) · Thickness 2.5 mm

Secured by a clamping foot with a rotating disk applying pressure directly on the iron.

Adjust: Insert blade from rear → align slot with pin → rotate disk to clamp → single knob controls blade angle (±1.2° canting) and cutting depth (0.07 mm per rotation).

HP-8v2 Clamping Mechanism

HP-8v2 Adjustment Knob

Cutting Angle — Same for Both

12° bed 25° + 5° bevel 42° effective HRC 60–62

Cutting Angle Diagram

3 — Depth Skids

HP-8

Slightly longer skids with different mounting hole placement. Not cross-compatible with HP-8v2.

HP-8v2

Shorter skids redesigned to match the curvier body. Hole placement differs — not cross-compatible with HP-8 skids.

Side-by-Side — HP-8 (left) vs HP-8v2

CSM Plastic Skid — Not Compatible with HP-8v2

4 — Thumbscrews

HP-8

Standard machine screws · Thread: M4-0.7 · Thread length: 12 mm

HP-8v2

Knurled thumbscrews (4 total, 2 per skid) for tool-free adjustments · Thread: M4-0.7 — thumbscrews are interchangeable with HP-8 · Shaft: 11 mm · Thread length: 6 mm

Thumbscrew Comparison

Similarities

✓

Purpose: Both are precision mini block planes for fine trimming and detailed work.

✓

Materials: Aluminum bodies and skids with HRC 60–62 steel irons.

✓

Adjustment precision: 0.07 mm per full rotation.

✓

Dual skid concept for depth control.

✓

Skid thread M4-0.7 — thumbscrews interchangeable between models.

Related Models — HP-8X & Chopstick Masters

The HP-8X Celebration Edition and the HP-8 bundled with CSMv1/CSMv2 Chopstick Masters share the original HP-8 body — skids are not cross-compatible with HP-8v2.

HP-8X uses a stainless steel body, titanium skids, and a PVD coating — a premium commemorative edition that functions like the original HP-8.

HP-8X & CSM Planes

Why There Is a Version 2

Created from user feedback seeking better ergonomics, ease of adjustment, and blade control:

More comfortable body shape

Narrower, slotted iron for canting adjustments

Easier clamping via rotating disk and clamping foot

Redesigned shorter skids to fit the curvier body

Knurled thumbscrews for tool-free depth adjustments

HP-8v2 — Overview

Cross-Compatibility

Part	Compatible?
Knurled thumbscrews (M4-0.7)	✓
Depth skids	✗
Irons (blades)	✗
HP-8X / CSM skids with HP-8v2	✗
Retrofit HP-8 / HP-8X / CSM to HP-8v2	✗

Summary

The HP-8 remains a highly capable precision tool with a proven, traditional design. The HP-8v2 builds on this with improved ergonomics, refined blade canting, and tool-free skid adjustments. The HP-8X and CSM bundled planes retain the original HP-8 form — with HP-8X distinguished by stainless steel, titanium, and a PVD finish. All versions reflect Bridge City Tool Works' commitment to precision craftsmanship.

For questions about HP-8 or HP-8v2 compatibility or parts, please contact our support team.