Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 10:46:19 AM

Title: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 10:46:19 AM
Thought not to flood the forum with bat making pictures every week , I tried my best not to post the photos of the new creation only to hold my self  a day.. :(

It gives me immense pleasure when I receive the feedback for my work and it gives me further motivation to improve..

Weight : 2.14.5

(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight005.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight007.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight009.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight011.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight014.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight015.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight034.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight037.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight046.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight049.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight051.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight081.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight085.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight086.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight088.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight092.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight093.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight097.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight098.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight099.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight099.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight100.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight101.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight102.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/STMidnight110.jpg)

Thank you for bearing with me!

Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: ajmw89 on October 15, 2012, 10:48:10 AM
Wowser!  That's a beauty!  Yet another top job fella.  Don't apologise for showing off your talent!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: roco on October 15, 2012, 10:53:31 AM
That sir is a beast and my kind of blade pure meat
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 10:55:48 AM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Colesy on October 15, 2012, 10:56:19 AM
That's looks awesome, brilliant shape
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: roco on October 15, 2012, 10:57:12 AM
Such a shame your so far away as think you would have a few customers here
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: tushar sehgal on October 15, 2012, 10:59:25 AM
That is nice indeed, i see no square toe of this one!!  :o...
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 11:00:24 AM
Such a shame your so far away as think you would have a few customers here

Yes it is difficult for me as well to source everything from UK as the postage is not so cheap. Nevertheless glad that I am able to offer something here in East Europe which no one else has done.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 11:02:33 AM
That is nice indeed, i see no square toe of this one!!  :o...

Thanks Tushar!

Made for someone 6Ft 3 and didn't wanted to cut down the length.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Bruce on October 15, 2012, 11:55:14 AM
You are truly gifted! Sublime looking bats.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Vantage_Cricket on October 15, 2012, 12:06:08 PM
Congrats, lovely looking bat. Nice photos too
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on October 15, 2012, 12:12:58 PM
Another beautiful looking bat. And love the current stickers  ;)
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 12:15:15 PM
Thank you all!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Nickauger on October 15, 2012, 01:12:30 PM
Mate, your turning out some cracking bats, don't worry about flooding the forum with pics like these, every-one on here loves to see them. I alsso think the stickers are lovely just as they are. Finishing looks to be improving everytime as well.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 01:14:48 PM
Mate, your turning out some cracking bats, don't worry about flooding the forum with pics like these, every-one on here loves to see them. I alsso think the stickers are lovely just as they are. Finishing looks to be improving everytime as well.

Thanks Mate!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Cover_Drive on October 15, 2012, 01:24:27 PM
Exceptional work you have done there, truly remarkable stick you have made!

What really makes me happy is how quickly you couped and improved, your bats are remarkable!

This one is quite meaty and looks a lot like Amplus so great work you have done!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 15, 2012, 01:59:49 PM
Exceptional work you have done there, truly remarkable stick you have made!

What really makes me happy is how quickly you couped and improved, your bats are remarkable!

This one is quite meaty and looks a lot like Amplus so great work you have done!

Thanks Uzair!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: norbs on October 17, 2012, 02:33:47 PM
Have you got a vice yet? What do you use for concaving and how do you find the shaping of the rear in spine area?
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 17, 2012, 05:32:54 PM
Yes I have a vice now :)

I am using a size 3 travisher for concaving. By rear I understand you are asking the area near the toe... I find it relatively easy as compared to the shoulder. For me the most difficult part is the shoulder shaping. Before I also struggled a lot with the spine, if it is centered and not wavy, now with each bat my eyes are getting used to judge it better.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 17, 2012, 05:39:02 PM
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/bat_new006-1.jpg)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa367/Sudeep_Thakur/bat_new005-1.jpg)
Some photos of my workplace.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: paulkatich on October 17, 2012, 05:43:03 PM
You have a special set of skills to become a pro bat maker.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 17, 2012, 06:06:59 PM
You have a special set skills to become a pro bat maker.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: norbs on October 17, 2012, 09:56:51 PM
This all a bit confusing now!

Thought you used a size 4 not a size 3?  That pic shows a flat bottom smoothing plane with no shavings in?

how did you get the splintering [furring up of the willow]  on the spine

Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 04:00:14 AM
Andy, you are right i have a size 4 travisher. I am poor in technicalities as I am not a trained bat maker. It is my hobby.

Seems that you have plenty of doubts regarding my bat making, I will look for a video and post it.

Hope that will help.





This all a bit confusing now!

Thought you used a size 4 not a size 3?  That pic shows a flat bottom smoothing plane with no shavings in?

how did you get the splintering [furring up of the willow]  on the spine


Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 04:39:29 AM
Found an old video, while making the same bat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRd1K661apM&feature=youtu.be

It probably will answer your question why no shavings... perhaps it is my inefficiency to use the tool properly :).

I used to request my wife to take these pictures and videos but no more.. but it seems like I should request her again... :).

My bat making efficiency has no doubt improved and my choice of tools ( which tool to use when and where) is unconventional due to lack of training. 

I will try to make a comprehensive video, next time I will make a bat.

Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Nickauger on October 18, 2012, 08:27:04 AM
Andy, you are right i have a size 4 travisher. I am poor in technicalities as I am not a trained bat maker. It is my hobby.

Seems that you have plenty of doubts regarding my bat making, I will look for a video and post it.

Hope that will help.
I think that it's a bit unfair to say that Andy has doubts. realising what he's like, he's probably only trying to offer constructive criticism. He is a man who knows and appreciates bat making, and I would imagine is trying to help.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: norbs on October 18, 2012, 09:06:41 AM
Found an old video, while making the same bat:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRd1K661apM&feature=youtu.be[/url]

It probably will answer your question why no shavings... perhaps it is my inefficiency to use the tool properly :).

I used to request my wife to take these pictures and videos but no more.. but it seems like I should request her again... :).

My bat making efficiency has no doubt improved and my choice of tools ( which tool to use when and where) is unconventional due to lack of training. 

I will try to make a comprehensive video, next time I will make a bat.


After that video I am astounded you can create those types of bat in the pics...  You must be better then Oscar at sanding!

Your plane needs a bloody good sharpen and you use the draw knife upside down... 

As you mentioned you have problems with the shoulder shaping that method, upside down draw knife, can be used on there but for someone starting, even though you finished product confusingly very good:o, it isnt recommended.  It is easier to use a spokeshave on the shoulder mount the bat on the vice so the edge is facing the ceiling...

I've yet to see the travisher you use?

But this is really important everything needs to be sharp
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:08:48 AM
I think that it's a bit unfair to say that Andy has doubts. realising what he's like, he's probably only trying to offer constructive criticism. He is a man who knows and appreciates bat making, and I would imagine is trying to help.

Hi Nick, Andy is one of the bat makers, I  have always looked upon as inspiration, hence there is no question of any disrespect.
My apologies if my answer has offended him or anyone here.

Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Nickauger on October 18, 2012, 09:15:39 AM
Fair enough matey, I take it all back. :) your drawknife looks very blunt in that video by the way!
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:17:03 AM
After that video I am astounded you can create those types of bat in the pics...  You must be better then Oscar at sanding!

Your plane needs a bloody good sharpen and you use the draw knife upside...

I've yet to see the travisher you use


You are right, it is not so easy going out here. I haven't found a single place here where I can sharpen my draw knife and travisher. As I said, I am not formally trained. This video is one of my earlier bats and I think I have improved quite a bit in terms of efficiency.
Since last few bats, I have been increasingly reliant on using travisher not just for concaving but also to take off the wood and the spine.

I will post a video soon using my travisher.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Nickauger on October 18, 2012, 09:18:45 AM
Could you not just get a sharpening stone?
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:21:28 AM
im not great at sharpening but its something you can teach yourself. get on ebay and pick up some sharpening stones. you will need a variety to cover all types and shapes of blades and a couple of grades aswell. My tools arent as sharp as they could be but pretty good. take you time and sharpen often. its alot easier to maintain an edge if your honing it regularly rather than waiting til its blunt as a spoon and trying to bring it back to life.

theres also plenty of youtube videos and tips on the net if you want to know how to sharpen a certain blade
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: tim2000s on October 18, 2012, 09:22:01 AM
Order one of these: http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-premium-diamond-bench-stones-prod808983/

They are excellent and I use it on my drawknife.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:24:48 AM
Could you not just get a sharpening stone?

I am afraid to spoil the tool. I try to sharpen them using sand papers.

The guy at the shop where I went to get it sharpen said, it can be sharpen with a tool wider enough to cover the draw knife  width. Otherwise the drawknife edges will no longer be straight. Regarding Travisher, he said, he don't know a tool to get it sharpen as it has a curved surface.
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: Red Ink Cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:29:56 AM
I am afraid to spoil the tool. I try to sharpen them using sand papers.

The guy at the shop where I went to get it sharpen said, it can be sharpen with a tool wider enough to cover the draw knife  width. Otherwise the drawknife edges will no longer be straight. Regarding Travisher, he said, he don't know a tool to get it sharpen as it has a curved surface.

use a rounded edge stone to sharpe the travisher. just run it across both sides slowly and smoothly.

with the draw knife i put a large ish stone in a vice so it sits above the jaws. this gives you space to keep the handles out the way. flatten the back o the draw knife first and then the bevel. its not too bad. i also have a couple of small slip stones in med and fine grades to finish it off with
Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: norbs on October 18, 2012, 09:30:34 AM
This is were it gets confusing with you as your end product doesn't really justify giving out advice like this but here goes

To maintain an edge I use these

EZE-Lap Diamond Sharpener Hone & Stone 3 Pc Set Super Fine, Fine & Medium

To get an edge I use this [Thanks to Beachcricket to introducing me to workshop heaven]

http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/3M_Imperial_Lapping_Film_PSA_Sample_Pack.html

buy the pack and stick them down yourself on something flat....

If you are really stuck pop to a Carpenter a few quid to sharped them for you... and you just maintain the edge after that....

For the drawknife I hold it between my shoulder and hand and run files up and down.... and like jonners says flatten the back but you flatten the back on all tools...





Title: Re: Just couldn't resist!
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on October 18, 2012, 09:35:26 AM
This is were it gets confusing with you as you end product doesn't really justify giving out advice like this but here goes

To maintain an edge I use these

EZE-Lap Diamond Sharpener Hone & Stone 3 Pc Set Super Fine, Fine & Medium

To get an edge I use this [Thanks to Beachcricket to introducing me to workshop heaven]

[url]http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/3M_Imperial_Lapping_Film_PSA_Sample_Pack.html[/url]

buy the pack and stick them down yourself on something flat....

If you are really stuck pop to a Carpenter a few quid to sharped them for you... and you just maintain the edge after that....

For the drawknife I hold it between my shoulder and hand and run files up and down.... and like jonners says flatten the back but you flatten the back on all tools...






use a rounded edge stone to sharpe the travisher. just run it across both sides slowly and smoothly.

with the draw knife i put a large ish stone in a vice so it sits above the jaws. this gives you space to keep the handles out the way. flatten the back o the draw knife first and then the bevel. its not too bad. i also have a couple of small slip stones in med and fine grades to finish it off with
Order one of these: [url]http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-premium-diamond-bench-stones-prod808983/[/url]

They are excellent and I use it on my drawknife.


Thank you all! This is really helpful!