Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Companies => Custom companies => Topic started by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 11:32:36 AM

Title: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 11:32:36 AM
Hey, I'm starting to get to grips with this now so I thought I'd add my pictures from my visit to see Julian at Screaming Cat, in Daylesford Victoria before he moved up to Queensland.
I was over in oz for a mates wedding so decided to take the opportunity to have a bat made by the master himself.
It was a couple of hours drive out of the city but well worth it. Ended up talking for nearly 2 hours before he started to make my bat. Really nice guy, if I had more time I was going to meet him at the pub later but would have missed the wedding. Be great to catch up again with Julian sometime in Queensland next time I'm over.
Photos to be added asap.

Cheers ;)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/3C8AD1FA-2C67-4325-8266-4A40FD19741B-2763-0000023DCF1B9FD7_zps81ebbc16.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/43CE42C1-5560-4547-8F23-A8B9F48AB267-2763-0000023DC67BA375_zps4aa52980.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/1A3A55EF-544B-4ECA-A03D-94DA6F83865F-2763-0000023DB343D324_zps730c6ce0.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/F78A4621-0BB9-4857-A9BF-56D3E29F4B6D-2763-0000023DBE6A4BBA_zps634aa694.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/DCDA8A50-4F35-4BEE-BF7C-39696FCA565E-2763-0000023DC3B0285F_zpsf7872445.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/8353664F-1798-4228-BCE9-4C5C4962693E-2763-0000023D89A9D94C_zpscc15a952.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: toenails97 on December 29, 2012, 11:34:25 AM
Sounds like a great day mate! look forward to seeing the bat
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Chad on December 29, 2012, 11:42:49 AM
Oooft! Quite a number of quality bats you are getting, eh? 8) Looking forward to seeing these pictures. :D Glad you managed to have a good chat with him, every time I come across a video of him making a bat, I can't help but want a Screaming Cat! It's a shame I have far too many bats to choose from, maybe if I narrow down my kit to 5 bats or so, I'll go for one! ;)

Out of interest, how long did it take him to make the bat?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 11:55:09 AM
I know what you mean about having too many bats. At the moment i have a M&H S6, M&H Distinction (early shape),
Kippax Stallion, Screaming Cat Series 3 Professional, L and W reserve ultra and matching practice bat and another 3 that are for sale.
As for the bat, I was there for around 4-1/2 hours but the bat probably took around 2 hours to make. Julian has the handles already glued into the clefts so once he has determined the grade and weight you are after he picks your bat by listening to the noise made when he hits the middle with his hammer. I took loads of pictures so ill upload them all tomorrow when I get my other laptop back.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: The_Bird on December 29, 2012, 12:05:11 PM
Have a drink down the Pub with Julian Millichamp or go to a mates wedding.....


Your mate must be a pretty awesome guy that's all I'm saying!
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Chad on December 29, 2012, 12:12:36 PM
Have a drink down the Pub with Julian Millichamp or go to a mates wedding.....


Your mate must be a pretty awesome guy that's all I'm saying!

He could have gotten him a little tipsy and get him reveal all his secrets! :D That would spoil the magic though, but I guess there is no point in knowledge unless you have the skill/experience! 8)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: tushar sehgal on December 29, 2012, 12:27:48 PM
that must have been a great experience :)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Chad on December 29, 2012, 12:42:29 PM
The finished bat!

([url]http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/7B973248-E49A-4D04-8B35-256180898BE4-2763-0000023D451C271D_zpse15eca42.jpg[/url])

([url]http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/357659A3-9A46-41C4-BC0C-8FEBC1531795-2763-0000023D3F217277_zpsfe3c7cd7.jpg[/url])


That is absolutely lovely mate, it must have been a great experience! 8) What weight, and how does she pick up? :)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 12:59:07 PM
I went for a 2.11, but its a very big profile and picks up much lighter than that. Julian was laughing at the end saying " thats a bloody big bat". It's the series 3 proffesional. I normally like quite a low extended middle and I though this one picked up the best. Apparently this shape was intially asked for by Justin Langer.
Since I had come all the way from sunny Yorkshire, Julian threw in a pair of gloves to compansate for not having to ship it over to the UK. What a nice guy! :)

Series 3
Large volume, light pick-up with a low, full middle and tapering extra thick edge.             
A subtle concave leading into the handle for extra whip and weight reduction.
Designed for opening batsmen and front foot drivers

• 1x Latex Diamond Grip with Custom Oval Shaped Handle (optional)
• Weight Range 2.9 – 2.15+

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/FDD0AB13-D50E-4D23-8BA6-0EDD68EBC468-2763-0000023D3C2F3A42_zps86bdb758.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/3DFFE2B1-A7EB-46AE-9F23-BC9C3B77C83F-2763-0000023D39ADE3EF_zps3cbfb07b.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/A4E774C1-1F42-4891-8E59-0844DD8A18D3-2763-0000023D324BF34A_zps5055d98b.jpg)


Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 01:04:58 PM
There are a couple of marks on the toe from carrying it on and off of plane for 4 weeks. ;)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Canners on December 29, 2012, 01:38:08 PM
Beautiful bat, you very lucky boy
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: tugga on December 29, 2012, 02:16:23 PM
Looks sweet, would be an awesome experience. What sort of things did you guys discuss?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 02:43:07 PM
Talked about all sorts of things. I asked about his training under John Newbery, why he decided to move to Australia, what happened with Puma. If he still makes bats for any players still. Really I could have talked to him all day. Definitely need to visit again sometime. Hoping to migrate to Australia over the next few years and hopefully Queensland so might get that pint after all.

a few more photos!

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/13071DDF-ECF6-4FD3-B35C-95AE9091C2BC-2763-0000023D8F8CD362_zps1bc33f81.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/FE953ADC-42D2-40E8-9453-FE6A0C3AE318-2763-0000023D707B345F_zps8fdc3bd1.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/ABCC2FDC-BC17-4AA2-A810-CBC37AFAAA52-2763-0000023D66115F44_zps97066db1.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/27E05C1C-A2B8-41A9-BC7B-12BD06EF555E-2763-0000023D4E7C08B6_zpsd9599460.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/463152A1-B671-43BD-A883-63E65BC66AA5-2763-0000023DC99CA5A0_zps526a95c3.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 02:47:13 PM
If you look closely in the picture where Julian is rasping the handle, there is a picture on the wall with Julian Stood outside the workship in Somerset with, Jonathan Hall, James Laver and Paul Bradbury.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Cover_Drive on December 29, 2012, 03:06:27 PM
This is absolutely impressive, sensational stuff!

Did you by any chance see a pressing machine there?

PS: If you don't mind can I save these pictures on my BlackBerry just for reference? Thanks..
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 03:12:15 PM
No problem if you want to save the pictures.
No I didn't see a pressing machine, when I was there.

I live down the road from the kippax factory if you want pictures of one.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Cover_Drive on December 29, 2012, 03:14:08 PM
Many thanks - I actually have deep adoration for Screaming Cats ;)

If you have anymore of Screaming Cat feel free to share, how long did it take Julian to finish off the bat?

Cheers
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 04:21:45 PM
The bat took around 2 hours to make but to be honest I lost track of time.

Here's a few more photos I dug out and possibly a video if it works.

Cheers

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/EE49897B-A726-484E-B97C-41EFA0C04AB1-2763-0000023DB8B3ED00_zps9d7c5d3a.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/98409955-5343-4204-A8B1-11369E96F95C-2763-0000023DB5EA9904_zps827504cb.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/010E8A4B-DCA7-4EB3-B31E-355E20452F17-2763-0000023DA736F1DE_zps5562d83d.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/95FC89F3-0A87-4646-9D7F-A594109C9BCD-2763-0000023D98E83573_zps8086bbfd.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/642074D3-9468-4820-805A-F339AB3BE238-2763-0000023D86E43480_zpse32eadaf.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/94613D75-E371-4B6F-83CB-50BBCBE6933E-2763-0000023D7ED50A2E_zps809f7a6b.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/D21FCB2F-445E-48C9-97DC-890DEB7106BA-2763-0000023D6DAE88A3_zpsca73a4a9.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/1709FFC7-4F24-41D1-B0FE-9D4C93D1C8F5-2763-0000023D608085F4_zps5af2c6cb.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/45331311-ED61-42EE-BCD2-BD22DB2ED2A8-2763-0000023D5AA92710_zps5512a656.jpg)

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/143D8194-68E9-4C9F-ABC6-26296A94B79D-2763-0000023D540D8D53_zps3d0183a6.mp4 (http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/143D8194-68E9-4C9F-ABC6-26296A94B79D-2763-0000023D540D8D53_zps3d0183a6.mp4)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Beachcricket on December 29, 2012, 04:25:08 PM
My Hero.

Thanks for posting this. Amazing.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on December 29, 2012, 04:25:29 PM
Thus is great stuff, keep em coming
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: hell4leather cricket on December 29, 2012, 04:28:31 PM
Would be interested to see some pictures of the kippax workshop?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 29, 2012, 04:46:10 PM
a couple more video links, sadley not very long!

Cheers

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/20448978-424C-4F20-8737-423A6E5E56D2-2763-0000023DACB70749_zps1422dbd2.mp4 (http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/20448978-424C-4F20-8737-423A6E5E56D2-2763-0000023DACB70749_zps1422dbd2.mp4)

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/DB557399-542F-494B-9C48-2589594EB111-2763-0000023DA144A19F_zps0322dc11.mp4 (http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/DB557399-542F-494B-9C48-2589594EB111-2763-0000023DA144A19F_zps0322dc11.mp4)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Ryan on December 29, 2012, 05:01:08 PM
We've got the same heater haha  :D

Any more pictures/ videos?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: tushar sehgal on December 29, 2012, 10:50:02 PM
this is a great thread calvin1mac....love the pics and videos...
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Colesy on December 29, 2012, 10:53:18 PM
I think I'm in love with the location and set-up. Few spiders though I bet!
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: langer17 on December 30, 2012, 01:57:36 AM
I think I'm in love with the location and set-up. Few spiders though I bet!

When I went in he said he had a snake come into the workshop just a week earlier. Not surprising as the workshop was in the country side. He shouldn't have that problem now he is based in Capalaba, but in QLD you never know :(
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Vitas Cricket on December 30, 2012, 02:06:08 AM
When I went in he said he had a snake come into the workshop just a week earlier. Not surprising as the workshop was in the country side. He shouldn't have that problem now he is based in Capalaba, but in QLD you never know :(

Capalaba is surrounded by Lakes and country parks, i lived not too far away in Coorparoo for a while, much closer to central Brisbane, and i saw my fair share of snakes and spiders!
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: i12breakfree on December 30, 2012, 02:57:56 AM
Cool Pics .You are lucky guy.
Score tonns of runs with your screaming CAT
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: langer17 on December 30, 2012, 03:33:15 AM
Capalaba is surrounded by Lakes and country parks, i lived not too far away in Coorparoo for a while, much closer to central Brisbane, and i saw my fair share of snakes and spiders!

I live near a fair bit of bushland (I only live around 35-40 minutes outside of Brisbane's CBD, but there is a bit of land that hasn't been developed yet) and we get a few snakes pop around in summer, but most of them are harmless. We also get a few spiders - Redbacks, Huntsmen, Argiope aurantia's plus a few others. I like snakes, but hate spiders - especially when they are in your room and you go to get them, but they drop behind your bed. When that happens I sleep on the couch, haha
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Chad on December 30, 2012, 04:19:14 AM
Argh! So jealous! I like all the SCat profiles, but especially profiles 1 and 3. 8) You got a better picture of the profile by any chance? Also, protect that toe with some shoe-goo! :D
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Tail Ender on December 30, 2012, 05:31:40 AM
Also extremely jealous. Is it wrong that I have this fantasy of turning up on his doorstep, exhausted and with a bag slung over my shoulder, and saying "I have travelled a great distance - please, teach me your ways"?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: tugga on December 30, 2012, 07:00:11 AM
Talked about all sorts of things. I asked about his training under John Newbery, why he decided to move to Australia, what happened with Puma. If he still makes bats for any players still. Really I could have talked to him all day. Definitely need to visit again sometime. Hoping to migrate to Australia over the next few years and hopefully Queensland so might get that pint after all.

Does he still make for players? How does this bat compare to others you've had?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Simmy on December 30, 2012, 08:38:25 AM

I live down the road from the kippax factory if you want pictures of one.
who do u play for mate?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 30, 2012, 08:48:21 AM
He said that he doesn't make for many players these days. Not like back in the early 90's when he made bats for most of the Australian test side. He said he made allot of bats for Justin Langer, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, Michael Beven and Gilly to name a few.
I guess allot of the reason he doesn't make so many now for players is because they always paid for them making.
The big companies now throw so much free gear at their sponsored players why would they want to pay top whack for a bat.

In regards to how the bat plays, the middle is awesome. It originally had a protective face on which helped to protect it during the first season but I've removed it now oiled it and the whole bat seems to play well all round now. Definitely one of the best bats I've ever had. Picks up well for a 2.11, so its good on the drive while still being balanced enough to play cuts and pulls when the quicker guys dig one in! I'll try to find some more pictures if i can. Cheers
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Simmy on December 30, 2012, 08:49:52 AM
who do u play for mate?

?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 30, 2012, 08:51:38 AM
Pretty much exhausted all my pictures now unless I can find some more on my other camera. I 'll see what else i can find but here the last ones.

Cheers

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/47468320-BAD0-4D23-B469-99EBB906385B-2763-0000023DC131EFA1_zpsda1f5d03.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/397BF6A7-170A-47E2-996D-B5E4B3C37B1E-2763-0000023D7315330B_zpsfb0cf469.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/31B3B7C3-7519-4139-A24F-49572A53F0DA-2763-0000023D4B478A4B_zpseb10cfc4.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/B4A9B5BE-BEFF-4590-9252-2F3483F0C2EB-2763-0000023D34B47172_zps37404e53.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/65BB6D67-5A01-4C73-A223-94ADA683591B-2763-0000023D2F951CF0_zps6580d904.jpg)

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/calvin1mac/E5268D58-53FE-4B44-8507-DBBE08AD4544-2763-0000023D2CCC05D8_zpsedf468aa.jpg)
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 30, 2012, 08:55:17 AM
I play for Oulton C.C in West Yorkshire. We play in the Central Yorkshire League. Only been in the league for the last couple of seasons so we are gradually working our way through the divisions.

The club website is below.
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oultoncc/ (http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oultoncc/)

Cheers

Calvin
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Ryan on December 30, 2012, 08:57:35 AM
What division are you in?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Ryan on December 30, 2012, 08:59:00 AM
Is it the ground behind rothwell sports centre? Near oulton hall?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 30, 2012, 09:04:59 AM
The 1st XI are in Div 1 and 2nd XI are in Div 3. Yea its the ground behind Rothwell sports centre just down the road from Methley.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Ryan on December 30, 2012, 09:19:35 AM
Played there years ago in u17s.

I'll be playing your 1st team this year, I've just moved to Wakefield thrones.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: calvin1mac on December 30, 2012, 09:46:02 AM
Nice one, i'll look forward to meeting up with you. How you getting on down at Wakefield so far?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: johnnyw on December 30, 2012, 05:37:39 PM
Does he not have his own press?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Alvaro on December 30, 2012, 05:44:15 PM
I think from recollection, he gets pressed and handled clefts from India and does the shaping/finishing by hand, which equals a beautiful bat like that above.
Nothing too sinister, I think it has a bit to do with him not being in the best of health and lessening his workload.
CD asked him straight out and he did not deny it.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: coolcucumber_1 on May 08, 2013, 10:10:46 PM
Wow what an opportunity.
Lovely post bud.
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Buzz on August 20, 2016, 10:08:22 AM
Thought this topic was worth a bump
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Cover_Drive on August 20, 2016, 11:20:17 AM
Thought this topic was worth a bump

And this bump was enough for me to decide to use Screaming Cat this weekend!!!
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: liscon12 on August 20, 2016, 11:30:23 AM
And this bump was enough for me to decide to use Screaming Cat this weekend!!!
Which part of the world are you playing cricket, its pissing it down in the North :(
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on August 20, 2016, 12:08:09 PM
🇨🇦 wet as an otters pocket here in Bristol
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: sarg on August 20, 2016, 01:46:13 PM
Good call Buzz. Anyone know how Jullian is going these days?
Title: Re: Visit to Screaming Cat
Post by: Hoover on August 22, 2016, 01:50:56 PM
If you look closely in the picture where Julian is rasping the handle, there is a picture on the wall with Julian Stood outside the workship in Somerset with, Jonathan Hall, James Laver and Paul Bradbury.
Jonathan Hall, Lee Britton and Paul Bradbury.
The photo was taken in 1990, East Lydeard Farm , Somerset.
James came along later.