Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: GarrettJ on April 30, 2014, 07:42:54 AM

Title: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on April 30, 2014, 07:42:54 AM: I received a spokeshave last night so had a quick go at reshaping the toe of a B&S that I have .... done on the kitchen table with my body as the vice! No sanding done or finishing just purely practising using a spokeshave for the first time. Took a few goes to get the blade set right to remove thin shavings.

(https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-pJPu4fYjFtU%2FU2CnmadY9JI%2FAAAAAAAAAOk%2Fjc95XjJZ99U%2Fs1600%2Fphoto%2B1.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*)

(https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EIQa0gvzSoQ%2FU2CnlmtZ9jI%2FAAAAAAAAAOg%2FrkAW2xJfxfo%2Fs1600%2Fphoto%2B2.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on April 30, 2014, 07:49:03 AM: Looks really clean which mustn't have been easy especially without a vice! Well done!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Bruce on April 30, 2014, 07:50:06 AM: How much did you manage to get off?
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on April 30, 2014, 07:56:04 AM: thanks

stuck the toe of the bat in my gut and then just yanked the tool towards me ... a bit primitive but was just practising getting used to the feel of the tool.

not sure i will have the same success with the shoulder/handle .... now that looks like it takes a lot of skill.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Bruce on April 30, 2014, 07:58:27 AM: More innuendo than you can shake a stick at ;)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on April 30, 2014, 08:05:22 AM: Quote from: Bruce on April 30, 2014, 07:58:27 AM
More innuendo than you can shake a stick at ;)

it was a real pleasure stroking someone else's piece of wood up and down with my tool.

Quote from: Bruce on April 30, 2014, 07:50:06 AM
How much did you manage to get off?

The spine went down at the same angle and I made it sort of flat at the bottom.

I wasnt aiming to do a certain reduction, just practice using the tool.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on April 30, 2014, 10:11:53 AM: It is really hard without a vice, considering that it is a nice start for you.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: procricket on April 30, 2014, 10:29:28 AM: Looking good John mate i'm looking forward to you moving back up North should be good with you and Easo local think there a master craftsman there bud.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 27, 2014, 08:38:48 PM: Made a start on the cleft

Done the shape, got it under 3lb and given it a little sand to see how it looks. I think it's a lot better than I thought it would be. I haven't got a travisher so can't concave it easily. As a result it's a full profile

Problems for me were:

The shoulders, I took a little bit too much off by accident .... Very easy to cock up this part of the bat I realise
Keeping the edge size .... Again took a little too much off without realising while try to create the spine
Straight spine .... Not easy unless it is marked on with pencil .... Might do that next time
Knot .... Knot on the face is a complete ball ache to work with

The cleft wasn't that shaped to begin with so I'm happy with what I have done

Will post pics later
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 27, 2014, 09:06:08 PM: pre sanding

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtlEqlzIQAA6hqO.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtlEzmcIUAAjS04.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtlE6rICUAE2ny1.jpg)

bit of sanding

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtlEkIdCUAALj_N.jpg)

one side of the back sanded
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtlA6ERCMAI055D.jpg)

i think i can get the finish even better and on par to that of the big bat companies ........ without waxing or buffing on a wheel
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: iand123 on July 28, 2014, 07:03:35 AM: Looking promising mate, did you get any lessons or advice or did you just have a crack and see how it went?
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 28, 2014, 11:10:17 AM: Thanks Ian123

Just went it for it myself, apart from advice from a few on here regarding tools to buy

..... Last time I worked with wood and tools was 20 years ago in my CDT gcse!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: AverageCricketer on July 28, 2014, 11:19:58 AM: Nice job. I like what you did with the shaping of the toe.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 28, 2014, 05:00:01 PM: Wanted to flatten the toe but keep some meat there at the same time so went for that shape in the toe.

I don't have a travisher so can't concave a bat at the moment which is probably a good thing
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Chad on July 28, 2014, 07:10:12 PM: Very nice work, John! I don't think you need to worry too much about taking wood off the Python I sent down to you, seems like you're doing things right! :)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: sarg on July 28, 2014, 09:07:56 PM: You've done well considering you don't have a vice. I have been refurbishing my mates bats with sanders and it's hard to get that nice sharp edge on the spine and it takes three times longer.

A proper vice and a spokeshave are next on my Xmas list.

Great work.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Northern monkey on July 29, 2014, 07:33:39 AM: Yep,, gotta agree
Top effort,,and flat meaty toes slightly rounded off is the way forward!ha
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 07, 2015, 07:52:49 PM: Made 4 bats

Two with 35mm edges

Two with massive 75mm spines

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9RCiZ9IIAAPl61.jpg)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 07, 2015, 08:04:21 PM: You know the rules, pictures or they don't exist ;)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 07, 2015, 08:07:49 PM: still got the finishing and sanding to do

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9RGRTYIcAEQOYx.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9RGT8cIcAACmMb.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 07, 2015, 08:08:30 PM: no vice, no electric snader, jsut me my toosl and my feet!!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 08, 2015, 11:33:31 AM: Better picture of the beast

Pretty proud of it :)

https://twitter.com/pythoncricket/status/564386056020434945
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: smilley792 on February 08, 2015, 12:02:13 PM: Good effort. Nice looking sticks with a good finish.

I need to attack the cleft I got months ago!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: UCCAlbie on February 08, 2015, 12:29:10 PM: Quote from: GarrettJ on February 07, 2015, 07:52:49 PM
Made 4 bats

Two with 35mm edges

Two with massive 75mm spines

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9RCiZ9IIAAPl61.jpg)

They all look great and all done with out a vice and sander, fair play. I really like the bat second from the right, looks very nice. I look forward to seeing it finished.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: FattusCattus on February 08, 2015, 12:47:56 PM: What weights did they come out at John - particularly the one with the white grip on?
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 08, 2015, 04:14:58 PM: That is an old school mh distinction copy, it's 2.10 without binding and grips
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: edge on February 08, 2015, 05:06:50 PM: Fair play, they look fantastic for a diy effort! Distinction copy and the other middle one look like lovely sticks, like the profile on that one.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Chad on February 08, 2015, 05:29:24 PM: Lovely work, really like the oversized ones, lovely parallel edges. The one on the left looks massive, that one must weigh quite a bit! Fantastic effort, especially with just your feet to hold the clefts in place! :)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 08, 2015, 07:17:53 PM: It's 3.2 long blade long handle

For 8 cm in length it is basically an untouched cleft

I made it for someone who is 6 foot 5!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 08:45:12 PM: (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-Y-Wm5IYAAi_Gq.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-Y-WlzIMAAhRiJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on February 21, 2015, 09:23:07 PM: What's the weights of them Jon? They look good
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 09:47:18 PM: 2.11
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Seniorplayer on February 21, 2015, 09:58:22 PM: Jon Definitely. Master craftsman in the making.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 10:05:33 PM: half of the bat is the untouched height of the cleft. still need to sand it andfinsih it off ready for battle

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-ZndIrIUAAnkSw.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 10:05:54 PM: @Seniorplayer thank you
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Seniorplayer on February 21, 2015, 10:18:51 PM: Quote from: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 10:05:54 PM
@Seniorplayer thank you

You are welcome Jon.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Come in 5 and left a bit on February 21, 2015, 10:23:52 PM: Looking good, that's a huge spine.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on February 21, 2015, 10:25:58 PM: It's 75mm and goes that high for about 20cm up the bat. Thin edge though like the distinctions had but toe is a bit thicker

I do struggle to shape the handle though. Bottom hand feels a bit angular rather than oval. Will come with practice I suppose.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: procricket on February 22, 2015, 08:35:51 AM: Some great work there Mate looks a belting profile
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Blenheim Cricket on February 22, 2015, 09:22:09 AM: That is one mean looking bat. How does it feel in the batting stance and pick up
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Northern monkey on February 22, 2015, 11:15:48 AM: Like the edge size
Cracking effort
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 04, 2015, 10:46:45 PM: all done ............ created from a none machined handled and pressed cleft,literally a big block with 55mm edges adn 75mm spine

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SZ6qoWkAAJi-B.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SZ6sCXAAAEvNJ.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SZ6qDW4AAWUrw.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SZ6tWXAAED_AQ.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SaD4yXEAAQBWB.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_SaD3fXEAEBoqF.jpg)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 04, 2015, 10:47:46 PM: Very impressive mate, how much for a butterfly in that shape? ;)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 07, 2015, 09:18:38 PM: latest bat im doing .... with one tool and no vice .... back streets of karachi style!!!

40mm edge and 65mm spine, absolutely no concaving. Still a bit of weight to take out of the toe and shouldrs .... currently 3lb

at the start .... a 50mm edged square block with no maching at all

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hiuKnWYAAN1mn.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hiuLvXEAATW8Z.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hiuPUWYAA1RE0.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hiuQrWwAAul8W.jpg)

after some shaping

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_gW3CdXEAEINFX.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_gW3CDW8AEVOCY.jpg)

10 mins later

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hgyM_XEAAUaI4.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hgyO-WEAAiLE4.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hgyUkWQAAPOT8.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_hgyRDWcAADilP.jpg)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Northern monkey on March 08, 2015, 12:17:24 PM: You've got a good eye
The first bat looks very good, finished very well
Keep at it

If I'm being honest, the second bat would be what I'd shape!
Not a fan of huge spines, but the second shape looks perfect, looking forward to final pics
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 08, 2015, 06:23:00 PM: going to make it into a 35mm 65mm non concaved bat and see what weight it comes out at. I think 3lb fully dressed
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: jwebber86 on March 08, 2015, 06:40:59 PM: loving looking bats. there is something lovely about shaping bats by hand

im thinking im going to do some more myself just need to use the first one i made
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Chad on March 08, 2015, 06:47:42 PM: That Distinction shape is unbelievable. Definitely a craftsman in the making. Who needs M&H when you have Python and Garret? ;)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 08, 2015, 08:10:35 PM: Thanks Chad. I have an old style one to use as the basis. The one I made is slightly bigger, 2.12 in weight and doesn't feel heavy at all.

I'm making another as next weekends project in grade 2 with some heartwood. I find this profile easier to make than any other.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: procricket on March 08, 2015, 08:29:18 PM: Got to agree mate looks brilliant and i bet it picks up a treat
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 21, 2015, 07:26:23 PM: a 35mm+ edge and 65mm spine, no concaving.

needs sanding

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAoxja7XIAA6Wv_.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAoxQMlWgAAeFow.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAoxQO0W8AEe2qd.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAoxP92WYAApJbw.jpg)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 22, 2015, 07:53:39 PM: Next week I'm going to do a long handle long blade bat ..... All on video. No vice, just me and my hand tools. Hopefully I can get some advice from the master craftsmen on here.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: mcgill123 on March 23, 2015, 06:33:18 PM: Nice job Garrett the handle and blade look as though they are shaped from the same piece of wood which gave me a crazy idea of taking the offcut from the v cut in the blade and making a couple of veneers and laminating them onto the splice to give the impression the blade is splice less .
Like I said, crazy idea and a lot of extra work but it would look pretty good on top grade/crown .
Ok, must get back to licking that window.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on March 23, 2015, 07:50:57 PM: I see what you mean. Wide grains so it looks like there is no splice
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Gurujames on March 23, 2015, 07:59:08 PM: Quote from: mcgill123 on March 23, 2015, 06:33:18 PM
Nice job Garrett the handle and blade look as though they are shaped from the same piece of wood which gave me a crazy idea of taking the offcut from the v cut in the blade and making a couple of veneers and laminating them onto the splice to give the impression the blade is splice less .

The veneers will be too narrow due to the kerf of the saw blade.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: mcgill123 on March 23, 2015, 08:32:57 PM: Quote from: Gurujames on March 23, 2015, 07:59:08 PM
The veneers will be too narrow due to the kerf of the saw blade.
It was only a day dream, but i learnt a new word in "kerf",i operated numerous crosscuts,bandsaws etc when I was a youngster in stair making factory but I don't recall hearing the word kerf, probably don't remember it because I didn't know what it meant and thought the older guys were just taking the piss out of me.
Laminating the splice could be done but it would be an awful lot of effort just to make something look prettier when it is essentially to be used to serve as a tool. Similar scenario to the mrs getting ready to go out really.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 22, 2015, 03:05:06 PM: (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKYxKg2WsAA2GFk.jpg)

my latest creation
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 22, 2015, 03:06:25 PM: (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKd4qrsWIAA76UP.jpg:large)

my latest creation
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: trypewriter on July 22, 2015, 03:29:28 PM: I like that one - and so, I hazard a guess, will Fattus.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: FattusCattus on July 22, 2015, 03:46:07 PM: Helloooo! Here I am!!! I love it! That is a frikkin shape and a half!

I guess it weighs 3lb2 ??
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: FattusCattus on July 22, 2015, 03:48:50 PM: That should be know as the Beluga, or the Humpback, or the Guppy, or the Bloater, or the Big Daddy or the Carnagorous Rex!!!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 22, 2015, 06:21:39 PM: 2.10

I have a 3lb long handle long blade version that I'm finishing off
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: tommo256 on July 22, 2015, 07:04:26 PM: Im all over that like a tramp on hot chips
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Scruffy on July 22, 2015, 08:24:11 PM: Awesome shape @GarrettJ!
Are they your own stickers your putting on? can I get a closer look?
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: 19reading87 on July 23, 2015, 09:00:29 AM: Big fan of that John! Well done buddy
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 23, 2015, 08:37:29 PM: thanks

It's becoming easier but I still don't have a vice or anywhere to put one.

I thinking of buying a shave horse
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: IQ on July 24, 2015, 12:36:20 AM: Very nice Garret

Just looking at the profiles you are going great at keeping such a long/high spine in alignment while taking the willow off from the back. Seems tough thing to do so nice going mate!

The finish on the bats is getting better too (more shine too)- did you finally invest in a mouse sander or buffing them now or just better camera angles? ;)

In any case great stuff!
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on July 27, 2015, 11:58:13 AM: i only sand and buff by hand but I dont have a vice so its hard to do it right without a sturdy base. Once i get a vice sorted im hoping there will be an overall improvement.
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: GarrettJ on June 27, 2018, 08:24:09 AM: Im going to rekindle my bat making :)
Title: Re: Unskilled willow hacker or Master Craftsman in the making
Post by: Northern monkey on June 27, 2018, 08:27:53 AM: If you get a shave horse post some pics,,