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Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: GarrettJ on August 23, 2014, 12:30:54 PM

Title: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: GarrettJ on August 23, 2014, 12:30:54 PM
Screaming cat has been closed and a new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp

http://julianmillichamp.com.au (http://julianmillichamp.com.au)
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: AverageCricketer on August 23, 2014, 02:42:38 PM
Nice find
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: jchokshi on August 23, 2014, 04:49:07 PM
Hmm. Seems lika good initiative. Although, does closing of screamingcat.com.au mean that he's stopped making bats anymore?
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Northern monkey on August 23, 2014, 06:50:48 PM
Amazing oppurtunity to learn from one of the best and keep the tradition going for future generations
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: mp07 on August 23, 2014, 08:36:33 PM
I really hope he continue making cricket bats...simply one of the best.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: GarrettJ on August 23, 2014, 08:59:10 PM
He's not young so looks like he is winding down with a view to passing on his knowledge and passion to others .... Tim Keeley must be packing up soon
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: potzy248 on August 23, 2014, 09:07:17 PM
I could be very keen for this. I visit Brisbane a lot so could maybe throw in a bat making course while I'm there.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: mp07 on August 23, 2014, 09:38:55 PM
Is Tim Keeley still with Newbery?
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: cricketrob on August 23, 2014, 09:48:46 PM
Wishing I lived in Australia...
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Cover_Drive on August 24, 2014, 03:50:17 AM
I'm heartbroken and devstated upon reading this;

"I am no longer manufacturing bats for Screaming Cat and the purchasing options on there were deactivated some time ago. I have no intentions on bringing that site back. I will however continue making bats if the KickStarter funding permits. Take a look at this post by the Screaming Cat page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/screamingcatcricket/photos/a.549806925037403.126431.439321039419326/848541178497308/?type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/screamingcatcricket/photos/a.549806925037403.126431.439321039419326/848541178497308/?type=1)"
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: gibbinscricket on August 24, 2014, 09:40:36 AM
I will definitely be looking into this
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Phoenix on August 25, 2014, 11:15:24 AM
Disappointed, was hoping to go get a custom made bat this year or next from him.

Ah well...  :(
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: tejasapatel on August 25, 2014, 03:10:20 PM
Actually if you read carefully, he mentioned that he'll continue to make bats if the KickStarter fund raiser allows him to.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Chad on August 25, 2014, 08:18:43 PM
I'm heartbroken and devstated upon reading this;

"I am no longer manufacturing bats for Screaming Cat and the purchasing options on there were deactivated some time ago. I have no intentions on bringing that site back. I will however continue making bats if the KickStarter funding permits. Take a look at this post by the Screaming Cat page for more information: [url]https://www.facebook.com/screamingcatcricket/photos/a.549806925037403.126431.439321039419326/848541178497308/?type=1[/url] ([url]https://www.facebook.com/screamingcatcricket/photos/a.549806925037403.126431.439321039419326/848541178497308/?type=1[/url])"



Just as well I've kept this beauty! :D

(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8189.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8189.jpg.html)

(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8190.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8190.jpg.html)

(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8191.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8191.jpg.html)

(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8192.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8192.jpg.html)

(http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af230/ch4d0m4n/IMG_8193.jpg) (http://s1010.photobucket.com/user/ch4d0m4n/media/IMG_8193.jpg.html)


He sure does make a cracking bat, just wish that I could get a few of the grips he uses, as the one on this one is a little worn out!
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Northern monkey on August 26, 2014, 06:18:45 AM
Very very nice bat
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Jenko on August 26, 2014, 09:10:57 AM
Have you tried emailing him and asking where he gets his grips from chad? Sure he would be happy to help out! Shame he has stopped SC, I feel slightly disloyal for getting my last couple of bats from laver now and not getting one last SCAT :(
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: amritpremi on August 26, 2014, 09:21:53 AM

So that makes SC bat now a rarer commodity and should possibly raise the value of my Cat  :).
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: GarrettJ on August 26, 2014, 10:36:42 AM
I spoke to him yesterday and he is holding off on everything while this kick starter thing is starting up
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: eukaryote76 on August 26, 2014, 10:39:06 AM
Based in Brissie I was excited to learn about this podshaving academy project. Your mind races and you wonder whetre this could lead you. I really didn't know too much about kick-starter, but it seems a good way of trying to get funding. I really hope it works for him, and I know a few people, myself included, who would go on a week long course to make a bat. That said, I'm not sure how good a bat I could make with just two goes, however. Or indeed if I would be skilled enough to pass on that tradition and contribute to keeping it going. No problem, you say. Buy some clefts and keep refining your skill, you say. Maybe sell a few on the way. Unfortunately I was speaking to another Australian gentleman who was telling me just how difficult it was to get all the tools and kit in this part of the world. He works in cricket and said it had taken him a couple of years to assemble, and was at the point starting production when he hit his biggest snag. That being, after proving he was a genuine cricket business, and not just a willow intermediary, he was put on a waiting list for willow. After 18 months of waiting he got the call to say the willow wasn't coming, something to do with exchange rates and greater demand in India. Anyway that was my new best dream for a different future conceived and trounced on in under 24hrs. So it could be an interesting 'holiday' and possibly a novelty to make your bat or two but as for kickstarting a new wave of podshavers downunder it doesn't seem likely to me. Anyway, just my ten penneth. There are far more qualified than me to make comment.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: thecord on August 26, 2014, 11:48:30 AM
Don't let one other person's opinions & experiences put you off if it really is an ambition of yours
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: M77 on August 26, 2014, 01:29:01 PM
I really hope this takes off... it's not easy to do but I know he cares that the skills are passed on.
It's more dependant on those that desire to craft.

But if you do really "want" then this may make some sense.

What if money were no object on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/51213261)
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Neon Cricket on August 26, 2014, 01:43:03 PM
I'm just hoping that the price isn't extortionate, definitely the sort of thing I'd be keen on doing but can imagine its going to be expensive... (before even taking into account travel/accommodation etc).

Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Cover_Drive on August 27, 2014, 04:14:18 AM

Just as well I've kept this beauty! :D

He sure does make a cracking bat, just wish that I could get a few of the grips he uses, as the one on this one is a little worn out!

Cheeky my friend! :-)

What weight is that? Is the handle, the thicker one?

I shall look in my closet for his grips, do send your address across via PM please.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: dingbatsports on August 27, 2014, 11:11:14 PM
Be interesting to see how this pans out for JM. Only few issues I can see with it are will he actually tell all he knows? Or just share the basics? If he really wanted to share his knowledge he would have allowed an apprentice to work with him in his last few years of SC, thats my opinion anyway. Im sure I'm not the only one who offered my services free of charge to him haha.

Based in Brissie I was excited to learn about this podshaving academy project. Your mind races and you wonder whetre this could lead you. I really didn't know too much about kick-starter, but it seems a good way of trying to get funding. I really hope it works for him, and I know a few people, myself included, who would go on a week long course to make a bat. That said, I'm not sure how good a bat I could make with just two goes, however. Or indeed if I would be skilled enough to pass on that tradition and contribute to keeping it going. No problem, you say. Buy some clefts and keep refining your skill, you say. Maybe sell a few on the way. Unfortunately I was speaking to another Australian gentleman who was telling me just how difficult it was to get all the tools and kit in this part of the world. He works in cricket and said it had taken him a couple of years to assemble, and was at the point starting production when he hit his biggest snag. That being, after proving he was a genuine cricket business, and not just a willow intermediary, he was put on a waiting list for willow. After 18 months of waiting he got the call to say the willow wasn't coming, something to do with exchange rates and greater demand in India. Anyway that was my new best dream for a different future conceived and trounced on in under 24hrs. So it could be an interesting 'holiday' and possibly a novelty to make your bat or two but as for kickstarting a new wave of podshavers downunder it doesn't seem likely to me. Anyway, just my ten penneth. There are far more qualified than me to make comment.

Not sure who you spoke to, but it is indeed a tough gig down here in Australia. I can assure that :D
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Nunnsy on August 30, 2014, 09:26:52 AM
I understand that he'll be releasing more course information soon. As for what he teaches, he's hoping to teach all he knows to continue the art. That is his main mission. To keep the academy funded, he is planning a way so post-course, if you wish to source materials and tools, he can supply.  :) Nice to know so many are interested though!
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on August 30, 2014, 11:00:58 AM
So that makes SC bat now a rarer commodity and should possibly raise the value of my Cat  :).
maybe I shouldn't have sold that one to you, mate!  :-[
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Beachcricket on August 31, 2014, 08:48:09 AM
I'm just hoping that the price isn't extortionate, definitely the sort of thing I'd be keen on doing but can imagine its going to be expensive... (before even taking into account travel/accommodation etc).

He's passing on knowledge and skills he's acquired over decades. Whatever the cost, it'll be worth every penny.
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: ca_gold on September 01, 2014, 06:59:27 AM
What knowledge will he be passing?  How to shape an Indian pressed and handled bat? Very over rated pod shaver
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: M77 on September 01, 2014, 07:35:38 AM
What knowledge will he be passing?  How to shape an Indian pressed and handled bat? Very over rated pod shaver

It's not very often i pipe up unless im riled... well done son you've done the trick.

Whilst that's your opinion, it only highlights your lack of understanding of what was achieved and made possible.

There are a handful of people that have truly succeeded in not only realising a goal in this business but making a top living from it. JM's done alright in that respect with a mortgage paid off a long time ago and those processes like setting up a factory in india to produce a hell of a product. Having chatted to Gilly this year and hearing the efforts involved i have even more respect.

If you're going to train under someone i'd say there won't be many better than a guy who's gained a reputation through years of consistency and made it pay as a one man army. The guy changed the game.

Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Beachcricket on September 01, 2014, 09:12:09 AM
What knowledge will he be passing?  How to shape an Indian pressed and handled bat? Very over rated pod shaver

In my opinion, this response illustrates how undervalued pod shaving is as a craft. This man should be held in the highest regard by everyone who claims to be remotely interested in bat making. Not because I say so, but simply due to the reality that a vaguely objective look at what he's done over the past few decades and is now trying to achieve would illustrate his value as a craftsman in this industry.

Though despite this I would ask what in your opinion makes Julian Millichamp overrated?
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on September 01, 2014, 09:41:36 AM
What knowledge will he be passing?  How to shape an Indian pressed and handled bat? Very over rated pod shaver
Having had Julian craft three bats for me in front of my very eyes in under 2 hours per bat from handled cleft to finished masterpiece, I feel I'm reasonably qualified to make comment on your rather ill-informed and ignorant comment. Julian discussed with me my batting style (or lack thereof), favorite strokes and preferred weight, etc and as mentioned, in under 2 hours whip me up a bat that was within half an ounce of my requested weight with both edges less than 1mm difference: from eye! No template, no marking the toe thickness or sweetspot position: that is a true Master! AND one of the nicest guys you will ever meet!
Ignorance may be bliss but next time, get at least SOME of the facts before embarrassing yourself!
Title: Re: new pod shaving academy created by Julian millichamp
Post by: Montys Beard on September 02, 2014, 05:11:59 AM
Having had Julian craft three bats for me in front of my very eyes in under 2 hours per bat from handled cleft to finished masterpiece, I feel I'm reasonably qualified to make comment on your rather ill-informed and ignorant comment. Julian discussed with me my batting style (or lack thereof), favorite strokes and preferred weight, etc and as mentioned, in under 2 hours whip me up a bat that was within half an ounce of my requested weight with both edges less than 1mm difference: from eye! No template, no marking the toe thickness or sweetspot position: that is a true Master! AND one of the nicest guys you will ever meet!
Ignorance may be bliss but next time, get at least SOME of the facts before embarrassing yourself!

Cam, you're probably well qualified to comment. How anyone can call JM overated is beyond me?

Anyway, I'm based in Aus for a few years and the chance to learn from JM is just a bit too good to overlook so I'll be having a serious look into this once more detail is available.