Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: Buzz on April 16, 2015, 11:47:38 AM
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We haven't run an ask the batmaker Q and A session for what seems like ages... so the admin team thought it was time to rectify that, this is a Custom Bats Forum after all.
Please start thinking about your questions to put to an international batmaking team, who have made bats for some of the greats of the game 8)
We are in the process of confirming the date - but I can confirm that it will be a morning/lunchtime session due to the location of the pod-shavers!
I hope that is appropriately cryptic!
Please start thinking and posting your questions...
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What was their most unusual request?
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Will a G3 cleft ping just as well as a G1 and is there any relation at all between the grade and the performance of the willow?
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Do you have a dog, if so what breed?
Is there a link between grains and ping vs longevity?
Is butterfly willow something that should be more widely used?
How do you have your tea?
In your opinion, what is the optimum number of grains for a bat to have?
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What tools and equipment could you not live without?
What do you use to finish a bat (sandpaper grit, wax/oil, buffing etc.)?
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Any jobs going?
What's the specs of the best bat you've made
How long should a bat realistically last
Are you fans of the big edge and heavy concaving
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Can you tell which bats will play best?
When you make a new shape do you do anything approaching testing, or is it just something that looks right?
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What are your secrets for making a light "big bat" - how do you keep the weight down, where do you take the excess weight from?
how to you get the best pick up for a low middled bat?
Which pro are you most proud to have made for?
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Can you make a bat using the "Golden" number Phi?
Ha thought I'd forgotten about that one didn't you guys :D
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What got you into the industry in the 1st place?
What training did you have in regards to it or was it a case on on the job learning?
With the innovation of CAD/CAM processes do you think this is a positive thing for the batmaking industry?
Whats the most vital piece of equipment/tool that is in your workshop?
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Can you make a bat using the "Golden" number Phi?
Ha thought I'd forgotten about that one didn't you guys :D
You might be better expressing that as the golden ratio, which is what phi is considered to be, not the golden number.... ;)
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What is your take on bat size restrictions being discussed by ICC?
Who is your favourite batsman and why?
Your most favourite bat profile and why?
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What is knocking all about? Has been discussed multiple times for eons but none were convincing. Keep hearing soft pressed bats play better but prone to damage. Thats completely opposite of what you achieve by knocking. If knocking is required, why not press the bat such that its not required. So many questions....
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Have you ever disagreed with an international player with regards to their bat specifications knowing that the final outcome would be poor performing or poorly balanced bat?
Where do you think bat making and design will be in 20 years?
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This forum is rife with myths about 'soft' pressing. How do you press your bats and could it ever be described as soft?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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What has been the biggest change to batmaking in the last 10-15 years?
What are your tips for people looking to learn or start making their own bats?
Can i have a free bat please?
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Date and time now confirmed... Next Sunday (26th April at 10 am UK time.
Sorry to the US/Canadian members, I realise this isn't ideal for you!
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Do you think there is any room in the market for a more traditional shaped bat with no bow?
It appears that there are several small tweaks that can be made to make a bat pick up lighter - could you list them in rank of importance please?
Do you think there could be a revival in super short handles? (I remember when they were the latest fad) and following on from this, it's either short handle or long handle - is there any such thing as a standard handle? ;)
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What are your thoughts about the recent negative press about large bats being the reason for lots of runs being scored avid calls for them to be restricted?
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I realise that I haven't confirmed who the bat makers answering the q and a actually are!!
As you can see, Paul and Sally have kindly agreed to answer the questions, this is a bit of a coup as this isn't something that they have done too often before - so please go kindly on them!!
As a reminder the session will be this coming Sunday at 10am - so please keep those questions coming!
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What was the biggest bat you ever made?
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What's better for feel and performance, long and flexible or nice and girthy? Bat handles, that is ;)
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Hi Paul. Hope you are well. Do you remember the 2004 Baker Cup Final ?
Hope all is good. I played for Chard last season, where you are a local legend along with the other famous bat maker.
Cheers
Kieron
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About handles, does a stiff ( ex. double spring handle, 2 rubber) or a flex ( ex. triple spring handle, 3 rubber) effect performance in a substantial way? or is the difference between both very minimal?
thanks,
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Does the volume of wood in a bat make any difference to the way it plays/pings?
For example, 2 bats both 2lb 8oz have essentially the same profile. However one bat is bigger as it's made from a lower density cleft. Will there be any difference in performance between these 2 bats given all other conditions are equal (ie same pressing, no natural differences in the willow, etc)?
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Do you still make bats for Michael Clark? And how many does he take per year?
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Do you still make bats for Michael Clark? And how many does he take per year?
surely you mean have you ever!
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Not long to go now!!
I hope everyone is ready
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Good morning everyone and welcome to Paul and Sally, it is a first for us to have a lady podshaver on the forum!
So first question from me is to Sally, what we're you thinking!!??
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I was very happy pursuing a lovely career after University, then..... opportunity. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
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What was their most unusual request?
Damien Hirst wandered into the Barn at Bishops Lydeard, and wanted an ugly piece of willow only half made and stamped with 666. I did not know who he was, charged him 60 quid and sent him on his way. Apparently it ended up in a gallery in New York.
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Will a G3 cleft ping just as well as a G1 and is there any relation at all between the grade and the performance of the willow?
Ping is not dependent on grade of willow, in our opinion. We believe a good bat maker can make a good bat, regardless of grade.
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Do you have a dog, if so what breed?
No, 2 cats, 7 chooks and 41 silver pearch in an aquaponic system.
Is there a link between grains and ping vs longevity?
In our experience, many grains tend to crack up early, and benefit from a fibreglass facing sooner rather than later.
Is butterfly willow something that should be more widely used?
We like it, when we can get it. The shops that retail our bats just do not get it though, so these are for direct sales only.
How do you have your tea?
Both coffee buffs, Sally has a pomegranate tea in the afternoon.
In your opinion, what is the optimum number of grains for a bat to have?
We do not think grains contribute to performance, so it is up to the user.
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What tools and equipment could you not live without?
Our beautiful press.
What do you use to finish a bat (sandpaper grit, wax/oil, buffing etc.)?
Grit 80, 180 then 320. Polished with bone, then buffed with a mop and buffing compund.
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Any jobs going?
No paid positions available.
What's the specs of the best bat you've made
That is my bat (Sally) will post a pic if I can work out how to.
How long should a bat realistically last
It is not a matter of days, weeks or years. Rather how much use and type of use. Steve Waugh used a bat that scored a hundred in each innings in a test match, then it broke. He was happy if they all performed like that. I did ask him to sign it and send it back and I would replace it, but he said he was keeping it for his superannuation.
Are you fans of the big edge and heavy concaving
Some people need that shape to feel good about their bat, we started concaving to take weight out, keeping the edge big helps with balance, we both prefer sensible edges and full body. I (Sally) always think of David Warner, needing a big looking bat... compensating maybe?
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Can you tell which bats will play best?
When you make a new shape do you do anything approaching testing, or is it just something that looks right?
We always test every bat on the mallet, or hit it up with a ball. Customers must have a throw down in the back of our workshop (no nets, just equipment everywhere, quite good fun)
We sponsor local players only, so they can do loads of testing for us. Paul and I are a bit long in the tooth to effectively test things out against better bowlers.
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What are your secrets for making a light "big bat" - how do you keep the weight down, where do you take the excess weight from?
There are two secrets to keeping the weight down in a bat;
1. Never reveal all your secrets
2. ___. and then you __________
how to you get the best pick up for a low middled bat?
Pick up is a very personal thing, the Centre of Mass determines pick up, so if you have a low middle, we like to keep the spine high up near the handle to balance it off a bit.
Which pro are you most proud to have made for?
We do not like to say when they are current players, but first name Kumar, the nicest guy playing international cricket in our 21 years, last name starting with Sanga...
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Can you make a bat using the "Golden" number Phi?
Ha thought I'd forgotten about that one didn't you guys :D
Paul has checked out of this one! I am very influenced by the Golden Ratio in design work, but not in the dimensions of a cricket bat. I have mucked around with it in CAD but have not felt happy with the result.
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What got you into the industry in the 1st place?
Both being cricketers, Paul needed weight taken out of a bat, so he was exposed to podshaving first. He offered some interest, they offered him a job. I (Sally) came into it 4 years later, when we started Bradbury, while working a proper job, worked with Paul to muddle through things in the start, then it got busy enough for me to be full time.
What training did you have in regards to it or was it a case on on the job learning?
All on the job. Did the training for CAD, talked to lots and lots of woodworkers, engineers and cricketers.
With the innovation of CAD/CAM processes do you think this is a positive thing for the batmaking industry?
Innovations such as CAD/CAM has been very positive for us, we use it in many different ways.
Whats the most vital piece of equipment/tool that is in your workshop?
Without a doubt Paul is the most vital TOOL (does it mean the same thing in the UK as what it does here in OZ?)
The press is our most vital piece of machinery.
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Hello Paul and Sally
Many thanks for answering questions.
Regarding 'bow';
Ignoring the design of press, what do you feel are the merits/trade offs between pressing the bow into the blade versus cutting/machining the curve and then pressing with the curve?
Do you have a preference?
Regards James
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Any jobs going?
What's the specs of the best bat you've made
How long should a bat realistically last
Are you fans of the big edge and heavy concaving
Can't for the life of me work out how to load the Pic of Sally's bat.
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Hello Paul and Sally
Many thanks for answering questions.
Regarding 'bow';
Ignoring the design of press, what do you feel are the merits/trade offs between pressing the bow into the blade versus cutting/machining the curve and then pressing with the curve?
Do you have a preference?
Regards James
James , I have tried to press with the bow already cut into the face and have failed brilliantly every time. We press bats with bows and without bows and to a large degree is about the look and what a batsman feels happy at the crease with. Personally I think a bit of a bow contributes to a lighter pickup.
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Can't for the life of me work out how to load the Pic of Sally's bat.
You need to upload the picture to an image hosting site such as photobucket, then copy the [IMG] code into the message on here :)
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James , I have tried to press with the bow already cut into the face and have failed brilliantly every time. We press bats with bows and without bows and to a large degree is about the look and what a batsman feels happy at the crease with. Personally I think a bit of a bow contributes to a lighter pickup.
Not wanting to hijack this thread but are you able to explain why pressing with the bow failed brilliantly ?
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Have you ever disagreed with an international player with regards to their bat specifications knowing that the final outcome would be poor performing or poorly balanced bat?
Yes, Craig McMillan (NZ) great bloke, but his idea for a bat was not one we were happy to go through with, we did not do what he wanted, he is still a great bloke, and was happy to use what we thought was a suitable compromise.
Where do you think bat making and design will be in 20 years?
India!
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This forum is rife with myths about 'soft' pressing. How do you press your bats and could it ever be described as soft?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tim,
we often vary pressing due to the requirements of who we are making for. When a customer has unrealistic expectations over how long a bat should last.... they get a hard pressed bat. When (usually a pro) knows exactly how they want their bat to feel, and they want that softer feel, we oblige, as these guys are happy to have a bat that may not last as long as a club players bat. However, we also have a knocking in machine (that is our second most favourite machine at the moment) that can work with the pressing requirements, to get the best result.
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Any jobs going?
What's the specs of the best bat you've made
How long should a bat realistically last
Are you fans of the big edge and heavy concaving
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=nqusqv&s=8 (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=nqusqv&s=8)
Our best ever bat. Sally's bat made 12 years ago in England. Round face , slight concaving, subtle bow, 25mm edge, 62mm spine. The best playing bat we have made in 21 years by a long margin.
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What has been the biggest change to batmaking in the last 10-15 years?
CAD/CAM probably, this has allowed UK and other makers to compete with the cheap labour out of India and Pakistan.
What are your tips for people looking to learn or start making their own bats?
Good luck, and I really mean that. It is a very hard gig, and you would be entering an industry that includes multinational corporations that have a marketing budget that muscles out quality and honest hard work.
Can i have a free bat please?
Sure, with every pair of special gloves that we would sell to you for no less that GBP200.
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Hi Paul and Sally not the case about that last bit about cheap labour and all a CAD/CAM does is pre shape a bat whilst we still employ batmakers to finish and handle it allows us to make more and specialise but you have to remember and factor in the cost of the equipment in the first place.
It allows more volume quicker i do agree it allowed us to compete in the Unbranded market.
It is good to have you on board whats your thoughts on butterfly bats i saw a monster Bradbury Butterfly yesterday it went very well.
Love the bats BTW classy branding and a great heritage
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Do you think there is any room in the market for a more traditional shaped bat with no bow?
Sure, we have bought back a retro model for those that have woken up to reality with the modern shapes. But if we based our entire range on that, we would be a laughing stock, as they are not fashionable.
It appears that there are several small tweaks that can be made to make a bat pick up lighter - could you list them in rank of importance please?
First, stick another grip on, this shifts the Centre of Mass towards the handle.
Sneak a bit out of the bat from the lower spine to the toe, this too raises the centre of mass.
A bit of concaving can help too.
Do you think there could be a revival in super short handles? (I remember when they were the latest fad) and following on from this, it's either short handle or long handle - is there any such thing as a standard handle? ;)
We have been making supershort handles for a couple of players, that hold the bat down low naturally. There is a lot to be said for analysing batting styles and matching a bat model to most benefit.
The standard handle usually applies to what one of the big four brands are doing at the time. In Oz this has got longer by about half an inch.
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What are your thoughts about the recent negative press about large bats being the reason for lots of runs being scored avid calls for them to be restricted?
I think I addressed this in an earlier answer. Bats get blamed sometimes before boundary ropes, two new balls being used, fitness of players and permission to swing in adventurous shot selections contribute before the bat even makes the list.
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Really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.
What bat care regime would you recommend to get the best performance and a long life out of a bat, and does it include applying a scuff sheet (which is the subject of some debate on here)?
Thanks
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What was the biggest bat you ever made?
Made one for Lance Klusner that was not much less than a cleft with a handle in. He did request 5" wide, but got the standard width.
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(http://i58.tinypic.com/nqusqv.jpg)
The bat looks a belter
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Really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.
What bat care regime would you recommend to get the best performance and a long life out of a bat, and does it include applying a scuff sheet (which is the subject of some debate on here)?
Thanks
We totally support the use of scuff sheet.
We just ask that the bat be respected, that it be remembered that it is a piece of naturally grown wood. Give it a chance in the early days and it will last well.
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What's better for feel and performance, long and flexible or nice and girthy? Bat handles, that is ;)
Well, like so many things, it is personal choice. How you are built and the style of player you are etc. will come into choosing what is comfortable.
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Hi Paul and Sally not the case about that last bit about cheap labour and all a CAD/CAM does is pre shape a bat whilst we still employ batmakers to finish and handle it allows us to make more and specialise but you have to remember and factor in the cost of the equipment in the first place.
It allows more volume quicker i do agree it allowed us to compete in the Unbranded market.
It is good to have you on board whats your thoughts on butterfly bats i saw a monster Bradbury Butterfly yesterday it went very well.
Love the bats BTW classy branding and a great heritage
Hi mate,
Thanks for the nice words.
Re CNC, we can only speak for ourselves on this one. We have had a CNC for twelve years and it has been great for processing and we refer to it as our labour force and completely get the cost component. We also get the amount or finishing needed after it has done it's bit. It allows more time and energy to custom handcraft for those customers that want it. :)
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About handles, does a stiff ( ex. double spring handle, 2 rubber) or a flex ( ex. triple spring handle, 3 rubber) effect performance in a substantial way? or is the difference between both very minimal?
thanks,
Again, this is a very personal choice, and some players are more receptive to the handle than others. At the moment, it is fair to say the pro's are liking thin and flexible, though this has resulted in a few more handles breaking than a standard handle. Wristy players tend to go with the thinner, more flexible handles too.
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Does the volume of wood in a bat make any difference to the way it plays/pings?
For example, 2 bats both 2lb 8oz have essentially the same profile. However one bat is bigger as it's made from a lower density cleft. Will there be any difference in performance between these 2 bats given all other conditions are equal (ie same pressing, no natural differences in the willow, etc)?
I would prefer to have a hit with them in this situation to have a go at answering this accurately.
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Hi Paul. Hope you are well. Do you remember the 2004 Baker Cup Final ?
Hope all is good. I played for Chard last season, where you are a local legend along with the other famous bat maker.
Cheers
Kieron
Hi Kieron,
I remember that well, County Ground. Somerset thought our amateur spikes would impact poorly on the hallowed centre wicket and I tripped and fell over the covers as I was about to catch you >:(.
You kept launching the ball into the scoreboard whilst our blokes kept bowling length. I couldn't get a hold of the ball to bowl some much needed yorkers !!
The legend is obviously my Sally who also played for Chard taking 4 fa on debut against Westlands.... were you one of her victims ?
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Do you still make bats for Michael Clark? And how many does he take per year?
We have never met Michael Clarke. We have been told he used to buy our bats from Kingsgrove Sports as a junior. Don't know if that is true Though.
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Hi Paul. Yes was just one of those lucky days
Yea remember that game against chard when Sally played and yes got me out. Can't remember the year but it must have been 25 years ago so Sally was a real trail blazer for women's cricket back then. There are a few more now including my daughter who is playing for Westland now. I think it's fantastic.
I played for chard last year but it was probably 1 season too many for me. It was good to catch up with Ivor and some of the other old boys though.
How's business anyway ? If you are looking for a new distributer in England give me a shout.
Say hi to Sally.
Cheers
Kieron
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Hi Paul. Yes was just one of those lucky days
Yea remember that game against chard when Sally played and yes got me out. Can't remember the year but it must have been 25 years ago so Sally was a real trail blazer for women's cricket back then. There are a few more now including my daughter who is playing for Westland now. I think it's fantastic.
I played for chard last year but it was probably 1 season too many for me. It was good to catch up with Ivor and some of the other old boys though.
How's business anyway ? If you are looking for a new distributer in England give me a shout.
Say hi to Sally.
Cheers
Kieron
Yep 1990. Fantastic fun and we won the league. Ivor and Judgy are great mates, I had dinner and a few pints with them last March in Ilminster. I hope to play at least one more game on that ground :)
Sally turned into a damn good player and much preferred the comaraderie associated with playing cricket with the lads at Chard and Crowcombe.
Business is good, very competetive nowadays.
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Who do you look up to in the bat making world?
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I am not sure how much longer Paul and Sally will be around as the have been doing the session for 2 1/2 hours already. But I will leave that up to them.
Just to say thanks to you both for your time, I have really enjoyed reading your answers, thoughts and comments.
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Yep 1990. Fantastic fun and we won the league. Ivor and Judgy are great mates, I had dinner and a few pints with them last March in Ilminster. I hope to play at least one more game on that ground :)
Sally turned into a damn good player and much preferred the comaraderie associated with playing cricket with the lads at Chard and Crowcombe.
Business is good, very competetive nowadays.
Yes Chard ground is looking nice now and the new club house is superb. Ivor and Judgy are top blockes and it was good to see them on a regular basis last season. Yes my daughter is more than happy to play cricket in the men's team and she is holding her own.
Glad business is good.
All the best
Kieron
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Who do you look up to in the bat making world?
Mohin Lal, formally employed by Sondhi's in Jalandhar
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Thanks for answering every question asked... Great stuff and one of the best Q&A's yet
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I am not sure how much longer Paul and Sally will be around as the have been doing the session for 2 1/2 hours already. But I will leave that up to them.
Just to say thanks to you both for your time, I have really enjoyed reading your answers, thoughts and comments.
It's been fun, hopefully haven't offended anyone! We will keep checking back.
Admin sent us a load of questions earlier in the week and we have answered them, just our thoughts :)
Here they are:
Why bat making?
It was really a case of an opportunity presented itself, and we made the most of it. Paul visited a local bat maker to get weight taken out of his bat, asked if they needed a hand he would be interested and it went from there. Sally's a career path after Uni that was diverted to the business demanded full time attention.
It’s interesting to read that you are both essentially self-taught bat makers? Who did you look to for inspiration and support?
The first exposure to the craft was with Julian Millichamp, so some of the basic finishing skills were picked up from M&H, but no effort in 4 years was made to formally instruct on crafting. It was not bat makers that inspired, rather questioning why things were done a certain way, and thinking of alternatives. Our strength was that we were both competent cricketers, which meant we spoke "fluent cricket" with team mates and nutted out innovations. So it would be fair to say we did not follow any existing batmakers (there are no batmakers where we are), we simmply combine what we both needed as players, applying principles of physics and basic design elements.
Who are your bat-making heroes?
Mohin Lal, formally employed by Sondhi's in Jalandhar
Are there any parts of the bat-making process that you struggle with more than others? What part of the process took longest to master?
Splicing and setting the handle was a big struggle. The first bats that we did this in were for Steve Waugh, and we were REALLY nervous watching him bat with them in the 1997 Ashes series.
Despite Sally’s success at Bradbury – why do you think podshaving is such a male-dominated profession?
More men play cricket. When we started Bradbury, we made a point of promoting Bradbury as being made by Paul, as in the 90's, real "MEN" did not want a bat made by a girl. They still got the bat made by a girl, they just did not know it. In India, where most podshavers ply their craft, women are not permitted to do skilled labour, so they are not given any opportunity. It is always about opportunity, it is not just podshaving, most professions are male dominated.
Can you tell just by looking at or holding a cleft whether it’s going to be a pig to work with?
So much depends on what mood I am in, how it is going to turn out!
A cricket bat is essentially a pressed blade with a cane handle – are there any innovations left to try out? Do you think the MCC laws regarding bats are a help or hindrance to makers?
MCC have never been any help, I do not know who they consult in the industry, but they have never consulted with us. There are always permutations available, dormant innovations in everything, otherwise, what is the point. We would be mere woodworkers if we did not challenge and innovate ideas.
How important is the handle in a cricket bat? Do you see any benefits in carbon inserts / hex handles?
I believe handles are a very integral part of the equipment. The contribution a handle makes to the overall performance of a bat is hard to measure, however, it is the point of human contact with a piece of equipment that, when on song, becomes an extension of the player, it is vital. The actual physical makeup of a handle has been played with a bit, we have always stuck with quality cane and rubber, because there is little argument to suggest anything is superior. We do not change unless there is a measurable improvement to be made. The trend for 2015 seems to be fuller backed bats – is this the end for concaving/scalloping? The past two seasons have seen a return to the fuller back, and more classic designs. The concave does take weight out, whilst leaving a big edge. It is merely a tool in the designers kit to use when required, and taking weight from a cleft will always be required.
The word ‘podshaving’ has been omitted from the OED due to lack of use. What do you think could or should be done to maintain the tradition of handcrafting cricket bats from scratch?
I am not bothered on retaining the word 'podshaver'. When it is used, I always have to explain myself anyway. I tend to refer to myself as a bat maker anyway. It is hard work making a bat, and bat makers get very little recognition these days due to marketing companies having the power of money to place their name on a bat despite who has made it. (The MCC almost passed a rule stating a bone fide batmaker were the only ones permitted to label a bat, but they could not go ahead with it, as it would take so much sponsorship dollar out from the players). In order to make any profit, economies of scale require certain numbers are maintained and these cannot be achieved through one person handcrafting from tree to completion. There is no living to be made by becoming working model in a museum. Whilst the craft may be entertaining and romantic for some, it certainly does not provide a lucrative return to encourage a few more people embrace it as a career.
Has anyone ever come to you with a truly original idea for a bat?
Nothing that the MCC would approve.
Are there things that you will always do the same way, despite innovations like CAD?
We use CAD (have done for 12 years now), and we use the most traditional skills, like the polishing with a bone. We use whatever technique is going to produce the best result for each case. At the moment, we are getting great results using a combination of CAD and traditional shaping. Basic shape through CAD that gives us a number of options in handcrafting, depending on the customer need.
A lot of media talk about modern bats makes it seem as if they’re unrecognisable from those used in the 80s and 90s. Are there any similarities or defining characteristics between the bats used by Mark Waugh and David Warner?
Mark Waugh used a 2.9 long blade, nothing David Warner could grow into! We do not make Warners bats. Steve Waugh insisted on a particular 2.8 with oval handle, very different to Mark who was not fussed.
Ignoring illegal requests like laminating, is there anything you’d refuse to do to a custom bat?
We do not make stupidly light weights that diminishes the integrity of a bat.
Have you experimented with timber other than English willow?
Yes, and that is all we are going to say.
Do you think that club players are too hasty in discarding bats in favour of new willow?
As a bat maker, and business owner, the discarding of bats equates to more sales.
How long should a Bradbury bat, well-prepared and looked after, last?
So much depends on actual use. To put a time to a bat lasting does not compare apples with apples. Some players will practice 4 or 5 times a week, and then get out for a low score in a game. We sometimes get a customer complaining a bat has not been used much in a game, when it has been belted in the nets. Steve Waugh broke a new bat after scoring 100 in each innings of a test match, we asked in to return it and we will make him another (just sign your name on it Steve and send it back). He did not oblige, just ordered more, saying he does not care if it does not last, as long as he gets 100 an innings with it. Having said all that, a season is about average here in Australia, as there is a lot of T20 that is very harsh on bats, given the style of practice required. As a bat maker, we are happy with 2 seasons from a bat, on average.
If you could have your time again, would you want to be a bat-maker in 2015, or stick to the era you started making in?
We have just come off a harsh season here in Oz, it is this time of the year that we question if we actually want to keep making cricket bats, and we always turn up again for another season! We do not like getting stuck anywhere, be it in an era, or a rut. I think every year/season brings new challenges. To be honest, Paul is completely devoted to bat making, Sally is easily distracted to other areas of interest, especially if it involves creativity and innovation.
Have you surpassed your expectations of where you wanted to be when you started out?
No, we tend to keep it real. We have worked really hard to be where we are, to be honest, we have a jolly long way to go before we are done.
I cribbed from your website that Ricky Ponting was a long-term user your bats; how many other Aussie players in that great team would have had your bats in their kit?
Out of the Aussies, it is hilarious looking back at who we have made for. In the mid to late 90's we were making for about 15 of the Aussies. Then throw in the English, Sri Lankans, Kiwis and South Africans and it reads like the who's who of cricket. We will never name current players that are using our bats. We tend not to do so much of it these days, bats available to all players are a bit better than they used to be. We are called on now and then, when the sponsors can't do what is required.
What were Ricky’s specifications? Was he fussy or did he take whatever you sent him?
We started making for a 17 year old Ricky, (as Paul was in the Tasmanian Squad with him). We made for him for over ten years, after which he got Kookaburra to copy our bats (became the Kahuna). By that time he was high up on the ladder and therefore got some very good attention from the Indian makers. He started at 2.8, went up to 2.11 at one stage, then finished at 2.9. He did not care about grains, it was all about pickup and ping.
When you make bats for pros, what is the general weight range requested? Has this changed from when you first started making?
Used to be 2.6 to 2.8, now, due to fitter players and the style of game the bats are heavier, more like 2.8 to 2.10
What effect has T20 cricket had on the way you make cricket bats? We have not changed the way we make the bats, players do not change what they need.
Batsmen these days are often guilty of using bats with edge stamps for companies different to the ‘maker’s name’ on the face. Do you think that this is fair on the manufacturer, or do you think that where the bat really came from should be acknowledged?
Rarely does the manufacturer get their name on the bat anyway, edge or face. Since when has bat branding been fair to the manufacturer post 1980?
Is there a role for outsourcing bat-making to mass-producing factories?
95% bats are made this way, so there is clearly a role for this.
What’s the best advice that you have for a start-up maker? How do you make an impact on a market crowded by stickered up bog standard shaped sub-continental bats?
We would like to think that quality will always be respected within a market. However, bat making as a start up should be considered like any start up business, do a sound, realistic business plan and do not be biased by the romance of the craft. What may be enjoyable on a scale similar to a hobby, will be under strain when challenged under the pressures of business. Like anything, it is competition out there, and you have to be able to compete to survive.
We’re seeing more runs, boundaries and sixes than ever before, especially in the World Cup. What would be your three suggestions to improve ODI cricket?
Make the fence the boundary, use one ball for the fifty overs and unlimited bouncers would be a good start.
Having worked in both Australia and the UK, which country do you feel has the fussiest customers?
AUSTALIA without a doubt.
As an Australian, what makes a good sledge?
Silence, nothing is more powerful and unnerving.
Finally ... Who will win the Ashes this summer?
There is only one answer!
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Hi Paul or Sally,
I wanted to ask another question if you don't mind.
Someone bought a Bradbury Cricket Bat from Owzatt Cricket and the interesting thing was that it had two springs at the bottom of the toe, going parallel to each other. Something like the springs you see at the top of the handle.
Can you please explain the concept further if possible, i am assuming it was done to make the toe stronger?
thanks,
Ali
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Hi Ali,
That was something we did 3 or 4 seasons ago .
It was to prevent toes from splitting from front to back. We stopped doing it due to customers' adverse reaction.
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Thanks to Paul and Sally for taking the time to answer all the questions. A great read.
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What are the Bradbury's thoughts on good bats and the use of bowling machines?
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Do you have any pictures of a Mark Waugh profile?
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No,
We didn't use to take photo's .
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If you had to use one bat, by another (mainstream) batmaker, what would you go for?
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If you had to use one bat, by another (mainstream) batmaker, what would you go for?
I am not brand driven in anything. Having played a lot of cricket and made them for 25 yrs I would advise you look beyond the stickers and endorsements.There is so much hype about bats, in the end it is about how it feels and how the ball comes off ( test it in the shop or walk out ).
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What are the Bradbury's thoughts on good bats and the use of bowling machines?
We all try and bat like Brian Lara against a bowling machine, and like ourselves in a match. Unless you are happy to wear your favourite bat out quiclky ( especially in winter when the balls turn to marble !), Personally I would save my gooden for matchday.
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'we all bat like Lara against a bowling machine and ourselves in a game'
Ha ha so true