Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Bat Making => Topic started by: Chad on October 08, 2021, 11:48:21 AM
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I'll have to make a proper introduction on this post, so treat this as a placeholder for now! Big shout out though to @jonny77 , @Perkins17 , @hell4leather cricket , Rob Pack, @wilkie113 , @procricket @hit4six and a bunch of others for all the help - from showing me how to use the tools, suggesting setup plans and how best to go about it, helping sharpen my tools and prepare partmades, showing me some techniques and also encouraging me to give it a shot. (The list goes on, and certainly doesn't include how to drill a hole straight...)
Finally getting round to updating this post - here is a pic of the setup. (Do excuse how messy it is, and hardly state of the art or organised, but it's functional!)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDBxV4pg/20211104-005148.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WDWfbBPB)
For the main hand tools, I currently use:
- Narrow Round Bottomed Plane
- Wider Round Bottomed Plane
- Flat Bottomed Smoothing Plane
- Wooden Spokeshave for shaping handles
- Windsor Travisher (Very expensive, but also delightful to use)
- Stubai Drawknife
(https://i.postimg.cc/zXcrN9vx/20211104-005201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/56LGqKwz)
I also have a drum sander which was indirectly purchased from @hit4six off the person who bought it off him. I have coupled this with a Record Power extractor with a Dust Hood. I pop this behind the sander while stuck onto my powertool storage boxes. (Agricultural, but works.)
(https://i.postimg.cc/q78V8qLF/20211104-005138.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtM5rkWc)
And of course, we can't forget the PPE, so we have a Dust mask, goggles and ear muffs. (Extractors are loud)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dw4KwBbn/20211104-005254.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXnYC8r5)
My trusty Record 24 vice and also a makeshift rest, which was made from some off cuts that came with the self assemble bench, and also some polystyrene. (Unfortunately, not all of us have furniture makers as friends, who will make us a posh leather one @jonny77 :D )
(https://i.postimg.cc/d0Mckr8d/20211104-005313.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tszM81vC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QC6rHzbx/20211104-005318.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1Fnn8J0)
And lastly, my Festool extractor and orbital sander for finishing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tTYcBgty/20211104_004301.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhHQR45Z)
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Okay, so first bat I've ever shaped up, and it was difficult! I used a GM Maxi old style bat for the edge template and also as reference for swell position. I wanted to make a small edged convex bat with a high spine. Shaping is actually very difficult, and easy to get wrong from my limited experience so far - much more respect for the Masters who do it so easily!
This ended up weighing in at 2lb 11.5oz with grip and some fake stickers. Pictures taken without the stickers ofc, and was weight a smidgen above 2lb 11oz. :)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gpqr455C/20211008-000200.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3t1FBs2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5zJ23d1/20211008-000216.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLvVJDvX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jjstdbvc/20211008-000404.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zHLchTK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tRfqd8CR/20211008-000411.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NL6vBJHZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDk4CyvF/20211008-000420.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bG74jkNz)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pLQPHTQy/20211008-000505.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJsckmbM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/85YSHrGX/20211008-000516.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MM1NZHv1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtyq5nL2/20211008-002045.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8jTQ5Rdc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vT6dSHHY/20211008-002103.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D4FDShXH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8PNSbDgS/20211008-002120.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhy6SkGy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Qxmr4PjW/20211008-002134.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HVrKj6cp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0jqqF167/20211008-002209.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WFSKqKw4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fLdN8Rbw/20211008-002218.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/phP4Tx87)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sfpzSx8m/20211008-002227.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mh2KWLT1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJtHHvPw/20211008-002237.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/q6RFsL1x)
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Cracking effort that!! Where did you get the cleft?
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Hey man that is a really good effort that and better than some who are actually calling themselves makers and charging.
Top effort
Maybe it the piano but that looks really good mate to work
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Very decent effort for your first attempt! I’ve got to reiterate what Dave says…
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Great first effort!
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Cracking effort that!! Where did you get the cleft?
Hi @JB , thanks for the kind words - this is a H4L cleft, but I think this one I got from @hit4six when he had to stop Crossbat Cricket. Had a decent amount of wood in it, was around 3lb 2oz, and would have allowed a spine up to close to 70mm I think. :)
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Hey man that is a really good effort that and better than some who are actually calling themselves makers and charging.
Top effort
Maybe it the piano but that looks really good mate to work
Hahaha the piano helps for sure, probably helps hide a multitude of sins! I have you to thank, you were one of the ones who encouraged me to give it a shot! Thoroughly enjoyable :)
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Cracking job that Chad
Be careful tho as it’s very addictive
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Cracking job that Chad
Be careful tho as it’s very addictive
Thanks Mark for the kind words - I dunno how you get yours to look awesome so consistently and quickly - this took me ages to get to a state that I was kind of happy with! Yes, it is definitely addictive - it was so enjoyable to see it slowly take shape. I wasn't too happy with the bat pre-finishing, as felt I had ruined the flow of the profile, but can't judge the shaping till the final sanding is done haha. :)
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Great work mate.
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That looks a cracker mate. Finish looks super clean for a first bat. And the willow looks great too.
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Chadders that's a fantastic looking bat, and a 'proper' shape too :)
To be fair, the amount of willow you're packing you should know a thing or two about a profile ;)
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Cracking effort that chad and you should be really proud of how that turned out for a first attempt mate, big fan of that shape as well.
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That looks awesome, I would be very happy to use a bat like that.
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That looks a cracker mate. Finish looks super clean for a first bat. And the willow looks great too.
Thanks - the willow quality kudos must go to Matt and James at @hell4leather cricket , they've been superb to deal with, and I need to write up my visit soon!
Chadders that's a fantastic looking bat, and a 'proper' shape too :)
To be fair, the amount of willow you're packing you should know a thing or two about a profile ;)
Glad you like the shape! This cleft just happened to have quite a large spine capability, so went and made this one up out of it. All the wood down the centre of the bat rather than towards the edges. Why should I be rewarded for not hitting the ball in areas they shouldn't be hit? :D
Cracking effort that chad and you should be really proud of how that turned out for a first attempt mate, big fan of that shape as well.
Thank you Chris, means a lot coming from someone who's made their fair share of bats haha. It's not easy, dunno how folks can bash out more than 1 a day, I was really struggling, but worth it in the end. :)
That looks awesome, I would be very happy to use a bat like that.
Thanks Buzz for the kind words - if we happen to be at the same forum net, I may bring it along with me! :)
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Not surprised that you choose this shape!
Beautifully made first bat! Well done!
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I have updated the initial post with pictures of my setup currently. Will have a few more bits and bobs in terms of tools, but think that'll be me done for now. The only other things I can think of to add is potentially a bat slot on the bench with some cushioning, so I can knock bats in on a surface, and also a lathe is a must have for binding. I HATE binding by hand...
Anyways, after reading a comment that somewhat made me feel that members feel these kinds of threads are redundant, or just don't spark them with interest anymore, I figured I'd give the format a little bit of a rejig, and take folks through what I set out to achieve, what I found challenging, where I screwed up and what I've learned through each bat I post up. I'll also try keep it to 1 bat per post, so rather than just dumping pictures and being like 'Look at what I've made!' - I'll be a little more critical of my own work, so I don't just try to bash out tonnes of bats without ever really finishing them. (I have about 3 of my own still to bind, and also 6 that @hit4six rough shaped which were wonderful, and 2 others that @wilkie113 shaped up many moons ago) I'm hoping we can all learn something from these future posts - and please do give me critique on things, as I want to make this enjoyable for myself to write, and also enjoyable for you guys to read and look at pictures. :)
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Bat 2:
Edge template - Old BAS Shadow
Spine template - Improvised
Weight with grip and binding - 2lb 10.6oz
Learning aims:
- I decided to try some concaving with this one and try to learn how to use my round bottomed plane. (For any that haven't dabbled in batmaking yet, hand tools can take a while to get used to, and require small adjustments)
- I also wanted to have the spine through the toe
- I had initially set out to try to copy the BAS Shadow, but the spine on the cleft wouldn't quite allow for it, so just improvised and shaped what felt right.
- I wanted to angle the toe
Where I messed up:
- Concaving can be quite difficult to get even. I'm sure on this bat, it's not even at all at any given point, but so long as I've attempted to try keep it even, that's okay - it's handmade afterall, and it's my 2nd bat.
- I can't blend the back shoulder on the RH outside edge too well with what I'm currently doing
- Finishing isn't great, some knicks with the plane went in deep
Notes I took away:- Using a drum sander can be scary, but helps HEAPS in getting it so the back isn't bumpy from where tools get stuck
- The round bottomed plane was actually a joy to use
- I see what people mean when they say Butterfly can be hard to work with, or any other blemishes
- Try not to use the drawknife to do too much, no matter how comfortable you feel with it compared to other tools. It's very easy to make a mistake with it!
- Spend that extra time going through grits, and try not to skip any grits
Face, back and profile:
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrL8p1HX/20211115-014010.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D8TzRJmH) (https://i.postimg.cc/PJ0JzFHt/20211115-014028.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBcnnLXh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5yXjzWZ7/20211115-014053.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgMHdw4L)
(https://i.postimg.cc/c48r4Z76/20211115-014108.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhMpb5sw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sXX2FRDj/20211115-014122.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyzxmFDF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pTXm2Fkt/20211115-014136.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8F9p4sqy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8P8rvjzL/20211115-014159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dDB1PQd0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/X7wBk4rm/20211115-014224.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6ypQ9sLf)
Check to see if I followed my lines somewhat correctly without too many bumps:
(https://i.postimg.cc/8z6KHFRD/20211115-015348.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xX93j1pF) (https://i.postimg.cc/cHm5nVQn/20211115-015138.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/47Y5C22f)
(https://i.postimg.cc/htTzMghN/20211115-014018.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fVWRTGcv) (https://i.postimg.cc/ydQkW8r3/20211115-014035.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7GzxWw4q)
Shoulder Blending:
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZg16hp7/20211115-011024.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGv425wP) (https://i.postimg.cc/8cXM8HV3/20211115-011030.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K3LRBtjr)
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Fabulous profile and finishing Chad, looks like you've made huge leaps since your last bat
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Wow!
#2 is stamped "2"! Solid.
How goes #1 in terms of ping and rebound? Huge profile!
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Looks great chad for a 2nd attempt!
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Are you going to be using them?
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Top work mate. Seen the 1st one in the flesh and its a nice feeling stick. Not sure I've seen anyone commit so much, so quickly 😆 You've deffo got the bug. Great effort, i applaud it!
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I’m still new to the forum, so maybe the novelty hasn’t worn off for me yet, but I really like seeing other people’s efforts. Even more so if it’s their first try, or they show the process and pitfalls.
And that is a lovely bat too, great effort!
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I’m still new to the forum, so maybe the novelty hasn’t worn off for me yet, but I really like seeing other people’s efforts. Even more so if it’s their first try, or they show the process and pitfalls.
And that is a lovely bat too, great effort!
I second this. I really enjoy seeing members make bats!
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Hunts shoulders. ;)
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If I managed to do that in my second attempt I would be convinced that I was the second coming of Millichamp. Great effort!
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Fabulous profile and finishing Chad, looks like you've made huge leaps since your last bat
Thank you @jamesisapayne - this one I actually made pretty soon after the 1st bat. I think I went into a mad frenzy and ended up shaping about 5 bats in just over a week, and gradually went through the finishing process after. I refinished a lot of them once I got the drum sander working, as well as sanded some of the absolute belters that @hit4six shaped up. I wasn't too happy with this one initially, but actually after finishing, it flowed much better!
Wow!
#2 is stamped "2"! Solid.
How goes #1 in terms of ping and rebound? Huge profile!
Hahaha best be simple, and so I can keep a track of how many I've personally made. Number 1 has a pretty long middle - Number 2 I suspect will offer more for your more aggressive batsman who isn't afraid to throw hands at the ball, while number 1 will probably offer more to a more technically correct batsman who focusses on middling more. Pressed by H4L, who press very well. Once knocked and played in, they should get even better!
Looks great chad for a 2nd attempt!
Thanks - admittedly it was the 2nd I rough shaped, I did a bunch of finishing on numerous bats after I made the first one start to finish. (Just really wanted to avoid hand binding!) I finished bat 3 before finishing off this one!
Are you going to be using them?
Hi mate - perhaps, but really, I've got a larger collection than most people on here probably realise - some of which are absolutely spectacular. It would feel (for me anyways) a little bit sacrilege to use a shoddily shaped bat made by myself over a bat made start to finish from a proper batmaker. There will be some I keep as a memento, so probably the first one I've made, and also maybe the odd one I'm pleased with!
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Top work mate. Seen the 1st one in the flesh and its a nice feeling stick. Not sure I've seen anyone commit so much, so quickly 😆 You've deffo got the bug. Great effort, i applaud it!
Thanks @jonny77 - means a lot coming from someone in the business like yourself. :) I try not to look too much at the first one, as no doubt I'll want to refinish it after I find something off to the point where it's unacceptable :D
I’m still new to the forum, so maybe the novelty hasn’t worn off for me yet, but I really like seeing other people’s efforts. Even more so if it’s their first try, or they show the process and pitfalls.
And that is a lovely bat too, great effort!
Your threads are incredible - please keep up the geekery! Glad you took your time to have a read and look :)
Hunts shoulders. ;)
They had some of the best shoulder blending around IMO - I'll take that as a compliment :D In all seriousness though, my shoulder blending (And everything else!) has a looong way to go before I can even be mentioned in the same sentence as any other batmaker, nevermind Hunts!
If I managed to do that in my second attempt I would be convinced that I was the second coming of Millichamp. Great effort!
One of my batmaking heroes. I'd be lucky to even be worthy of sweeping his workshop and seeing him work - even if I'd done this for years. I do regret selling on the only SCAT I've ever laid my hands on...
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Hi mate - perhaps, but really, I've got a larger collection than most people on here probably realise - some of which are absolutely spectacular. It would feel (for me anyways) a little bit sacrilege to use a shoddily shaped bat made by myself over a bat made start to finish from a proper batmaker. There will be some I keep as a memento, so probably the first one I've made, and also maybe the odd one I'm pleased with!
Haha, I’ve seen photos of what you’ve posted, substantial is one word for it :D It would be a shame not to keep your first stick you’re proud of.
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Well done Chad , Great work ,🥳
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Bat 3:
Edge template - GM Maxi (Old School)
Spine template - An attempt at making an M&H Distinction off pictures...
Weight with grip and binding - 2lb 10.5oz
Notable features - Spine height is around 69-70mm at peak. Probably the most difficult profile to do out of the 7 I've tried to make...
Learning aims:
- I decided to try replicate a Distinction with this particular cleft, as the spine height was pretty high! After umming and ah-ing, I decided to try the higher middled version...
- I wanted to try make sure I kept the spine as central as possible, and tried to keep the concaving as even as I could throughout
- I wanted to try achieve the sweeping nature of the high spine that was so distinct about the Distinction. (Sorry, I had to.)
Pictures I worked with:
Distinction Low: (Might try at a later date)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qBs7vhGY/Screenshot-20211008-215521-Chrome.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TQKHQgL)
Distinction High:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hn9WZRxH/Screenshot-20211008-215633-Chrome.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sG1R1n70)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvPS9X6m/Screenshot-20211008-221126-You-Tube.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mcx21Z1B)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wT9jyqfB/Screenshot_20211008-221152_YouTube.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDhmLmdr)(https://i.postimg.cc/jSFxFzsW/Screenshot_20211008-221204_YouTube.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DS13W44F)(https://i.postimg.cc/NMhggB2B/Screenshot_20211008-221212_YouTube.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtLfwfG5)(https://i.postimg.cc/15M5Dk2r/Screenshot_20211008-221251_YouTube.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D8JTTM2S)(https://i.postimg.cc/kgB9KBx7/fe3af41e3a7deaf733560015bcd90e7a--cricket-bat-bats.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)(https://i.postimg.cc/T3Fx9f9g/Millichamp-Hall-Distinction-Cricket-Bat.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/L6y2Jzgy/millichamp-hall-distinction-cricket-bat-p608-1327-image.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Where I messed up:- I kept refinishing this bat. I couldn't quite handle how many bumps and knicks it had, which just ruined the flow of it IMO.
- The shape isn't really like a Distinction, I didn't get the sweep correct, nor did I get the spine high enough. (It ended up being more of an oversized traditional profile with concaving)
- The toe I had to reduce because I lost the profile flow lower down by going a bit too deep
- I can't blend the back shoulder on the RH outside edge too well with what I'm currently doing (Same as bat 2) - I'll need to watch more videos of how others blend their shoulders, and see if I can learn anything from them.
- Finishing isn't great, I do have some wobbles along the spine.
- The edges don't quite match, but then again, the template bat I used for the edges wasn't quite matched either due to being an older and used bat.
- I hit a spot on the bat on the back just under the splice, where the wood did not shave off as expected. (Pictured below during the shaping and also in the finished state
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdmTWs0Y/20211009_133449.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3z9GLxN)(https://i.postimg.cc/t4CJfqWc/20211009_133456.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LnwmgMyk)(https://i.postimg.cc/tCz72ZZP/20211118_211832.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7ffxLLNY)
Notes I took away:
- For this bat especially, I can see why having sharp tools is beneficial - but also being able to see that the wood isn't quite behaving as expected was also a valuable learning lesson.
- Again, try use the drawknife for what it's intended for. (I did some of the concaving by drawknife) Occasionally I would catch the spine or edge incorrectly and have to reshape a bit.
- I see what people mean when they say blemishes can make the shaping difficult
- It's difficult to copy a profile based on pictures
Admission...
Now's a good time to admit that after snapping pictures 2 nights ago, I saw just how bumpy the bat looked from angles. As nice as pictures can be on a piano, they also don't mask poorly shaped lines... Here's some before and afters of the MINIMAL difference I made by sanding a bit more... I'm still not quite fully happy with it, but it's not quite as triggering as it was before...
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKbTM2CB/20211115-015408.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyM8TPc6) (https://i.postimg.cc/dDcsvqbC/20211118_211542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kRw3vdXM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/WbtfdYtd/20211115-015159.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6yJhS0rK) (https://i.postimg.cc/CM3kdbYG/20211118_211603.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Dmc8MJS0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JHdRVtB/20211115-014327.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtMq7Y9L) (https://i.postimg.cc/Z5cdfgNH/20211118_211441.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jss00pPH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/V6rdr8y7/20211115-014354.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2bYzMgSv) (https://i.postimg.cc/pT95LL6c/20211118_211504.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Vr8k7m1X)
Face, back and profile:
(https://i.postimg.cc/X79F5X7T/20211118_211428.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHhHwLDQ) (https://i.postimg.cc/L8RP3RJh/20211118_211450.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZC70JGFh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FFd09TtF/20211118_211621.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ThxK0qYB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNkb2RB8/20211118_211636.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXNjdV5y)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CxP5p34x/20211118_211655.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9D9CGNS6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/90dz3zL6/20211118_211714.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wq4sgpL8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/kMK2Rh7T/20211118_211732.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVN8Rm97)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MH2Xr1m0/20211118_211810.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/S2dyn25j)
Help!
Any tips or tricks as to how I can achieve that sweeping spine would be massively appreciated! I think where I messed up is where I tapered too early after the peak, and also too gradually. I feel that the profile itself holds that spine peak for longer, and then swoops down and then tapers into a more gradual reduction into the splice. Also, how do I prevent those annoying wobbles/sand them out?!
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Well done Chad , Great work ,🥳
Thank you Matt/James for taking time to read/reply - you were both a massive help in getting me set up, providing clefts and accommodating in my 2 visits. :D Will be down to visit at some point in the near future hopefully - I don't normally like the feeling of weight at the back of the car, but knowing it was part mades last time I left made me drive extra careful haha.
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great efforts mate, if you want to chat about shoulder blending or anything else drop me a message - more than happy to help.
Re the spine flow, I think its a bit of an optical illusion that you could create by concaving through into the toe, essentially, when you add concaving it pushes the swell appearance a little lower, if you look at the differences between the pics of yours, and the pics of the distinction toe up in the IJC review, the toe is heavily concaved on the original, but is full on yours, im not sure how far that convex bit extends up the bat, but even if its 10-20mm or so it can change the appearance of a bat 'flow' a fair amount.
looks like youve certainly got a bit of a knack to this bat shaping lark though!
look forward to seeing some more.
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Looking good Chad - one key thing I'd say about that sweeping spine shape is that it isn't possible with every cleft. Getting the spine height that you need higher up the blade does need a decent amount of wood left up there, and some makers process their clefts in a way that takes quite a lot off near the handle.
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great efforts mate, if you want to chat about shoulder blending or anything else drop me a message - more than happy to help.
Re the spine flow, I think its a bit of an optical illusion that you could create by concaving through into the toe, essentially, when you add concaving it pushes the swell appearance a little lower, if you look at the differences between the pics of yours, and the pics of the distinction toe up in the IJC review, the toe is heavily concaved on the original, but is full on yours, im not sure how far that convex bit extends up the bat, but even if its 10-20mm or so it can change the appearance of a bat 'flow' a fair amount.
looks like youve certainly got a bit of a knack to this bat shaping lark though!
look forward to seeing some more.
Thanks @LEACHY48 - perhaps I should have ran the travisher/plane through the toe more aggressively, or maybe worked at it on a sander. I guess in the end, very much a stylistic thing which each batmaker would do differently. Enjoying this nonetheless, even if I obsess a fair bit on trying to match a shape - feels pretty difficult to achieve from pictures, but I also think this profile itself is a pretty difficult shape to achieve!
Looking good Chad - one key thing I'd say about that sweeping spine shape is that it isn't possible with every cleft. Getting the spine height that you need higher up the blade does need a decent amount of wood left up there, and some makers process their clefts in a way that takes quite a lot off near the handle.
Thanks @edge - you have a good point there. I guess I'd have to look into getting slightly larger handles and possibly working from as minimally processed a cleft as possible. I believe this one had been machined somewhat, but was a slightly larger one, so allowed for a higher spine. :) Will probably look to get some oversized clefts, as I want to give this profile another crack. :)
Side note - if anyone spots a M&H old school styled Distinction, Amplus etc, drop me a line! The CK series onwards I'm not so fussed about...
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Been a while since I've updated this, been quietly churning away the odd bat here and there, just binding is a pain, and I've got a fair backlog haha.
Bat 4:
Profile template - A H4L Butterfly bat
Weight with grip and binding - 2lb 11.2oz
Weight of template - 2lb 11.5oz
Grade of willow - G3
Notable features - The willow itself has a fair few knots, and was quite difficult to work with at some points. Lovely piece though, and performs nicely.
Learning Aims:
- Wanted to make a lower middled bat, and with a fairly chunky edge
- Trying to duckbill (Ended up not really achieving this)
- Just liked the look of the profile, and thought that it should be somewhat achievable at a medium weight
- I actually got a polishing wheel and machine recently, so refinished this post bind, so was trying to get a decent finish
(https://i.postimg.cc/0ycQtTcS/20220108-011844.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mP1Bk5xZ) (https://i.postimg.cc/PrbNDpD2/20220108-011906.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cz1FTKmq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jqmSm6H8/20220108-012237.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjN7mWyg) (https://i.postimg.cc/28WSDqTC/20220108-012228.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYXjd4Lc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0h02gDD/20220108-011739.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ty8GDJGV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8cqHtKm/20220108-013719.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKZXZgYN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5RFbLVH/20220108-012205.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wRd8pzM7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zDcy5YrF/20220108-013731.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RqwSQ8qW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hjHhLVM3/20220108-011817.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJ30YJwK) (https://i.postimg.cc/mDZPZbk8/20220108-013740.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWDvB3qX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFqvbqN5/20220108-012216.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhVfNJsj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fypyvmKr/20220108-013751.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K37mGKCP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qvkqxJX0/20220108-011802.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6ymB9Nm1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hjCffH7g/20220108-013825.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9HgnC4P)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fbVw8J34/20220108-020157.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKNyH1MT) (https://i.postimg.cc/T37djr3q/20220108-020213.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3kGQY0pd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/j5JSSLK6/20220108-020551.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MPst5zr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2y7m1WtW/20220108-015915.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JH0SgsM7)
Where I messed up:
- The edge isn't quite matching on both sides - I've accidentally caught the edge at the toe either with a handtool or the sander. (I've forgotten which as it was a while back I made this)
- Didn't manage to get the duckbill going
- It's a little bumpy on the side of the back with those knots - I think I could have taken less out with tools and sanded more to achieve a smoother finish
- The spine profile isn't too far off, but is a touch bumpy
Notes I took away:
- Again, I shouldn't take away so much by tools, but I don't like sanding too much haha
- Much easier to make an attempted copy when there's the actual bat in front of you
- I REALLY hate binding, I need to get a proper lathe to bind
- The finish wasn't too bad! I think I need to take more care sanding, aa the point of the polish and buff is to enhance the efforts put in, not really to hide any chunks that may have been taken out
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Unfortunately, we had a leak, and bat 5 suffered pretty badly from that, so we'll skip it for now...
Bat 6:
Profile template - Keeley Superior
Weight with grip and binding - 2lb 10.3oz
Weight of template - 2lb 10.6oz double gripped
Grade of willow - Butterfly
Notable features - The piece of willow was pretty damn nice to work with. I actually ended up making it thicker in the toe, but decided to trim it down to match the profile aesthetic, but kind of wish I just left it now, as the toe is a bit on the thin side... There's a lovely bit of butterfly stain right up at the handle/shoulder area at the back, which made blending the shoulders there a bit more difficult, but should add strength to the bat overall. I believe the spine height is also higher on the copy just to allow for a larger bat higher up, and the duckbill is probably a touch more aggressive than on the Keeley
Learning Aims:
- Just to try match the overall profile flow a bit more accurately than the last attempt
- Try duckbilling
- Have some deviations to the profile by having a slightly thicker shoulder and handle, without affecting the look of the profile too much
- Again, practice my polishing on this as I had already bound this one by hand a while back
(https://i.postimg.cc/QxcKqY2g/20220108-011933.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dJw81JW) (https://i.postimg.cc/9Qp46RFr/20220108-011940.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZWWK3qNS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3x74fChs/20220108-011951.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXYnXFXp) (https://i.postimg.cc/v8J6fwNH/20220108-012002.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDvBwkyp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZMQnptF/20220108-012051.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pyvT7xwf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6Qf7N7W8/20220108-013910.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FskRzrG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/907CCSdL/20220108-012109.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2BWxdPX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VN8ST98y/20220108-013920.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjmQPKbN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNffnKwN/20220108-012122.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87YgVBj8) (https://i.postimg.cc/nznDs4RK/20220108-013934.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mc6DJHGh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/V6Tzy1CS/20220108-012138.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJKwHwgY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9FDqqFpk/20220108-013947.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bqNTvhG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ThvGw9Qf/20220108-012030.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2LGg9nPK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8c5f41Vj/20220108-014001.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9R6fFH0h)
(https://i.postimg.cc/L6S8m9Wf/20220108-020408.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4n8g5gsN) (https://i.postimg.cc/prfVK4mp/20220108-020440.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n9LtJdYJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zdzSpx5/20220108-020509.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWqhd4yt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LXfmMwBN/20220108-015936.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Fd9MyP6L)
Where I messed up:
- Apparently binding is meant to be pulled through the back, not the front. (Oops)
- Edges aren't quite equal - I should try practice making MDF traces of one of the edges instead of just using both edges on the bat. (Will be especially important if copying used bats)
- Maybe could have left a little more in the toe area, but I guess it overall improves the pickup
Notes I took away:
- I really enjoyed making this profile, and I don't think I was too far off, especially since I wanted the shoulders and handle to be thicker
- I REALLY need to setup a proper lathe to bind
- Spending extra time on sanding and polishing is worth it, I felt a lot more satisfied with this particular piece. :)
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Fantastic work, Chad! 😍 a beautiful looking butterfly cleft too!
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Oof - the Keeley replica is lovely, great job! I really like the look of it. And I think I prefer your toe shape to the original. Can you tell any difference with the pick-up of them both?
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Lovely work Chad! Very similar to the Keeley and I'm sure you are very proud of this beauty.
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Top work @Chad and the fact you can identify the areas to improve and share these is testimony to the care you take to aim for perfection.
Think that Keeley is a great attempt mate especially the convex profile.
Quick and easy option is some craft card as it’s got enough stiffness to allow a template to be made and used on a couple of occasions and you can easily cut it out with a Stanley knife or scissors and then when you happy can transfer to a MDF template if it’s one you want to use again
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@Chad, what is more satisfying:buying The Bat you're looking for? Or making a Bat you're trying to make? 🤔🙂
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Fantastic work, Chad! 😍 a beautiful looking butterfly cleft too!
Thanks mate, I really loved this cleft, and I was actually happy with how this attempt turned out! Just wait till I finish up those you had shaped - there were some absolutely stunning ones in there! :)
Oof - the Keeley replica is lovely, great job! I really like the look of it. And I think I prefer your toe shape to the original. Can you tell any difference with the pick-up of them both?
Thank you! The Keeley Superior is really pleasing to the eye. :) In terms of pick-up, they're both really quite similar - I'd say the Superior edges it as it does have the second grip and weigh a little bit more, but pretty similar! The slightly trimmer toe, thicker handle and shoulders would have helped with the copy, but I also had a larger bulk in the middle, so just about balances it out!
Lovely work Chad! Very similar to the Keeley and I'm sure you are very proud of this beauty.
Thanks mate - I was pretty happy with how this turned out, I've not really done anything exactly the same, but still trying to find my own style with shaping etc. :)
Top work @Chad and the fact you can identify the areas to improve and share these is testimony to the care you take to aim for perfection.
Think that Keeley is a great attempt mate especially the convex profile.
Quick and easy option is some craft card as it’s got enough stiffness to allow a template to be made and used on a couple of occasions and you can easily cut it out with a Stanley knife or scissors and then when you happy can transfer to a MDF template if it’s one you want to use again
Thanks Chris - yes, the key thing is to try challenge myself to make different profiles, but also make them well! Gotta accept that I'll cock up at times, and things won't work out the way I wanted. (I've made a few more bats than the ones I've shown, and attempted some absolutely disastrous looking shapes) I'll keep it in mind with the craft cards, I've used some thin plywood, but it is a pain to cut out! Think I'll need to bite the bullet and get a bandsaw or something like that!
@Chad, what is more satisfying:buying The Bat you're looking for? Or making a Bat you're trying to make? 🤔🙂
I'd say they're both pretty different forms of satisfaction. The process is very satisfying in making a bat for sure, but nothing quite beats unwrapping a bat I've really wanted and admiring it.
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Yikes, has been a long time since I've updated this - still dabbling away at some bats, but I think I went through a phase of having numerous unfinished bats floating around. I also stopped numbering them and being organised. :-[
But here's an attempt to copy a H4L shape that I really quite like. I have a tendency to use the heavier clefts first, so this one is quite the brute, weighing in at just under 3lb bound with a heavier grip. (2oz grip)
Bat number 20 ish?
Profile template - H4L mid with minimal concaving
Weight and grip with binding - 2lb 15 3/4oz
Weight of template - Approx 2lb 10oz
Grade of willow - 3
Notable features - Quite a clean piece, but with a knot at the toe, and also some blemishes higher up the blade on the back of RH inside half. There's a blemish pretty much just above the sweetspot, which makes a lovely crack when tapping up, so should be ab absolute gun. Definitely not the easiest piece to work with, especially after a fairly lengthy break from shaping, but overall think I made the correct decision by leaving a fair chunk of the shaping for the sander to deal with.
Learning Aims:
- Get used to the drum sander a little more
- Really take my time with the sanding and finishing
- Treat it as a therapeutic release
- Improve shoulder blend/sanding
- Try out new lathe
Post Rough Shape and then post sand:
(https://i.postimg.cc/fT9YnhdX/20220815-225352.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhtvYZbq) (https://i.postimg.cc/Bb8Hnrwr/20220811-211424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bShs6BPg)
Compared with the H4L:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hnf5c6qV/20220812-001147.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5QSjDSNV) (https://i.postimg.cc/Ss1cqSVL/20220812-003111.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BLDjBGrt)
Blank and without stickers:
(https://i.postimg.cc/G2mvZ8Ph/20220815-225647.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7g7C0Sz) (https://i.postimg.cc/rpJSnCrP/20220815-225932.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z9WB0Nj8)
Lastly - with some lovely Pryzm Pure stickers:
(https://i.postimg.cc/ydxSfqBD/20220815-224101.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwV55FDT) (https://i.postimg.cc/nLjHnWND/20220815-224127.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3mrRgSS) (https://i.postimg.cc/FHbczgDH/20220815_224112.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZJdFn77) (https://i.postimg.cc/PqtDwpRz/20220815_224142.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pm6yNTxp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k507Gcdh/20220815_230128.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXfBtcRW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzW3w9vJ/20220815_230144.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8JhCrmv6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vvb08jJ1/20220815_224154.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2LrSdLdX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9z5RFr99/20220815_230205.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wq8b5pXp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFw4HHSC/20220815_230223.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34rsMW0z)
General feelings:
All in all, quite happy with this attempt - I didn't actually do much concaving using tools, but actually did the majority of it using the drum sander. The bat itself picks up quite nicely to me, one where it doesn't feel its weight, but again, you could it isn't a light bat. I think I chose the right style of profile with this particular piece, especially to try enhance what the blemish in the wood offers, and made the right decision to just make a heavy bat from a heavy cleft. Managed to keep the edge at around 40mm (39.5mm on my calipers), and the spine at 63-64mm, and very elongated. I also think the sticker selection was just about spot on, the white background and blue compliment the sapwood very nicely. :)
Things to improve on:
- I'm still not too happy on some aspects of the finishing - the toe is a bit untidy, with the line not being clean
- I make some small slip ups on the drum sander by going too far - this was particularly annoying to me as it was something that batmakers had told me that they make sure they don't do when sanding, as the sander just catches the corner and pulls the bat in
- Shoulder blend sanding wasn't too great...
- The bat spun out of the lathe, so have to make sure to keep it in tighter next time, and maybe avoid finishing the toe until after the binding to try minimise the bore that is visible from the tailstock.
- Profile selection - this particular part made didn't have much bow in it at all, while the template bat did. This does mean that the copy looks a bit off, but I guess just a minor thing in the end. But certain parts flow better and are more accentuated with the presence of a bow, and hopefully this shows the kind of optical illusion a bow can have.
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Lovely bit of work, think I'd struggle to pick it up mind!
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Lovely work Chadders! Shoulder blending seems to be coming on lovely.
Looks a well rounded shape.
Excited to watch you develop further, what's the one shape you can't wait to nail?
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Love this bat and thread - thanks for sharing!
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Big thumbs up👍
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Lovely bit of work, think I'd struggle to pick it up mind!
3lb, but picks up 2.9. 😂 Thanks @Jimbo !
Lovely work Chadders! Shoulder blending seems to be coming on lovely.
Looks a well rounded shape.
Excited to watch you develop further, what's the one shape you can't wait to nail?
Thanks @ch1p ‐ it'll get there I'm sure! I want to improve in all different types of shapes, but in terms of one's to nail - there are so many good ones...
- Series 1 - need I say more?
- Series 3 - again, need I say more?
- Thruxton - every single one of these I've seen has pinged ridiculously. Obviously helps if you press well and your name is Tim Keeley, but in terms of volume, nothing spectacular, just a well designed shape
- Michael Clarke/Indian styled players shape
- GN Aus Players Shape
- Purist/Powerbow/Ballistic/Mjolnir
- Distinction and Amplus (the old versions)
- Root
- GN Cobra
- L&W profiles like the Chad and the Special
If I were to sell bats, I'd probably still to 3/4 different profiles. Probably a Series 1, Indian Players, Thruxton and a L&W Special. Pretty old school profiles for some of them besides the Indian Players, but with the lightweight clefts becoming harder to obtain, you need smaller profiles that work, and I guess all of these have some sort of different aspect of batmaking in them that would somewhat lend a hand to making other different shapes!
Love this bat and thread - thanks for sharing!
Thank you, glad you enjoy it - absolutely love your work!
Big thumbs up👍
Thanks big man 😁 means a lot coming from yourself!
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Top work @Chad, lovely work. Your drive for perfection is admirable, but don't get too hung up on minor details. You'll notice them more than others and essentially none of the niggles you've mentioned will make any difference to how that bat feels or performs. Whichis essentially all that really matters.
See you at the workshop soon....you can give me some tips! 😁
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Bro, that is so good. Mean effort.
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Top work @Chad, lovely work. Your drive for perfection is admirable, but don't get too hung up on minor details. You'll notice them more than others and essentially none of the niggles you've mentioned will make any difference to how that bat feels or performs. Whichis essentially all that really matters.
See you at the workshop soon....you can give me some tips! 😁
Thank you @jonny77 - means a lot coming from yourself! Yes, I know it doesn't make a huge difference on those minor niggles, but I guess for me, since I'm an admirer of high quality bats from quality craftsmen, these little things can bug me if I don't quite get them right - even if I'm just a novice! 😂
And thank you - my tip would be to just conjure up low density willow and make gauge busting 2.10s. Easy. 🤣
Bro, that is so good. Mean effort.
Thank you bud! Still regretting not being in Aus or NZ and snaffling that Screaming Cat to make a good copy - but will be using the measurements and pics you sent me a while back to try make one - thanks again for that! :D
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In disgust and absolutely livid with myself tonight - been working for ages on trying to replicate/pay homage to a SAF Hades. Decided to chuck some grips on it to test pick up, and it was a bit bottom heavy, so resanded, refinished, and went to adjust the grips to double check the pick up. Dropped it on the extractor. 🥲🥲🥲
(https://i.postimg.cc/2yScHYFL/20220822-233204.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yg2ydwG7) (https://i.postimg.cc/Dz1M0Bw0/20220822-233227.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v1HzS79w)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FRZCgzcQ/20220822-233241.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgvcdsXD) (https://i.postimg.cc/GtgMVfq7/20220822-233252.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBFcysMd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzFsMB1N/20220822-233319.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jy6qwycD)
This was the third attempt as well, and just as I was thinking I was getting somewhere...
Before the sanding which led to the dreaded drop:
(https://i.postimg.cc/KcWDXtmH/20220822-212407.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grvZ8XXV) (https://i.postimg.cc/VLbBz56L/20220822-212422.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvqjD6Vh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0QWdywDr/20220822-212435.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MMBjsXs8) (https://i.postimg.cc/mkP3zgyj/20220822-212447.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctNtPZjt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0T61BXH/20220822-212509.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctMtS2y9)
Gonna just sit at the kettle and try to steam it out while I mope...
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Fantastic work Chad. I do love the Hades shape. I can only see one dent, can that steam out? If not it's out of the hitting zone and while you are wanting Salix levels of finishing and beyond there are plenty of us on here who would pay for your work.
IIRC, GN toes were around 23mm thick and 25mm were the toe meets the spine. What are the specs here?
Also what camber do you have? GM 4.5 or 7mm?
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Really annoying when that happens mate, but I'm sure it can be rectified to some degree with a bit of work.
Shaping seems to be really coming on too. This one isn't for me shape wise, but that's just a personal thing and looks really good in regards to what you were trying to achieve. Top effort!
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Feel your pain Chad, did almost the exact same with a brand new bat earlier this year, nightmare!
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Can remember my son dragging a new bat down the garden steps a couple of years ago, could have cried
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Ho Chad great effort and work :)
I think you rectified that chip with a water trick ? Can you share how you did it ?
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@Chad I have been admiring your work from afar. Super efforts and very inspiring. And a pleasure to read as always.
Can I ask the sanding grit numbers you start to finish with? And how long you generally used each one for?
And maybe a tip on How long to allow for if you were just sanding manually? 😬
Many thanks
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Fantastic work Chad. I do love the Hades shape. I can only see one dent, can that steam out? If not it's out of the hitting zone and while you are wanting Salix levels of finishing and beyond there are plenty of us on here who would pay for your work.
IIRC, GN toes were around 23mm thick and 25mm were the toe meets the spine. What are the specs here?
Also what camber do you have? GM 4.5 or 7mm?
Thanks Roger - it wasn't easy for an amateur like me to shape. (Especially since the pictures I dug out for reference weren't consistent) I ended up applying some water to the spot and buffed with the polish wheel - I repeated this a few times and the dent has mostly been rectified - luckily its in the sticker region, so can be covered up somewhat. I think the edge is 22mm at the toe, and the centre is around 32mm, so quite thick. It's a 7mm camber face, but with no bow, so the bat will look different I guess... I wouldn't call it a successful attempt, but not quite a failure - maybe once I can properly visualise it and draw it out on a piece of paper, I'll reattempt.
Really annoying when that happens mate, but I'm sure it can be rectified to some degree with a bit of work.
Shaping seems to be really coming on too. This one isn't for me shape wise, but that's just a personal thing and looks really good in regards to what you were trying to achieve. Top effort!
Thanks Jonny - I think just taking the extra time needed is key. Going to take a wee break from shaping any soon, and just spend some time sorting out the ergonomics in the workplace, hopefully increasing productivity and giving me peace of mind :)
Feel your pain Chad, did almost the exact same with a brand new bat earlier this year, nightmare!
Can remember my son dragging a new bat down the garden steps a couple of years ago, could have cried
Oh gosh - the pain! I was beside myself in anger when I did this - so daft, something simple like adjusting the grips when on a vice would have sufficed...
Ho Chad great effort and work :)
I think you rectified that chip with a water trick ? Can you share how you did it ?
Yes - Rob Pack gave me a wee tip that worked - instead of steaming, I could just apply a few droplets of water to the area, wait a bit, then buff, and repeat until it's risen all that it could. It's soft wood there, as it hasn't been pressed, so by introducing water, you allow it to return to its natural state. (Or tend towards it) This is why it's important to try not to get the face of the bat wet if you can - the willow has been manipulated in that top layer to mimic hardwood properties, so water will undo some of this manipulation. (A few droplets of rain etc won't hurt)
@Chad I have been admiring your work from afar. Super efforts and very inspiring. And a pleasure to read as always.
Can I ask the sanding grit numbers you start to finish with? And how long you generally used each one for?
And maybe a tip on How long to allow for if you were just sanding manually? 😬
Many thanks
Thank you - I do try to give the willow the respect it deserves - been a source of my fascination since I started playing cricket, and I think I noticed that as I got more used to shaping, I'd get a bit complacent. (Also, part mades aren't cheap, and I don't actively try to sell any of my creations - I've sold 2 so far and made more than 20.)
In terms of grits - it does depend. I tried using 80 grip on the orbital - which is fine if you have good control over your orbital. You can find that 80 grit can really bite into the willow and cause swirls if you don't have a steady hand, so now if I orbital, I'll maybe blast with an 80 if I'm getting rid of bumps, but only for a short time. Currently using 180 on the drum sander, then dropping down to 120 grit with hand sanding. I'm going 120 - 180 - 240 - 320 - 400 with hand sanding - although really, I should be using a 150 in between the 120 and 180 as 120 is still quite abrasive.
I'm currently still learning and figuring out what works for me. I've spent hours sanding these as I decided to try not to take too much off with tools, and really try to be patient in sculpting and detailing. In this case, it's kind of worked out, and kind of not - the profile itself was very difficult to sand.
If you're thinking of just sanding by hand - you're a madman. Get an orbital sander. :D But seriously, if that's your thing - start with an 80 grit.
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Sorry to hijack @Chad but I'd agree. Sanding a bat by hand is a pain. Sanding many bats by hand is torture! 😆 You can get a decent sander for under 100 quid and it's well worth it.
After trying a few different variations, i now use 80, 150, 240, 320, 400. Seems to work for me to get a nice finish. I think you can obsess over finishing and in fairness, it just doesn't last and most people aren't bothered. I do like a bat to leave the workshop looking shiny and new tho! 😆
Top work again mate. Your passion for bats, batmaking and willow is great to see!
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I remember seeing a video once where James Laver said he only does two passes on the drum sander - 100 and 240, then polish and done.
That shape looks a pig to make, nice work Chad!
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Thanks for the sanding tips gents.
After reading bat care info on the forum and a couple of CricketBatInfo vids I felt brave enough to remove my bat stickers & scuff (older I get the less I’m into stickers 🐐)
A new Salix bat made me compare the lovely smooth glass like finish to my older bats. Could I achieve the same?
So I had a head start with finished bats.
A trip to a DIY store and bought a basic multipack of hand sanding sheets.
I practiced on an old bat first
I started with 120 then 150, 180 etc. All were very responsive and achieved what I set out to do.
So I kept going through the pack as it was so easy, 400, 600, 800, into the 1000’s now. Woohoo, now I might not even need to borrow a mates buffer! Grit 2500 later job done. Soooo sooooo smoooooth, ooooohh that feeels nice on my face 🤤🤤.
A bit of bat wax (thanks OX29 Bat Doctor) and a polish yellow duster 24 hours later and I had more than matched my lovely Salix finish. Quite ridiculous and very addictive but I recommend trying it, even just for a laugh.
I defo take your word for it that a bare bat would take hours to sand manually. Thanks very much 👍👍
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Right, so after getting over being a diva and being annoyed with myself, I brought myself to rectify the dent somewhat, and just finish the bat. I'm not happy with it, there are definitely areas where I really messed up, but here goes...
Bat number 22 (? - lost track)
Decided to try make a SAF Hades, or at least try take into account the theories behind the profile and whatever ideas about batmaking Andy had, etc etc. Also to try use up some of the heavier clefts I had...
Images I worked with...
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYsgqz9p/1918750532233.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/9fd92rj7/3g-VSFNX-d.webp) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/Pf2mNpvb/SAFHades005.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/k53SLWLC/mt6-Se-Mw-d.webp) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZnfPgsG/7455750532233.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXnc83Sb) (https://i.postimg.cc/ZRJd54TD/9673750532233.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/0jWm4F1X/Hades-05-640px-zpsaa7fe825.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/PrJ1DX1g/saf026-1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/s27Y2T51/Hades-08-640px-zps49f6bb19-1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/Y9xQ6jnH/l-APGu-VU-d.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/ZRmrv6LH/safbats004.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/7hY0mDdT/SAFHades004.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://i.postimg.cc/XJxyZmqN/CIX9oa-KW8-AAs1-F8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R660yPw2)
Aims/Learning Points
- Had messed up 2 previous attempts by shaving too much off - going to try keep as much on and slowly whittle away
- Sometimes edges offset naturally - with this profile, I was wanting to intentionally exaggerate this
- Keep a high spine
- Try to attempt a C-V profile (convex up towards the splice, and concave at the lower half of the bat to aid with balance/pick up
- None of the pictures I used were really that consistent - they all varied enough to make them look quite different, so was up to me to try interpret it
(https://i.postimg.cc/qqMDnPG1/20220824-011757.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CBX4p6X8) (https://i.postimg.cc/yxQQTLQs/20220824-011830.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8M9Y91h)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rm9YDV5d/20220824-011849.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGpgh0H3) (https://i.postimg.cc/65q1QNq3/20220824-011915.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/crqcD2Qy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wx0GHB6Z/20220824-011929.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jQ3SbQS)
And lastly, dressed with some Pryzm stickers:
(https://i.postimg.cc/nrHg2jnY/20220824-020356.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62mM5Q2y)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDHqPgq7/20220824-020418.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJ8gkkyx) (https://i.postimg.cc/gk216ZSG/20220824-020444.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SjHgBJbP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fWK6LKvH/20220824-020509.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HjrSvbR5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MT0g1bJp/20220824-020548.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgBPsnmJ) (https://i.postimg.cc/6pDPS19Q/20220824-020623.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyFpH7Hm) (https://i.postimg.cc/JhZFWcn5/20220824-020633.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gRBGFD8) (https://i.postimg.cc/pTMg9c7S/20220824-020541.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyQkF0Tj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mk8q5LDx/20220824-194956.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T55CyXgQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HkJK6C1K/20220824-195153.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhY40p1m)
Things I could have done but didn't
- Finger tapping as I made the bat. to try test for rebound quality as I shaped. (Dunno if this worked, and would just be me being pretentious if I did it)
- Put the bat in a vice when adjusting anything (Still bitter about the drop)
- Rounded the spine more rather than keeping it sharp (I had it rounded initially I think, but needed to concave more to balance)
Difficulties Encountered
- Not an easy profile to sand or shape - the high spine and the offset in the edge made it a bit awkward
- Keeping the spine high was a little difficult, and curving it into the toe while keeping a nice flow to the profile was a bit of a challenge. (Not quite sure I've nailed it)
- Having to resand and refinish numerous times was a pain
Conclusions
All in all I feel the attempt was a fair one - not an easy one for a novice like me to make, but I think I tried to keep as faithful as possible with things like face camber, high spine etc. Maybe I ran the spine too much into the toe, and needed to exaggerate the curve a little more into it, but I didn't want to make it a straight line by mistake. I do think the pick up is decent for the weight. The spine doesn't quite run flush with the middle of the bat if I look and measure carefully, but it's off by a little - this was probably because I had it more rounded prior to the slight rebalance. I may try another attempt with another cleft at some point, but for now - I think I've scratched my itch for attempting this 'cult classic' profile.
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Pretty good mate. Your finishing is amazing.
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Agreed, finish looks lovely mate and i wouldn't worry too much sbout small errors. Think of what Rob Pack told you and concentrate on making a well balanced bat which pings....that's the most important thing! I get the search for perfection, as it's easy to get caught up in. However, most people don't inspect bats to CBF levels 😆
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Pretty good mate. Your finishing is amazing.
Thank you! I do try put in the time for finishing - still got a lot to improve on, but hopefully I'm going in the right direction!
Agreed, finish looks lovely mate and i wouldn't worry too much sbout small errors. Think of what Rob Pack told you and concentrate on making a well balanced bat which pings....that's the most important thing! I get the search for perfection, as it's easy to get caught up in. However, most people don't inspect bats to CBF levels 😆
Thanks mate - yes, as you say, best not get too caught up in trying for perfection, especially since I'm so far away from it! But as someone who appreciates fine bats, I can't go too easy on myself, regardless of my limited experience!
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Lovely work Chad,,,the finishing is spot on
Not sure about that shape tho,,Andy was a funny fish for sure,,,he was just down the road from me..
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Lovely work Chad,,,the finishing is spot on
Not sure about that shape tho,,Andy was a funny fish for sure,,,he was just down the road from me..
Thanks Mark - can't not put in the effort to finish a bat as well as I can with so many makers on here finishing to an exceptional standard!
And agree - but I think it's also my execution on it. I think there is a way to put the concepts together and have a beautifully flowing bat - I just don't quite have the experience yet and possibly don't have the imagination developed yet for it to materialise. Hopefully on the 4th attempt, it'll be a winner!
And yes, a little bit of a funny fish, but always interested me with his take on batmaking etc. (Even if I didn't agree with offset spines and all that!)
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Right, so I had actually been making up 2 other bats alongside the Hades attempt. I had a repair/refurb in, and it was a bat I sold on many moons back - a Chase FLC, which really didn't appeal to me too much back then. But after seeing it back in my hands, I grew to like the profile more, and felt it made a lot of sense on the slow and low pitches we tend to play on. The pick up was also amazing for something with such a low swell - so I felt compelled to make a sort of replica to consider as a stock shape.
The assignment
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5xC02pq/20220901_221046.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FY19BPPt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvZtFpBB/20220901_221105.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Bjyq9xyj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6QHqfZHJ/20220901_221211.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/B8KJqj9M)
Learning objectives
- Try to make a well balanced bat with a low middle
- Keep the spine running into the toe
- Try not to butcher the bat
- Try figure out what kind of weight I would get from this weight of cleft
- I wanted to try get as close to the profile as I could as a challenge
- Try get the bat to pick up well - this would require a bit of work in terms of shaping, and also in willow knowledge for cleft selection. I picked a cleft with butterfly stains up the top above the balance point, in hope that it was just denser higher up above the balance point, so would act as a bit of additional counterbalancing if coupled with thicker shoulders
End result (Post shape and finishing)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJsX5msF/20220824_011712.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctNy1hMJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qqWpZXKS/20220824_011654.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgBdJPN3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/JzZzvgPq/20220824_011622.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZWYmyfkB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9M8myjQW/20220824_011605.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/S29bp395)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdBXXjN5/20220824_011543.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TypXtp3T)
And of course, with the plethora of cricket bat related items I have around, I had a set of Chase Lancer stickers. (Thanks to whoever I acquired these from - I feel they really suited the profile and also the willow itself)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rmc0fcTx/20220824_020115.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWjwz98w) (https://i.postimg.cc/xTbfNhD2/20220901_220814.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mskr8xL) (https://i.postimg.cc/x1wbbMFs/20220824_020204.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFqM29D5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/c4VJDZMC/20220824_020133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Xpk3JRP6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5yKX9CCS/20220824_020150.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/q6nJjgQN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNjXTDBT/20220824_020220.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJnTkjTm)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDBX91Wb/20220824_020238.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLbtRxZh)
Personal Thoughts
I thought initially that I had done really quite well - I was really very happy with the end result of the bat, it picked up quite well for the weight (2lb 12oz) and the shape looked very similar. I managed to even have the toe thicker in the centre, and have the bat bigger overall with a more defined spine, and I felt the finish was good. I felt that maybe I had found a profile that I could practice repeating, as it wouldn't be far off what people would want to use up here.
Then, of course, I looked at it a little too long, and spotted little niggles in the finishing, such as a deeper groove than most, probably caused by 120 grit sandpaper during the hand sand. The spine into the toe didn't match the FLC, although since I was making a slightly larger version, it wouldn't have been possible without making the toe thicker at the edges, so a bit of an oversight on my part.
However, I do feel that I generally did everything to the best of my ability for now - so I am actually happy with the decisions made and the execution for this one - from the choice of profile to the selection of the cleft, from the shaping and finishing of the profile to the matching of stickers to the willow tone. It's not perfect, it's not amazing, there are blips in the shaping, but I did use a bashed up bat as a reference, and I am merely/barely a novice at this stage. (Something humbling to remember while being surrounded by the stunning pieces of craftsmanship I've had the privilege of owning, and even lucky enough to have watched some of them being made in person.)
And to round things off, a little collage just to show that I wasn't too far off in execution afterall...
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZ6HFXG6/20220824_015831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZPJV07p)
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Absolutely superb work Chad. If you would’ve posted that saying you asked Chase to copy an old favourite I wouldn’t have been surprised that was their work!
Keep going mate, truly impressive.
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Wow, fantastic work Chad, the copy looks pretty much spot on. Youre improving rapidly and this is very impressive for someone who's just recently started out with bat making.
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Very good stuff, I love how in depth you go with your batmaking and the end product is fantastic.
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Absolutely superb work Chad. If you would’ve posted that saying you asked Chase to copy an old favourite I wouldn’t have been surprised that was their work!
Keep going mate, truly impressive.
Thanks @ch1p! Stickers do make a massive difference to the overall presentation of a bat, so I got lucky here by digging out a set - thanks for the kind words. :) Will keep improving!
Wow, fantastic work Chad, the copy looks pretty much spot on. Youre improving rapidly and this is very impressive for someone who's just recently started out with bat making.
Thanks @Kai - means a lot! There are notable improvements over time - and trying to squeeze in batmaking while working and having other duties is tough! But I do feel I've got a passion for it - I know for certain I've got an obsession with cricket bats in general!
Very good stuff, I love how in depth you go with your batmaking and the end product is fantastic.
Thanks @Bungle - I do try my best, and make sure I take my sweet ass time to really study the profile - it's not perfect, I know I'll never attain it, but doesn't stop the striving! No point in rushing something for the sake of trying to do it quickly or as quickly as the true masters of the art, especially since part mades aren't cheap, and I don't actively try to sell the bats!
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Been a wee while since I've updated this - although to be fair had been a while since I'd been on the bench!
Here's something I've been working on, was initially meant to be a copy of a Gray Nicolls Blue Maax HS, but has just turned out to be a lower middle version after I muddled up my markings for the swell. This is after the 320 grit hand sand, and will probably go up a little higher before buffing, binding, boning and dressing. Currently weighing in a 2lb 13.8oz or so, so I expect it to be a 3lb 1 - 2oz with stickers, grip and scuff. Still a fairly big bat, so hopefully a home for it somewhere!
(https://i.postimg.cc/rsMKYS38/20230117-022825.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9Y8FWjP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9FXDdYyb/20230117-022844.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgYB0nb6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W1CtPRCY/20230117-022906.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFgjpzXc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9XY4wnwz/20230117-023146.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkkW65Kh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nhCM5VRQ/20230117-023031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rD28RTL8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/L6ynNgTp/20230117-023049.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qz3J7RSb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/D068VS31/20230117-022922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30yKmJRw)
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Home for it in the bat collection of your local strongman maybe, that is a monster. Something almost a bit Laver-y about the profile side-on.
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Home for it in the bat collection of your local strongman maybe, that is a monster. Something almost a bit Laver-y about the profile side-on.
I'll take that! 😂 It's turned out a bit like the Ultra I guess, a little less extreme, but that same swoop after the swell
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Shaping looks good and looks like a nice high spine. Agree with the laver comment and like the touch of fine sanding in the toe to angle into the back of the blade. Some fine hand sanding and then a polish will blend that in nicely. Well done mate good work
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Shaping looks good and looks like a nice high spine. Agree with the laver comment and like the touch of fine sanding in the toe to angle into the back of the blade. Some fine hand sanding and then a polish will blend that in nicely. Well done mate good work
Thanks Chris, high spines are a pain in the (No Swearing Please) to try keep straight, I'll probably need better lighting in the workshop just to make sure I can see better and make life a bit easier when checking haha
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Right, so I had been asked to make an XXX profiled bat in at 2.12, for £200. Safe to say that request was rejected - don't think I'd have the willow to make anything remotely like it, but it did get me wondering just what kinds of weights would be feasible for those kind of high volume profiles.
The assignment
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKcmDNkm/20230118_003546.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CZFWKy46)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DwRnr8ZB/20230118_003606.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnLBqQcM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PxjH791D/20230118_003615.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WDXxF9Wp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HkrT8Qpr/20230118_003635.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2P0kRRC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bJ9PfgRB/20230118_003648.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LY5wzzwt)
Learning Objectives
- Just wanted really to make a big bat
- Not worry too much about weight
- Try focus on getting the balance nice, and also take my time with the handle shaping and finishing
- Just to get back into the groove of things
End Result (Post shaping, finishing and stickering - the missus picked the labels)
(https://i.postimg.cc/h49RMFKb/20230117-184234.jpg) (https://i.postimg.cc/T1XMG0JD/20230117-184434.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygnryF51) (https://i.postimg.cc/pTjbg4zv/20230117-184410.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/njnPmd3S) (https://i.postimg.cc/3xrhdL5j/20230117-184341.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/56rTrStj) (https://i.postimg.cc/tJt0g6Bm/20230117-184503.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJFpsW5c)(https://i.postimg.cc/SxZh8WkB/20230117-184529.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hr7R18Jz)(https://i.postimg.cc/nLgfSpsT/20230117-184547.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JyNFGw5B)(https://i.postimg.cc/5t6Mm6t6/20230117-184633.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsb5FVBJ)(https://i.postimg.cc/3JY5cLRM/20230117-184650.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtYV8BHN)
Safe to say I missed the mark by a fairly long shot, I had stupidly marked 2 points for the swell, and took the lower line to be the swell peak and the higher line to be when the swell starts to drop off. (I had marked with the intention to use them the other way round) Nonetheless, I adjusted by concaving a bit more just to make sure the bat didn't end up too bottom heavy, and the end result is still a profile that I'm pretty happy with, and definitely one which I had to made sure to take my time with. Far from perfect, but for a 3lb bat which doesn't fit through the gauge, it honestly feels lovely for me in the hands. Off the shelf heavier bats are quite scarce normally as they don't shift quickly, so this could be my go to heavy profile in future should I decide to ever actively sell bats. :D
Happy with
- Managed to rescue the mishap
- Feel I've balanced the bat nicely
- Handle feels good to me
- Got a good amount of time out of this cleft
Not so happy with
- Being careless with the markings - I think I need to take some time and figure out what works for me in terms of marking out spots, maybe need to mark with different colours just to colour code things
- Taking so darn long to finish this - I might need to change my sanding sleeves, but think I spent quite a while obsessing over little things
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Obviously hard to tell how it picks up without a waft of it, but that looks a lovely shape.
Lovely finishing too Chad
I can imagine your gonna be getting a few requests
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Been a little while since I've updated this thread, haven't really found too much time to do any batmaking, but kind of got the bug on Thursday at 10:45pm, and unfortunately didn't sleep till 4am :o
But here's the latest one. I'll try talk through it a little rather than posting specs, just to highlight the bat at different stages, etc etc.
(https://i.postimg.cc/g29tsyXR/20230330-225045.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w7VkTmkT) (https://i.postimg.cc/PxqSJ29G/20230330-225110.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJfwP4T3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Bv4Y9qCn/20230330-225058.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9DgtyHS6) (https://i.postimg.cc/GpKMbZMJ/20230330_230122.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R331RbxN)
Starting off with the partmade itself, and what exactly this particular one would allow for would be a decently high volume, slightly more classic shape. The tear out on the back for the RH inside edge meant that the edges wouldn't be too large, and the rounded face press and thicker handle for me meant that a more old school style bat was on order. I went with the edge profile of a M&H S6, and wanted the the edge to be modest at the shoulder, but with a large volume flowing into a good thick oval handle.
First things first though, cutting the part made to length using a bandsaw!
(https://i.postimg.cc/J0fxTmnm/20230330_230241.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQ0VjkT3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/V6HDCXPJ/20230330_230559.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WFgGRF3V)
Now for the tools to do the job
(https://i.postimg.cc/MHMtbXzd/20230330_231058.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0Kvp9kMw)
Rough shaping with drawknife on the upper half
(https://i.postimg.cc/bY4jXtSY/20230330_231237.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PNb7YNM0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/668N1031/20230330_231231.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhRwXVV9)
Post initial drawknifing towards the toe:
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsjH3Syz/20230330_233013.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9R5xqjwW)
Some planing to fine tune the shape a little:
(https://i.postimg.cc/wxCn4Yn7/20230330_235319.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rz9hz3Vk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jdymGkrv/20230331-002209.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dJtG1ND)
A bit of spokeshave and drum sand
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLvhQqQW/20230331_024021.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FW4GnKx) (https://i.postimg.cc/Z5Z2ZFbm/20230331_023957.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnSNHhLt)
After blending the shoulders, shaping handle, fine sanding, boning with a linseed soaked hardwood cylinder (courtesy of @jonny77 ) and polishing and binding:
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCKgF6bZ/20230331_032002.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jt7NYnLf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FFLBLn1m/20230331_032013.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0JHkHrD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYjNkLr4/20230331_032024.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wh37z4YG)
And the end product:
(https://i.postimg.cc/0N4V6psb/20230331_032338.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVxQzRDm)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bwzC4ygN/20230331_032354.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fWn2yjp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PqJ6rS0g/20230331_032403.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGX0m9yg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/JnBPjGrK/20230331_032421.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qh4sTBCC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/prfC14nF/20230331_032446.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zHfTyd7z)
Of course, no batmaking attempt by my would be complete without dropping the bat just as I was about to finish. This happened when I was about to bind, hence some dinks at the toe which I've just about gotten rid of, but it was so late that I was surprisingly calm when it happened. Guess I was too tired to care at that point haha.
Thanks if you've reached this point! Any guesses as to what kind of shape was on my mind as I shaped this one? Feel free to leave feedback, etc. I think the bat ended up weighing in at around 2lb 14oz, so a heavy boy!
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Excellent! Thanks for sharing.
Looks very clean and calm environment.
Too heavy for me, thanks anyways.
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Nice work mate.
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Good to see you back at it, some very nice work as always, especially for a part timer!
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Like the shapes you’re making think you got a great eye for it and detail.
Think you have enough talent to have a go at it much more.
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Lovely work @Chad. Really like this shape and your definitely improving, great stuff mate. You'll be buying a press next!
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Excellent! Thanks for sharing.
Looks very clean and calm environment.
Too heavy for me, thanks anyways.
Hahaha definitely not a clean or tidy environment - I just happened to do some tidying before I made this one! Trying to make more effort in keeping the place tidy before I start so I can actually find the tool I want to use! Thank you - appreciate the weight definitely isn't a commonly used one, but I try not to focus too much on dead weight for projects. Only on the very very rare occasion someone actually wants to order a bat :D
Nice work mate.
Thanks Charles! :)
Good to see you back at it, some very nice work as always, especially for a part timer!
Thank you Jimbo!
Like the shapes you’re making think you got a great eye for it and detail.
Think you have enough talent to have a go at it much more.
Thanks Dave - definitely got a lot to learn/improve on. I'd love to go beyond a hobbyist, but knowing the crap actual professional batmakers go through, I'd rather be known as a chimp with some tools :D
Lovely work @Chad. Really like this shape and your definitely improving, great stuff mate. You'll be buying a press next!
Thank you Jonny! Need a splicer and press. May as well get a CNC while I'm at it right? 😂
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Finding myself visiting the shaping room more often these days as a way to destress - ended up getting frustrated going through knotted willow, so figured I'd treat myself to something a little cleaner this time. Was wanting to try improve my shaping at the toe, so aimed for a duckbilled, square toed low middle bat, and this is what I ended up with:
(https://i.postimg.cc/v8NX7ZtJ/20230413-000312.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3W2gY761) (https://i.postimg.cc/FHtZqCqG/20230413-000323.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCcpvHJy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/L6gDxFyn/20230413-000332.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLvG0pcY) (https://i.postimg.cc/W48wdN4f/20230413-000342.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MccQ48Vy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hjGbxkz4/20230413-000410.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zL9gYPF4) (https://i.postimg.cc/k4hNyTKQ/20230413-000432.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGYmrfX0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/52w3MqWJ/20230413-000446.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXh74mLS) (https://i.postimg.cc/Ls2V4Ym1/20230413-000509.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDZ4Qp0V)
(https://i.postimg.cc/kG6QYWvk/20230413-000527.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V0w0drTR) (https://i.postimg.cc/x8wKwqsq/20230413-000606.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5cLm2vX)
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Looks great Chad. Good old MH inspiration?
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What’s the weight on that mate
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Right decision and beautiful result, waiting to see what stickers you will design soon.
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Looks great Chad. Good old MH inspiration?
Could be - awesome profiles they were! I just had a low duckbill profile in mind, kind of like an SS profile, and used a GM Brava edge for reference. I'll probably go for an old school Solution style profile when I get round to it!
What’s the weight on that mate
It's 2lb 10oz - so not a light cleft, but managed to get a good size out of it, so fairly happy with how it turned out!
Right decision and beautiful result, waiting to see what stickers you will design soon.
I'm terrible at that stuff, and don't want to design until I'm sure I've got the concept in my mind haha. Just focusing on developing the motions for shaping, the eye for it etc.
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Hey Chad, where are you located in Scotland, I'm in Dundee. Loving reading this thread and seeing you develop your skills, seems like their is a lot of expertise and support on this forum!
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Hey Chad, where are you located in Scotland, I'm in Dundee. Loving reading this thread and seeing you develop your skills, seems like their is a lot of expertise and support on this forum!
Hi Kevin - based in Glasgow! Not too far from yourself, but if you want to visit a proper maker to chat about cricket bats and watch a cricket bat being made, then the closest are probably across the border in Leeds. @jonny77 Scott Cricket. There's also Nick Nixon at Nixon Cricket and James D'Ollive at JeDi cricket.
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Quick one - been avoiding batmaking for a while due to personal reasons etc, so had loads of clefts just lying around. Picked out this one which has a gorgeous Butterfly stain right in the low driving zone, so decided I'd attempt to make one of the profiles that I regretted selling back in the day - my L&W PB Screaming Cat style bat. I believe it was modelled after one of Hosk's ones. I'll admit, I never really looked at the images much, I just had the general shape in mind... Maybe I should have referred back to them in hindsight...
(https://i.postimg.cc/CKXWC6PQ/Laver-PB.webp) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y9FTdfTq/Laver-PB-2.webp) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PJz9jftg/Laver-PB-3-copy.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8ShhNSG/Laver-PB-4.webp) (https://postimages.org/)
And I guess the spec is not too dissimilar to the Millichamp Puma profile:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wb8CY4Yr/Screenshot_20210831_170401.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0b6Vb9s2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/WbTx7Z8T/Screenshot_20210831_170421.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Bt7hSXRV)
Well, here she is. I'm a bit upset that I've lost the flow in the edges a bit, and some of the boning that was done to the edges and face ended up being a touch uneven, the toe is a bit wonk - but who said batmaking is easy? Looking at images in better light, seems like I could have spent a bit more time sanding the shoulders and blending them in a bit nicer too.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QWVzSKP/20230510-015503.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dbzcLKW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yNp7MPfm/20230530-000542.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGbXbQfr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PxBTxqnN/20230530-000559.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6FkYq4d)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ydJ7sZ5w/20230530-000612.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9w3x5Q4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpw8Zb9y/20230530-000625.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnHFJg5H)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RCHvYwwt/20230530-000639.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Sjm022TQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vH7bYMqH/20230530-000659.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sv2tKFCt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Xqd3y0nL/20230530-000730.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHrS9vDH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTY9Y3kG/20230530-000759.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0HGrb28)
I think one thing I learned from making this bat is that I should actually ensure the edges are flat prior to drawing the edge profiles on. I think this particular piece just had a bat time with the surface planer during the processing, and I should have just taken 2 minutes and orbital sanded this flat. I'm not saying it is the reason the edge isn't quite right, but especially in a dimly lit environment at night, not the easiest to follow!
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zn8t5FLD/Screenshot-20230530-144319-Gallery.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZVSWCp8)
All in all, I'm pretty happy with this attempt - Butterfly isn't the easiest to work with, you do have hard spots to contend with. I think I could have made it a bit thinner at the shoulder area in hindsight, but I think I followed the rough principles of the shape, and have ended up with a fairly well balanced lump of wood with a big hitting zone. I think next time I attempt this, the different approach I'd take would be to have the edge taper towards the shoulder, but not taper so much towards the toe. I'd also probably also try have the spine flatten into the toe, rather than the mess I've done here - that'll hopefully offset the additional mass at the edge towards the toe. Perhaps even have the swell a little bigger as well, and have the angle ever so slightly steeper running towards the splice, just to really exaggerate that spine height, while keeping the general flow that I adore about these classical bats.
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Hi Kevin - based in Glasgow! Not too far from yourself, but if you want to visit a proper maker to chat about cricket bats and watch a cricket bat being made, then the closest are probably across the border in Leeds. @jonny77 Scott Cricket. There's also Nick Nixon at Nixon Cricket and James D'Ollive at JeDi cricket.
I'm actually heading to Yorkshire, including Leeds, this Summer, hoping to buy a bat or two and seeing the process whilst there would be the icing on the cake if it could be facilitated.... I don't want to intrude clearly, but I would love to see if that would be feasible.
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Been a wee while since I last posted anything, been messing around with my setup, and trying to rearrange some things and finding a better workflow to my batmaking attempts. But here is something rather iconic that I've been longing to make for ages, and figured I may as well just bite the bullet and try. To do this, I obviously needed a round faced part made, which was supplied by @hell4leather cricket - absolutely love these and the press on them, can't get enough of it!
The Woodworm Torch and Flame were amongst the first few bats I had bought - alongside a Purist 303, Genesis Tornado, Wild Beast, a Hunts Steelback 5* and a Hunts Mettle 3*. I've forgotten which order the Woodworms came in, but I think watching Pietersen smashing it with one definitely fed my curiosity! I just happened to be lucky enough to have sold the Torch to my mate, who gave it back to me a few years back during a clearout of his house and old kit, so away we went and started doing some drawing out and measuring, specifically for the grooves in the edge. This particular one I believe was an SS made and Hunts finished one.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zDRGj1Pt/20230711-224111.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3WYh8zhm) (https://i.postimg.cc/kX3XYh0n/20230711-224133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JtxLGK7g) (https://i.postimg.cc/cHv4Pq1J/20230711_225833.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Vrc8bVCy)
I had a few thoughts in mind for some slight adjustments, making the edge slightly thicker, and the toe as well, after hearing stories of blown out toes etc. Can't go wrong with packing a bit more wood there and exaggerating the round toe just to to help with longevity. I'd also have to be quite careful with the handle shaping, as the bat itself has quite a low swell, and the handle with this particular part made had already been machine turned. The Woodworm itself has a thicker handle, so I decided to make any handle shaping minimal, and use thick binding. After the rough shaping, we ended up with something that kind of resembled the profile.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pr8VXDFb/20230712-002237.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/308Qt01n) (https://i.postimg.cc/2STk6jV6/20230712-002326.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRBTrgCT) (https://i.postimg.cc/Yq625z7Q/20230712-003924.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w7BdJJ7B)
Sanding was a little bit difficult, as I had to try my best to ensure to have the groove blend in nicely, but also flow with the profile itself. There would always be a lip, or the appearance of one due to the depth, so hopefully, I've found the right balance with the flow...
(https://i.postimg.cc/hGjS7Fd0/20230730_022149.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZWGk1Mj9) (https://i.postimg.cc/wBG9XW5Y/20230730_022204.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gw39dHBg) (https://i.postimg.cc/LXg2NzvY/20230730_022219.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hznkGQkc)
And then post fine sand, polish, binding and gripping, (Unfortunately, no yellow spirals, and I only had yellow DSC grips) we had this:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QCLsPHn6/20230730_025908.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CB4WnL0D) (https://i.postimg.cc/bYbqn9s4/20230730_025922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMF8b7K1) (https://i.postimg.cc/PJmhkTgd/20230730_025931.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTh6Fw3f) (https://i.postimg.cc/Qx3hJK7C/20230730_025939.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grNCYJNb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtjvHQRB/20230730_030001.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yh0JjHsG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zGDN9m01/20230730_030011.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJP19rGH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YCX77XsL/20230730_030020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G4sVJjrb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dz8Twq9j/20230730_030039.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QBGP6Wx1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzHKJSF2/20230730_030052.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JyNFS4Gg)
And of course, it wouldn't quite be complete without some sort of replica stickers. (Please don't shoot me for this)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ss9bWmNc/20230730_031254.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJ9ZQDmd) (https://i.postimg.cc/FzQ5pw78/20230730_031321.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgXNHq7t) (https://i.postimg.cc/mZQGkZns/20230730_031413.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqTZFQYx) (https://i.postimg.cc/nrY8PTmz/20230730_031339.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Q0kHBnd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/65cJVjwb/20230730_031708.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhvsMxvQ) (https://i.postimg.cc/FHKtTyHr/20230730_031731.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCXDRyN2) (https://i.postimg.cc/T3NzFKKr/20230730_031807.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDWZtFCm) (https://i.postimg.cc/tg1Kj968/20230730_031833.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4HnNKbx)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0NLL5hdj/20230730_031848.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xk3stxZV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/B6HRjNMg/20230730_031926.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TL2tSj8L)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hvn6TxYq/20230730_031934.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CBvcVZYv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/j2h9X2Vn/20230730_031943.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D48Bf2w7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RC1j9s3C/20230730_032003.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wt39w76x)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JKzwXpX/20230730_032020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkr8208y)
All in all, I was reasonably happy with this attempt. I think the chamfering of the toe definitely was botched a bit, and I think I May have left just a bit too much in the toe, so the swell isn't quite as exaggerated, and perhaps could have done with keeping the swell a touch lower. Another thing I'm a bit annoyed about is the lathe bore - it isn't central. This and the botched chamfering does affect the overall aesthetic, and can make things appear a bit skewed, so I'll have to note to try take care with this. If there is any feedback on things done, please let me know!
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Lovely work.
Fun police will be along in a bit regarding the fake stickers 🤣
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Looks a cracking effort Chad!!
Love the shape and the stickers really set it off nicely.
I'd be more than happy paying for that as a punter.
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Great effort on the Woodworm mate don’t think people would understand how hard that little grove in the top edge would be and shape looks almost Identical. Top work mate and hope your still enjoying it
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That looks amazing!
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Oh nice! That has scratched my funky bat shape itch for a while :) Thanks for sharing.
Been thinking of doing a weird shape for my next attempt. But I'm more of an old school V12 or Bubble era, so I'm digging up photos for research.
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Very cool mate. Well done.
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This looks amazing! I was around 12 when I was watching the 05 Ashes (my favorite series)
I also have a few bats with replica woodworm torch stickers. I put red bull stickers on the back toe as KP did. :D :D :D
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Lovely work.
Fun police will be along in a bit regarding the fake stickers 🤣
Hushhh, they've not noticed yet! ;)
Looks a cracking effort Chad!!
Love the shape and the stickers really set it off nicely.
I'd be more than happy paying for that as a punter.
Thanks Jake! Always good to hear feedback from other batmakers :)
Great effort on the Woodworm mate don’t think people would understand how hard that little grove in the top edge would be and shape looks almost Identical. Top work mate and hope your still enjoying it
Thanks Chris - yes, it takes a lot of time. It's not 100% even I'm sure, but even when Hunts were doing it, most likely it was all done by eye, so it wasn't 100% perfect everytime. Still enjoying it - just not enjoying the tidying up I have to do after every 2 or 3 bats 😂
That looks amazing!
Thank you! :)
Oh nice! That has scratched my funky bat shape itch for a while :) Thanks for sharing.
Been thinking of doing a weird shape for my next attempt. But I'm more of an old school V12 or Bubble era, so I'm digging up photos for research.
Thank you! Yes, funky bat shapes are awesome, at least the classical ones are. Just unique ways of rebalancing, or just simply gimmicks to make the bats stand out! I'll see if I have any V12s or Bubbles in the collection and fire over some pictures for you mate. :)
Very cool mate. Well done.
Thanks Charles!
This looks amazing! I was around 12 when I was watching the 05 Ashes (my favorite series)
I also have a few bats with replica woodworm torch stickers. I put red bull stickers on the back toe as KP did. :D :D :D
Thanks mate! And yes, how could I forget the Red Bull stickers! I knew something was amiss haha
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Apologies in advance for the spam - I'm probably just gonna dump some more pics of my batmaking attempts lately - I PROMISE I'll get round to reviews of bats from other brands etc at some point this week!
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Brief for this one - Just make a big bat! Had drawn the edge profile of an Aus GN Maax HS bat I had in for a refurb, and finally got round to shaping it up. Was a Red Ink part made, and boy oh boy does she sing - the flat face does help with the exaggerated size, and the press is pretty much perfect.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4y8wTMLP/20230801-004149.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1H7YdG1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Df5xsJvG/20230801-004211.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3y5YBsx)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FRVDT102/20230801-004249.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzhLjDyr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bNJ3RyrB/20230801-004307.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5xqfcjq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/htQsH298/20230801-004342.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Snqc971j)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0rd9wRk/20230801-004357.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yv3YzGTR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdDZdycp/20230801-004425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KK8Lqc22) (https://i.postimg.cc/tTpzny8D/20230801-004438.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/B87FdWS1)
And after dressing with some Helygen stickers. (Sadly a brand that's no longer around, due to health reasons from what I gathered...)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hvGbMsDd/20230801_010917.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ft69Rx0z) (https://i.postimg.cc/NFP8nXFP/20230801_010928.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xNMbJcKK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/50gSwTVJ/20230801_010951.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhtKrmqD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jq8h2pcQ/20230801_011019.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RqHtbbjN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yYkyZLrq/20230801_011032.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rK246Nkg)
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Next up, an Amplus interpretation - I mostly did this from the top of my head and actually did the shaping when down in the presence of @Perkins17
(https://i.postimg.cc/zDPn8nDx/20230809_000405.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7W1znx6) (https://i.postimg.cc/7hb0SL91/20230809_000426.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2LR1DrP3) (https://i.postimg.cc/6qSRcNbk/20230809_000438.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4H6m4jgP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKB6RCC4/20230809_000532.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNmWpC7D) (https://i.postimg.cc/528vBTBr/20230809_000547.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PCrPh6Fb) (https://i.postimg.cc/L6cLZ21f/20230809_000729.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rK9KB6gF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fTpjjY6V/20230808_235959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppQFP5Vv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mg93dts8/20230809_000042.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Js1B07tk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XvcfbmX5/20230809_000143.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBt8PMF3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nzFvc2QP/20230809_000243.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mcncmQjY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MT91cB7K/20230809_000324.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gX6xQntf)
Well, a few things to note about this one I guess. This was my first time using a Garrard part made - these come with the handle unfitted, and have actually been preshaped on the spindle moulder setup that they have down there. They are pressed extremely well, but have an odd shoulder shape - they are more sloped, and actually have had the vast bulk of the shaping done, which does leave relatively minimal work to do. However, due to the handle fitting required and minimal shaping, I'd probably recommend anyone looking to begin shaping to probably consider using someone like Red Ink or H4L first. You'll get more bulk to remove and become more confident with your tools over time. You'll also not have to worry too much about accidentally fitting the handle incorrectly.
Onto the bat itself, the press is exceptional. It really rebounds nicely and picks up very well for the weight. In terms of Amplus vibes - I'm afraid this attempt does fall short. If you don't really know what it looks like - http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=10016.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=10016.0)
There's also another one here: http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31800.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31800.0) - @InternalTraining actually posted some pics back in the day?! :D
I guess what I learned from this is that I need to be a little less afraid to 'swoop' the profile - there is a very gentle swoop from the toe into a 'sweep' for the swell area, into a more aggressive swoop into the handle from pictures I've seen, but I've also seen some with spines through the toe, hence why I left the spine in this attempt. I also used a random SS TON as an edge profile template, it does seem like I may have left the edge peak about 2-3cm too low.
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And the last one for tonight - I had a Chase Platinum in for refurbishment and toe guard/toe repair. I noticed it had a round face, and actually quite liked the profile shape, so drew it on a nice G1 round faced cleft, hoping to get round to making it after I had finished the repair and returned it to the teammate.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzFGB65w/20230809_214857.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJChszrc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/N04HVXP7/20230809_214904.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mcPk1P4t)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsxMpKB0/20230813_211508.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4Kjd6X4w)
However, when I finally got round to making time to shape, upon looking and looking for a good 15 mins or so, and umming and ah-ing, figuring out the best way to tackle this, I came to the conclusion that I'd probably be wasting a cleft on the attempt. The Chase Platinum itself has quite a distinctive bow, while these round faced clefts I had asked Matt to press with a very subtle - no bow, and put in a thicker handle, in hope that I could try replicate a Screaming Cat if I eventually get my hands on one... Well, we were back to the drawing board, and I decided just to bite the bullet and rub out the edge markings, and attempt a real classic I've been wanting to replicate for a while now...
(https://i.postimg.cc/63bG6XK8/20230813_212535.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYfsvGnS) (https://i.postimg.cc/gjwLnTcN/20230814_200858.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYhxPVMM) (https://i.postimg.cc/fbBV5NJ8/20230814_223006.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXYQNHL9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/y65Swsn5/20230814_222804.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4PzTX6r)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dw34w69P/20230814_222836.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N5bjN6fK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDhZzqN2/20230814_222852.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/crdJM9Zq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CxCBBDYT/20230814_222916.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDdY2Dkv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VNYSj6LS/20230814_222935.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MnFKwzBx)
And if the profile and yellow grip weren't giveaway enough as to what I was attempting, then clearly the interpretation wasn't quite faithful enough. :( [size=78%] [/size]Here's the finished article, with some genuine stickers I'd been sitting on for years, and a sort of frame by frame comparison:
(https://i.postimg.cc/76hfWWzw/20230814_225127.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDXyGLLB) (https://i.postimg.cc/wjk5Kn1m/20230814_225440.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mPt1CXNL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4d0mkQvt/20230814_225208.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34gK2pcJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zGd0TzG/20230814_225457.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhXm4KFD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1XN49VMd/20230814_225228.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tnp9kTKd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zfXCqphP/20230814_225512.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/182nHGJp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jqWhW8Fp/20230814_225244.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sSv9bD4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrXQkMNZ/20230814_225522.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3d3gVr1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mhfkhZ5g/20230814_225301.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnctFTTp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rmD5rmQ1/20230814_225533.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62N7s9sq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3rPF2XMd/20230814_225314.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bnzkTZk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Qtv1k3yR/20230814_225544.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dkmhwzvB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/02YDmhdB/20230814_225705.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJbVQ2Pc) (https://i.postimg.cc/RV5wWvft/20230814_225731.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1pYq5TF)
And here it is after a lick of oil:
(https://i.postimg.cc/x19HPg6T/20230815_192026.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHnH8gLR) (https://i.postimg.cc/fR5dqXP7/20230815_192044.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/21b3Vqr3) (https://i.postimg.cc/bvJt7rX7/20230815_192132.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jsf0J1zx) (https://i.postimg.cc/d0xywFwL/20230815_192203.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/067Q0L6s)
And the mandatory Toblerone angle:
(https://i.postimg.cc/kG88THrD/20230815_192250.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1LtD8gG)
The real one weighs in at 2lb 9.5oz approx, and the copy weighs in at 2lb 12oz, and is slightly larger overall. Sorry if you feel this one is a waste of bandwidth for you and you don't like it, but I think this is probably the favourite of the bats I've made so far, and probably the one I've been happiest with. Yes, there are some inconsistencies, the shape isn't mm perfect, I should have duckbilled the toe a touch more in the last inch, I could have rounded the spine a bit more, etc etc - but given my current experience/skill level, I was very very happy not to have botched a G1 cleft. I think making this one reignited my love for batmaking as an art/escape, rather than focussing and obsessing on all the figures etc - focus on making the bat make sense, enjoy each process and really take my time and enjoy trying to make something elegant - inspired by legendary batmakers, but crafted by myself - not a clone of Tim Keeley/John Newbery or expert podshaver, just a mediocre cricketer absolutely fascinated by the craft. :)
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Love this.How do you reckon these bats pick up? I have a Rob Pack in similar shape and I might need to duckbill it. It weighs 2’9; maybe it’s just to heavy lol
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Great work Chad, love the Amplus copy, even if as you say it isn’t quite right
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Love these, and your write ups! Got a very soft spot for the Mjolnir, with it being my first adult bat in the late 90s. Your copy looks great!
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One of my favourite threads on the forum. Love the pics, the description and the comparison. Keep it up Chad.
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Love this.How do you reckon these bats pick up? I have a Rob Pack in similar shape and I might need to duckbill it. It weighs 2’9; maybe it’s just to heavy lol
Thank you! For me, they seemed to pick up well for their dead weight - I think the Mjolnir was probably my favourite of the lot, but the Helygen stickered one probably picked up the lightest for the dead weight. (Just style/sticker bias haha) I take it the RPC is one of the traditional Ballistic ones? I've got one of them which picks up a little heavier than the others, but the swell is a bit lower. Might be worth asking him to adjust it slightly.
Great work Chad, love the Amplus copy, even if as you say it isn’t quite right
Thank you! I'll be working on another Amplus attempt at a later date - finally got my hands on one!
Love these, and your write ups! Got a very soft spot for the Mjolnir, with it being my first adult bat in the late 90s. Your copy looks great!
Thank you! Yes, my soft spot for it as I just loved the yellow gripped looks, and remembered tapping the Newbery bats up in a shop, and them all going like guns. Naturally went more towards the Kookaburra Beast/Tornado and Adidas bats due to their graphics due to being a teen. :( Good player I looked up to used the Mjolnir, and would see him score runs in such a classy way...
One of my favourite threads on the forum. Love the pics, the description and the comparison. Keep it up Chad.
Thank you - means a lot! I do try my best to write up on these when I have the chance, but as with everything these days, time is just a bit scarce!
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Been a while since I've updated this thread! (Also been a while since I've made these and been on the bench)
First up, a pair of non-identical twins! One shorter blade and the other standard blade length, both standard SH length overall.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xTny2tCj/20231029_204154.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVYWgg1v)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvf7vBkP/20231029_204215.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJ3S83vy)
The Shorter Blade:
(https://i.postimg.cc/FRkGYz59/20231029-203308.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgM5jQZj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3wRtH9t0/20231029_203338.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhb22RPJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CMDmYRs7/20231029_203350.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bHgnYcJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvnjkQG6/20231029_203803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHzZrPJ5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qMTQ7pmT/20231029-203746.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLdRJvqJ)
The Standard Blade:
(https://i.postimg.cc/gj9s8pm3/20231029_203416.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDT1fKGv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wBG0xJrf/20231029_203437.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJ0FvJsc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FsVpdwqJ/20231029_203513.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvXVg3zW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W1pnMXLY/20231029_203706.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sv87zP25)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nhd1TBnF/20231029_203723.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tsxP411w)
I believe these both ended up being around 2lb 11.7oz, with the SBLH setup being slightly bigger, thanks to being able to redistribute saved weight from the blade shortening. I had actually been asked to make a bat based on the Adam Gilchrist Ballistic shape - which I tried to get a better idea of by taking half a dozen or so screenshots from an excellent video review from CricketBatInfo @sarg . I decided to make 2 of these, one in SB and one in standard SH. In the end, the requester ended up going for the SBLH bat of the two.
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0Py4mTJ/Screenshot-20231220-124721-Gallery.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v1V3tpkG)
For a physical reference, I used an old green Ballistic 3000, however with the moderate bow did make it slightly awkward to use as a template for edge profile, but somehow made it work. (kinda)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qMTQ7pmT/20231029-203746.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLdRJvqJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vv4bH7ww/Screenshot_20231220_125859_Gallery.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/64238fTb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nhd1TBnF/20231029-203723.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tsxP411w)
In terms of how close I feel I got, I guess without the bat in hand, it is quite difficult to say, but judging by side by sides, I wasn't a million miles off - but having had a good couple of months since making these, I can say the differences are distinct and numerous enough to pick up on. I do feel that the edge of the Puma is less curved and the spine is higher - hence the more exaggerated spine aesthetic, but I guess most of the fundamentals/ideas of the profiles kind of resemble the target, so I'm happy with them in that sense. (Thick oval, convex profiling with the spine running high from the splice, peaking in a mid-low extended driving area then flowing and blending into the toe with modest edges and an exaggerated spine height) I do think the knotted area in the SBLH inside edge area did affect the overall presentation/flow of the profile, but I also feel I did my best to rectify that tricky area. In the end, I'm merely a hobbyist - the process and joy it gives me to improve and struggle with something I'm passionate/interested in outweighs my fussiness/lofty expectations. The bats were then finished with Puma/Millichamp replica stickers, which seemed to complete the look. :)
A huge thanks to Matt @hell4leather cricket for supplying these 2 G3/Butterfly clefts with round cambered faces - don't think the bats I make would quite look right without his willingness to help me with how I want the clefts machined/handled. :)
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Love that Chad,,,,rounder face a lot better imo
Could possibly have dropped the edges slightly, to exaggerate the peak spine height?
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Love that Chad,,,,rounder face a lot better imo
Could possibly have dropped the edges slightly, to exaggerate the peak spine height?
Thanks Mark! Agreed, the rounder face is a lot better, especially for more classic profiles. I do like the flat face and the illusion of size it can give, but round faces just seem to look better all round.
Yeah, I think that would have probably made it look a bit closer to the Puma, however I think I was happy enough with the shape - the Puma did have a 67mm spine and mine ended up around 64mm I believe. I think I'll attempt another one in the future - it's just a really solid profile with plenty of wood where you need it. Just goes to show how much volume there is in bats like that - reckon it might have been around 2lb 13oz if I'd managed to get that spine higher, and the clefts used were decent weights!
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Anyone got a Screaming Cat they could lend to Chad?
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And another one - this particular G2 H4L cleft I had kept aside for a little while, and was probably one of the lightest I've had in. Decided to go with a more modern styled profile with this one, and with the Root shape being one of my favourites, I decided to attempt one.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Xq0KXgk8/20231029-204125.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6fRpKZ6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqCxQnqr/20231029_204056.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3xt6MKF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zq2xzm9X/20231029_204010.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsKDq6G1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rm4C8Hxs/20231029_203944.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BLq1pMhf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sx9YWZnR/20231029_203827.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Zvnvt0tf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1Rpc2LyY/20231029_203842.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgv3CDh8)
This particular cleft was a 4mm cambered one, and had a knot up at the shoulder. Being that light, I decided to try make it into a Root inspired shape, using my H4L Root bat made by James Perkins as a reference. (For those who don't know, used to work at GM and deal with Rooty's bats)
Weight - 2lb 10.5oz
Spine - 67mm
Edge Max - 40mm
Width - 108mm
Shoulder edge - 17mm
Splice - 38mm
Toe centre - 30mm
Toe edge - 26mm
Blade length - 1 inch shorter blade
Profiling - Convex
Handle shape - slim oval
(https://i.postimg.cc/bJ4MrLc8/20231221_182211.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgMT5RL5) (https://i.postimg.cc/D0sNXsnG/20231221_185638.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnxvVDWq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ryt336xp/20231221_182243.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bwKJWBv) (https://i.postimg.cc/gkV5cvMF/20231221_182338.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qz7QjCVj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rFX3LhNN/20231221_182304.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjRb6zVv)
As you can see from the images - a large bat for the weight - you can just about squeeze it through the gauge! The knot up at the shoulder was actually a bit of a dead knot - and when I shaped the shoulders down, the knot pretty much crumbled. (Lucky/wise decision to go for a SBLH setup!) All in all, I'm actually very happy with my attempt - it might not be 100% accurate (as are all of my previous attempts to replicate bats), but I'm happy with the specific details I try to match. This particular bat turned out pretty near what I was wanting, and I'm glad I held it back until I was a bit more confident in my knifework/sanding.
Now unfortunately, this particular cleft was uncovered to have a bit of drying damage/brittleness - as seen in one of the pictures above. I am probably just going to try inject some thin super glue just to make sure it all holds down well enough - one of the unfortunate things of working with willow is that there's always a chance of something like this affecting your product.
I'll take some comparison photos I guess when I get the chance to dig out the Root bat I used as a template!
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Got to be your best one yet. Fantastic work, really coming along.
Personally think that would be the one I’d pick up from the shop!
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Anyone got a Screaming Cat they could lend to Chad?
Hahahaha I do actually have one in thanks to @Ayrtek Cricket - I'll post some images of the first attempt in a bit. I need to make a few more I think before I get it to a stage where I'm happy with it!
Got to be your best one yet. Fantastic work, really coming along.
Personally think that would be the one I’d pick up from the shop!
Thanks @ch1p - means a lot coming from yourself! :)
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Top work all round @Chad!
Can't wait to see your efforts when you get the splicing machine, spindle moulder and press shortly! 😆 I'll post a review of mine at some stage, apologies for the delay in doing so. It's a lovely stick!
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Top work all round @Chad!
Can't wait to see your efforts when you get the splicing machine, spindle moulder and press shortly! 😆 I'll post a review of mine at some stage, apologies for the delay in doing so. It's a lovely stick!
Can barely trust myself with an extractor, nevermind sharp machinery 🤣 Thanks for the kind words - means a lot! :)
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Anyone got a Screaming Cat they could lend to Chad?
Right, so it's not quite perfect, but eh, it never will be - but here's my first attempt at replicating a JM bat with said bat with me physically.
(https://i.postimg.cc/66DB8XdD/20240103_000054.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5Bxh2ZR) (https://i.postimg.cc/fTmDXrCk/20240103_000031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mfDRwrT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CMW449Pp/20231013_010502.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDt9Y2w0) (https://i.postimg.cc/KcKNBm55/20231013_010515.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4ngVTkqK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zgrFSys/20231013_010730.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VT5JPNf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wbkkb3wQ/20231013_010749.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLJ15JXB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HxNrTDcY/20231013_010802.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VrjfFhWp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/130VwjTB/20231013_010815.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNR7djp6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3RNyMJwf/20231013_010837.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6rMKCKW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QM0BnWjW/20231013_010853.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gV58Xn9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/q7khLGHT/20231013_010909.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdH1pg4W)
(https://i.postimg.cc/90qrM8ZG/20231013_010929.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqT2Y793)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0rRrJY0h/20231013_015401.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gLsGC65K)
(https://i.postimg.cc/90qrM8ZG/20231013_010929.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqT2Y793)
A deceptively volumous profile - the copy ended up being around 2.14 I believe - the cleft wasn't even too heavy! Big thanks to Matt @hell4leather cricket for sorting me out with the thick handles and round faces ‐ the attempt would look even further off without it! The bat itself belongs to @Ayrtek Cricket and has had some refurbishments etc, so is a touch shorter than standard SH. The profile itself is beautifully balanced, with the bat genuinely picking up a good chunk lighter than the dead weight suggests, and thats thanks to the wood carried up through the splice and into the handle. I think I left the swell a bit too low compared to the example, and should have probably looked to leave a little more volume higher up - however I think thanks to the position of the butterfly, the bat itself feels very nicely balanced. I was pretty happy overall with this attempt - and plan to make more attempts. Just gotta find a way to fool someone into buying bats I've made haha 😄
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Mate, if you keep going and refining the shape you could be onto a winner.
Anyone for a Screaming Chad?
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There's also another one here: [url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31800.0[/url] ([url]http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31800.0[/url]) - @InternalTraining actually posted some pics back in the day?! :D
Ha! How did I miss this. :D Wow, I posted that nearly 10 years ago. Time sure flies.
If I didn't get around to posting a review of its performance...well...it performed like a champ. I had to side line it because it was too heavy. I ended coping a bouncer on the grill breaking a weld because I was late on my pull. The next ball I did pull to the boundary. ;)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/3RNyMJwf/20231013_010837.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6rMKCKW)
What a shape! Well done!!!
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(https://i.postimg.cc/zvnjkQG6/20231029_203803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHzZrPJ5)
Gorgeous bat! The curve of the bat and the shape is just fantastic!!
How is the ping and pickup?
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Ooft, been a wee while since I've updated this thread - got one going out which was based off the Joker copy I made a little while back. I'll miss this one, it doesn't pick up light, is an absolute brute, but having made a bat or 3 before for the chap who asked, I did try to spend as much time as I could on this making sure it was right. Given this one a lick of oil, boned and knocked the edges and also fitted with a moulded toe guard. Spine ended up being ever so slightly off centre, but spoke to the chap and he said he would rather I kept it as is to prevent any botched attempt at re-centreing. 😅
Weight - 2lb 15.6oz
Toe Edge - 19mm
Toe Centre - 29.5mm
Edge - 38mm
Spine - 67.5mm
Shoulder - 17mm
Splice - 41mm
Super Short Blade Super Long Handle setup
Camber - 7mm
(https://i.postimg.cc/bNw5pFwg/20240319-095318.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rz7j9jWR)(https://i.postimg.cc/HLXZBq6Y/20240319-095355.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5H9StRcT)(https://i.postimg.cc/Hns6WVdn/20240319-095418.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8VFq3Bn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/289K6FqD/20240319-095502.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Vvw9WFc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2SqXBbvB/20240319-095524.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zsCTNV8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/cLVk7xMk/20240319-095555.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xX3PnSZL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/d19WK8Mg/20240319-095612.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wy75XRjk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/63KHSMPd/20240319-095644.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z9fFvx4R)
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Cannot wait to get this in my hands! Is an absolute stunner @Chad
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This bat is now in my hands to knock in. It really is stunning. Chad has done a phenomenal effort
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You getting the itch Redders!!!
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Looks a beast that @Chad......If only it was 2lbs 7oz! 😉
It's great to see your work on here and your passion for batmaking. Think you only need some stickers and a press now eh?
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Cannot wait to get this in my hands! Is an absolute stunner @Chad
Glad you're hyped for it - hopefully have delivered!
This bat is now in my hands to knock in. It really is stunning. Chad has done a phenomenal effort
Thanks for the feedback, good to know it passes on your high standards for aesthetics. Just don't drive a cricket spike through the middle please!
You getting the itch Redders!!!
He's retired, or at least he claims he has. Swear I saw him snooping around for some pads though... :D
Looks a beast that @Chad......If only it was 2lbs 7oz! 😉
It's great to see your work on here and your passion for batmaking. Think you only need some stickers and a press now eh?
Ah, if I reduced the edges to 34mm, spine to 62mm... then it wouldn't be the same bat, and probably still wouldn't hit that weight. ;) Some clefts are just destined to be made into big bats at big weights for big lads like Mike, this particular one I reckon will perform well and get better with time :)
New press, stickers, splicer, spindle moulder, thicknesser, list goes on. :D
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100% insane bat! Used for first time today and absolutely flew! Thanks @Chad
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Right, so a bit of a different request for this one - around 15-20mm SB and SH configuration, and a mid middle. We play on generally low bouncing wickets when on grass, but astroturf as well, so having good coverage low-mid while maintaining a good balance was key for this particular piece. Being a slightly shorter blade, I'd have a bit more to play with in terms of profile size, especially low down, so decided to carry the spine through the toe to give a pretty solid thickness, and try just to make the lower few inches of the blade a little more sturdy/punchy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPK2s8NY/20240416-004651.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/c65743x7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yN2fyMzh/20240416-004659.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9YY21ry)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzSjs2Ry/20240416-004706.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVdvPdnk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFfgsgMk/20240416-004721.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Fdrb1gkp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T2VknNNm/20240416-004745.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhsBpDp6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FsGDBd4H/20240416-004807.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLwHWj2p)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5gmWb5z/20240416-004841.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0f140Sk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XqkQ3XBx/20240416-004908.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2L347kwB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRLBnzzj/20240416-005501.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fkpDZNf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pmzBkTs/20240416-005530.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hrbb2PQ3)
So it was meant to be a G3, but I ended up finding a really nice cleft which I had to take the length down a bit due to a split, and beef it up with a thicker toe guard mould. This would have undoubtedly made a superb full sized bat too, with some beautiful grainage, and I actually really like the blemishes/graping on the back. Shape wise I was going for a mid middle, and used an old BIG Kahuna for an edge template. Think I spent a while looking at the SCAT I've borrowed from @Ayrtek Cricket (sorry Tom, I'll get it back to you soon!) as it has some similarities to it with the way the spine runs into the splice, and the extended swell.
Luckily I managed to persuade the lad to pick another grip colour other than neon green to go with these Blue/Black B&S stickers. I actually really like the pink and blue Pope combo!
Specs:
Weight - 2.10.5
Spine - 65mm
Edge - 30mm
Toe edge - 20mm
Toe centre - 30mm
Shoulder edge - 14mm
Splice - 42.5mm
Handle Shape - Oval
Face Camber - 7mm
All in all, I'm pretty happy with how this turned out - it took me a while as I kept picking it back up again and adjusting over the course of a few weeks when I could find time. I think I could definitely do a bit better with the time I spend on these projects, but I think I just want to spend time getting to stages where I'm learning something about shaping and willow. I'm far from skilled with the tools I've got, but really taking the time now to try make sure I don't make mistakes that aren't rectifiable is key. Perhaps if I start up a brand and make stock shapes, I could improve on my timing...
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So, the 2nd of 6 Newbery copy attempts - a Thruxton! The Thruxton kind of goes against convention, with a medium-thick edge and a small, flatter spine with a mild concave. Every one I've come across though has pinged superbly, and it's probably mostly down to the press, but despite having a low spine and some concaving, it still packs a real punch. Luckily I have one handy to use as a reference bat too for this!
For those curious about what other ones will be attempted at some point:
Mjolnir - Done
Thruxton - Done
Tour
GT
Uzi
B52 Bomber
(https://i.postimg.cc/15L8JrzQ/20240418_134806.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CzsMKDDP) (https://i.postimg.cc/J4yyN2Mx/20240418_134820.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fkYDXCJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C1L5zvcj/20240418_105954.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3y4YT5F)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8Cbsk8mp/20240418_110013.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QBHjSyzw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCxCHKZB/20240418_110044.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6SqPtqy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MpVv4fcj/20240418_110128.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1xqRvQ6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jjTLrqN3/20240418_110157.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zydJCrxT)
Shots of the Concaving
(https://i.postimg.cc/Mp2GyZsZ/20240418_110104.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mtjR44fK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJsgzsQJ/20240418_110029.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K3yFGvYh)
Shots compared to the reference
(https://i.postimg.cc/0jhyX9Pf/20240418_134852.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sG9zvdBQ) (https://i.postimg.cc/G3ftmxGy/20240418_134925.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0rpPtmtk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gk6JXLHB/20240418_134837.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJDZ1LFx) (https://i.postimg.cc/7LXY83qb/20240418_134901.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJgz0Sgz)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0vVDs5j/20240418_134943.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CR6gZ4KN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bwxwLXMx/20240418_135007.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zNv249j)
I do feel for this one, I haven't quite achieved the aesthetic I was aiming for - yes, the low spine, mild concave, and thick edge are all there, but it just lacks a bit of the attractiveness of the Thruxton itself. Perhaps the slightly more bowed blade of the Thruxton lends itself a little more of a curvy look despite the lack of depth to work with curves, and I needed to adjust my spine profile and edge profile slightly just to accommodate for this.
Specifications:
Weight - 2lb 9.9oz
Face Camber - 7mm
Edge - 35mm
Toe Edge - 18mm
Toe Centre - 30mm
Shoulder Edge - 12mm
Splice - 38mm
Spine - 57mm
Handle - Semi-Oval
All in all, I'm okay with it not being quite what I had wanted - it has ended up somewhat a bit pancake-ish. Maybe I'll revisit one day and attempt another - I think I'd need to reduce dimensions in the toe and splice to try get a little more 'arc' into the profile. As always, massive thanks to @hell4leather cricket for supplying the pressed and handled cleft. The press on these has been superb. May need to visit again soon... :D
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Honestly, I think you're too harsh on yourself. That is a brilliant attempt at a copy. I really don't like the thruxton shape personally, but a really great copy of the original that is!
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Modest to a fault as usual! May not be spot on but a lovely bat regardless. Looking forward to seeing the Tour attempt, love that shape.
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all this does is make me feel stupid for selling my thruxton sps back in the day. Impossible to find a good one these days. Any off the shelf shapes in the same ball park?
Thats a great effort as well, not that far off
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@Chad - how about a Newbery TT, but with a bigger bottom!
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There would be no complaints from me if I’d ordered a Thruxton copy and that showed up Chad. Cracking work. I genuinely think there is a little something in bat stickers (as minimalist as those lovely classic Newbery ones are) that can influence how a shape looks on the eye.
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Having seen this bat in the flesh over the weekend, it’s a tremendous bat. Very well made by a slightly dodgy bloke 😂. I joke. Class effort mate, you always know what I think of your skills!
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(https://i.postimg.cc/XqkQ3XBx/20240416-004908.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2L347kwB)
Screaming Cat/Millichamp shape. Looks great!
I wish I had had cornered one when he was making bats.
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Screaming Cat/Millichamp shape. Looks great!
I wish I had had cornered one when he was making bats.
Plays as good as it looks, even in the hands of an absolute no-hoper batsman like me!