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Author Topic: GM Bat Process  (Read 3293 times)

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uknsaunders

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GM Bat Process
« on: March 06, 2011, 11:32:58 PM »
Curious about the grading process for GM Bats. I was in a shop today playing with 3 Luna 404 bats. One had 5 grains another 10. One of them looked to have the same amount of wood on the edges/toe/spine, as the others but felt lighter.The impression I got was one bat was better than the other 2 (I bounced a few balls on each as well).I just wondered if the grading is based only on performance and whether each bat is identical in terms of performance in a given range ie. 404.
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roco

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2011, 11:37:51 PM »
They grade primarily on looks then performance from what we observed on the factory visit
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Liam-SCCC

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2011, 11:37:59 PM »
I think they grade some bats on looks, thats why you can get an LE performing piece of williow with a couple of blemishes wearing 808 stickers.
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David Bacon B3

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2011, 03:13:25 PM »
Sorry for the very late reply on this post - I have only just joined the forum.

Firstly an introduction - My name is David and I work for GM, and among other things I implemented the CNC machine, design the cricket bats and produce the programmes for the CNC machine.

Grading - GM initially grade on how the blade looks (so grain structure and cleanness of the blade). After that bats will only be down graded on performance during production.

404 - Is our entry level unpainted bat and there is a little variation in grading as you described. Typically these bats will be wide grained, but occasionally in clefts you get something called a butterfly stain, and if a blade contains one of these stains it is automatically a 404, regardless of the grain structure, hence you can get a 404 with 10 grains.

Weight - As willow is a natural product you will always get a variance in weight, and this is the only thing that we as a company can not control. Our CNC machine allows us to make all Luna's to the exact specification- but they will however come in a variety of different weights depending on the density of each cleft. interestingly - you can get two bats with exactly the same scale weight but 'feel' different when you pick them up. This is related not only to the design of the bat, but also the relationship between handle and blade weight.

I hope this answers your question, and I am looking forward to becoming a valued member (hopefully!!) of the forum.

David
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peplow

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2011, 03:19:17 PM »
Streaky has signed up! Good times :D haha
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Perkins17

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2011, 03:22:04 PM »
Dr Streaky !
That's is a great explanation good to see some more indepth explanations of willow while mike is not here
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justnotcricket86

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2011, 03:23:18 PM »
Welcome to the forum mate, if your guvnor's input is anything to go by then you will be a good addition pal.
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David Bacon B3

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2011, 03:09:37 PM »
Glad to be of service - hopefully my posts will be of interest to fellow cricket bat geeks....

If you have any queries/ questions on cricket bat manufacturing do not hesitate to ask, and I will try and answer as honestly as I can.

David AKA Streaky
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Red Ink Cricket

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2011, 03:12:12 PM »
david,

i would be interested in knowing whats the best way to shape the shoulders of the bat consitantly . ive shaped a few part mades and most of them have been different. is there any tips or tricks of the trades i can apply? thanks
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David Bacon B3

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2011, 03:45:26 PM »
Quote from: johners77 on July 12, 2011, 03:12:12 PM
david,

whats the best way to shape the shoulders of the bat consitantly

Hi Johners77,

hhhhmmmmm not quite what I had in mind when I replied to the thread, but I did say I would answer as honestly as I can.

We use our CNC router to cut the shoulders of the bat (which ensures that they are not only even but consistent across all different models and sizes), which are then hand finished by our master craftsmen. I think the link to our youtube video is on the forum somewhere, if you can not find it there are videos on our website. Prior to the CNC, we used a spindle moulder and a jig (which was basically a box with the correct shoulder profile). The spindle moulder followed the profile of the jig therefore ensuring that both shoulder profiles were the same. That said I do not know whether you would want to go to the trouble of making a jig, or have access to a spindle moulder. My advice would be to do a roughing cut (with something like a pillar drill) which would give you an even profile, and then finish off the shoulders following the profile.

I hope this helps and good luck (watch those fingers  ;))

David
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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2011, 03:54:29 PM »
thanks for the info.
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roco

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Re: GM Bat Process
« Reply #11 on: July 16, 2011, 09:15:02 AM »
They never let us take a bat even though pete did have trotts bat under his jumper at one point
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The first cricket box was used in 1874.  The first cricket helmet was introduced in 1974. So, it took 100 years for men to twig that their brains were also worth protecting.
 

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