Print

[wcc]

Just basically looking for some help with refurbishing my bat at home, instead of the alternative of going a bat maker, also will give me something to do in these winter months.  So i wont have any power tools (could look to buying something?) but was reading a few threads and someone was talking about sandpaper and differant grades for about 180-2000? But my local hardware store most of the sandpaper was just labelled fine, medium, course? Sorry for being such a novice! Any tips welcome.

[Red Ink Cricket]

Sandpaper at DIY shops isn't great. The brands themselves are ok but the range is really poor. Check out places like axminster tools, Rutlands and other online retailers. Plenty of stock and variety of grades. I tend to work from around 120-1200.

Take your time on each grade. Obviously power sanding is useful but you can remove the wood pretty quickly so be careful. I'd pick up a cheap orbital sander if you can. I think I've got one somewhere if interested?

Finishing wise then beeswax is a cheap option for someone who is just doing their own bats

[mad_abt_cricket]

Could do with these sand papers. Start with the coarse one and rub uniformly along the grains till you are able to get rid of old layer. Make sure not to leave scratches from the sandpaper. Then repeat it with medium and fine sanding respectively in the same way. With hand you will need some patience though.

Once sanded apply a thin layer of linseed oil. Then a light knocking and your bat is ready for next season.

[wcc]

Ive went with those sandpapers mentioned from the diy store just have abit practise before i go onto my other bats, just wonder is it best to go up and down im guessing rather than side to side? Also the scratching of the wood that was mentioned, is it just a case of applying less pressure? Thanks for the replie thus far.

[Red Ink Cricket]

Up and down the grains and light pressure. The more pressure you put on the more likely you are to deep scratch the wood or suffer from tear out which is a pain. Take your time over each grade and It will come out nicely. You can then look to move onto more grades of sandpaper for an even better finish

[mad_abt_cricket]

Try to do it in one direction and not to worry about scratches initially, there will be some scratches. You can try to remove them with circular motions of your hands. Give it a try and you will find a way out. Patience is the key. 

[procricket]

Briwax all the way for me.

Different grades of sandpaper

Mouse sander

[Red Ink Cricket]

Briwax all the way for me.

Different grades of sandpaper

Mouse sander

Briwax is good. Even better if your going to be doing a few refurbs.

[Blazer]

Can someone post the links to sandpaper grades above 400 grit please ?.