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[tchapman]

Hi - I've recently tried making my first bat, using a part-made G3 from Blank Bats. So far it's generally gone ok, with the exception of slightly hashing up the shoulders and bottom of the handle.

This is mainly my own ineptitude, but I would certainly value advice and examples on how people shape shoulders differently and blend in with the bottom of the handle. Mine's coming out slightly thin and square...!

Many thanks,

Tom

[Northern monkey]

Easiest way is to copy a handle you like, (mines a laver)
Tools, I use a rasp and a file,,,both half round

[Buzz]

This is my favourite first post ever.

Welcome to the forum!

[JK Lewis]

Well done Tom, keep it going.

I hold the bat upright in a bench vice, and shape the shoulders with a drawknife. It works ok but I don't think the pros do it this way. Theres a video on my Lewis Cricket facebook page somewhere. Check also for videos on YouTube, also Dean at Vulcan Cricket has made little videos about this on Facebook.

[edge]

Welcome! I cut the rough shape of the shoulders using a jig saw, then use a spokeshave and/or drawknife to blend in and shape the handle. The spokeshave particularly makes it not too tricky a job, but in the past I have done all the blending with a rasp. Bit laborious but it's an easy way to get good control over exactly what shape you want if you're not completely happy with your drawknife skills, or if you don't have a drawknife.