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[Tail Ender]

Greetings gents

I've been viewing this forum for the past couple of days and my registration has finally been approved (hooray!). I just wanted to say how bloody impressed I've been with some of the sticks you guys have made - they're brilliant.

Browsing here has also inspired and strengthened my desire to have a crack at making my own bat and learning to podshave. It's been reassuring reading your posts and finding out a lot of you had zero experience/idea when you started, but they still turn out great. I haven't done woodwork since I was 13 (now 29), but I'm a massive cricket nut and have always loved the romanticism of bat making.

So I am determined to get things going and give it a go myself. Unfortunately, sourcing tools/clefts might be a bit difficult (I'm in Australia), plus I've got a 5-month-old baby girl so the wife mightn't be keen for me to spend money on this. BUT I will do it! Eventually!     

Kudos, and I know I'll enjoy interacting with likeminded cricket enthusiasts as your fine selves.

[stevat]

I'm a newbie to this forum, but welcome, sure others will follow in the pleasantries.

I've also been reading and looking at the superb workmanship on here that can come with patience and practice.  Want to give it a go myself, and have already started looking around for tools and such like.

Oddly enough, I have a 4 month old son, so I'm biding my time as well, but sure I'll get there in the end.  Whereabouts in Australia are you?

[Tail Ender]

Thanks stevat. I'm in Western Australia, about 30 minutes south of Perth. Are you an Aussie too?

I'm married to an accountant and she likes to keep a tight rein on the purse strings unfortunately. Well, fortunately I guess otherwise we'd have no money for food because it would've all be spent on cricket gear

[stevat]

No, I'm a Brit, but spent a bit of time down there, well in Adelaide and Sydney.  Based up in the North East.

You could certainly lose a lot of money quickly, especially looking at the stuff available through here and the sponsors.  Some very tempting offers on virtually every day.

You could persuade her you're saving a fortune by making your own?

If you like the subtle nuances and purity of bat making you should check out beach cricket's blog 'wielding white willow'.  It's a great read and covers techniques, tools and such like.  Fascinating stuff, well written.

[Tail Ender]

I had a quick browse of his site at work and having a proper read of it is on my 'to do' list over the weekend.

Persuade her I'm saving money? She'll turn around and say "but you're a bowler"

She knows how passionate I am, so I'm sure it won't be long before she comes around.

[stevat]

Well must skidaddle for now bud.  Enjoy your weekend.  On here as well, worth reading some of Buzz's articulations on batting techniques.  Some great advice in there.