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[Ryan]

Just out of interest what tools are you using to shape with? Also, what are you using for sanding/ buffing? It might be worth posting some pictures of your setup...I'm sure the forum members would be very interested to see.

[ajmw89]

I'll get some up next week.  Used mainly a coffin plane, smoothing plane and spokeshave for shaping.  Got a new drawknife as I didn't get on with my curved bladed drawknife, but yet to use it.  Using a Black and decker multi sander for sanding.  Bench is the main problem, as it's not fixed.  My next task is to fix that to the wall/floor!

[Ryan]

What's the reason foe using both a coffin plane and smoothing plane? Don't they do the same job?? Unless one is concaved of course. 

[ajmw89]

What's the reason foe using both a coffin plane and smoothing plane? Don't they do the same job?? Unless one is concaved of course.

They do, but I find the coffin plane is better at removing the wood quicker, and the smoothing plane is better for fine tuning as it is adjustable and more comfortable to use.

[Ryan]

I find a smoothing plane so much better, like you say it's easier to adjust. Although I do love vintage wood planes, they give a lovely polished finish compared to steel planes.

[ajmw89]

I find a smoothing plane so much better, like you say it's easier to adjust. Although I do love vintage wood planes, they give a lovely polished finish compared to steel planes.

I do like my wooden one, although I find it can clog up quickly if set up incorrectly.  It's not something I can use for long periods, as I find I keep getting hand cramps after a while, whereas the smoothing plane is more ergonomic

[Vulcan Cricket]

So my weekend started a little early on a snowy friday morning when I went down to visit Matt @ H4L to grab a few clefts.  It was great going down there and seeing a proper batmaker's setup, as it gives me something to aspire to!  Anyhoo, after a chat and a cup of tea to warm ourselves up, I picked up these 5 beauties, all a mixture of G1, 2 and 3.  I didn't spend as long as I would like down there as the inclement weather put the kibosh on that!


So, come saturday morning I took these all to my workshop and started marking up the 3 that I would be making for people.



And this is the first one that got made.  Vital stats: 2lb 9oz, short handle, 30mm edges, an average amount of concaving and the middle sounds sweet.




The 2nd one that got made is the one on the left with the horrid grip.  Weighs in at 2lb 5oz and picks up like a feather.  17mm edges with no concaving.  The guy who this is going to wanted it light, with no pickup and a mid-low middle.



More pics to come when I get my camera pics on my laptop and when I've made another one

well done keeping going it takes years to get them 100 percent right and then you can start to sell them might be worth spending some time with matt to help you speed up your skills 

[ajmw89]

Thanks

[FattusCattus]

There's a touch of the Jumbo's going on here (and I like that!)

Take a look at the Choice profile - that's a nice smooth look.

[ajmw89]

I will do. Thanks.

[Vulcan Cricket]

are you selling these bats??? or are you just doing for fun as a hobby

[crictech]

good to see another budding bat maker getting started.

I don't know about the other guys but I like to keep the shoulders (and toe) edge width to no less than 15mm on our bats. I've found anything less than 13mm is susceptible. It's a good idea to mark up the edges as a guide.

[ajmw89]

are you selling these bats??? or are you just doing for fun as a hobby

Mainly as a hobby, but these have been sold to people that have had a net with another bat I've made.

good to see another budding bat maker getting started.

I don't know about the other guys but I like to keep the shoulders (and toe) edge width to no less than 15mm on our bats. I've found anything less than 13mm is susceptible. It's a good idea to mark up the edges as a guide.

thanks.  I try to keep the shoulders no less than 10mm, but they're usually around 12-15mm.  The toe is usually around 15mm.