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[potzy248]

I have a guy who sells Indian made bats. They perform really well and seem to made of very good English willow. the only problem is that the finishing is really poor.
Is it possible to finish them like the batmakers on here do? Extra sanding, Buffing, shin bone etc? Would it make a difference?

Cheers

[uknsaunders]

I'm sure you aren't trying to deceive anybody but the wording of your post implies you want to make a bat appear made in the UK, by finishing it to a higher level. I hope you wouldn't make claims as to it's made origins being anything but Indian. However, a better finish always helps to sell a bat and nothing wrong with that.

With regards to finishing, I'm sure going through the grades of sandpaper would help. Buffing and using bat wax would complete the smooth finish. Decent grip and scuff as well. A bit of tlc and possibly a few extra pounds wouldn't hurt.

[potzy248]

I'm sure you aren't trying to deceive anybody but the wording of your post implies you want to make a bat appear made in the UK, by finishing it to a higher level. I hope you wouldn't make claims as to it's made origins being anything but Indian. However, a better finish always helps to sell a bat and nothing wrong with that.

With regards to finishing, I'm sure going through the grades of sandpaper would help. Buffing and using bat wax would complete the smooth finish. Decent grip and scuff as well. A bit of tlc and possibly a few extra pounds wouldn't hurt.

Sorry if sounded like that, but no I would never do that. I have a guy here in NZ who sells Indian made bats and I was thinking of getting one. I only want to make it look better and if I can, maybe sell them to a few friends of mine.
Dont think you could make an Indian made bat look UK made anyway.

Thanks for your tips though. I will give it a  go and see how I get on.

[n80krr]

I'm in the same boat got an Indian(made in England shaped there) bit of willow that needs some work.
how would someone go about a soft pressed bat? could it be knocked in for a longer period to simulate a harder press?
What grades of sandpaper would you start with? 180 then work up to 2000? then use a buffing wheel with some wood wax?

[uknsaunders]

It will take more time to knocking in a soft pressed bat, otherwise the thing will crack and dent. Keep knocking in until you can't see any seam marks when you bounce a ball on the bat or ideally hit a few in anger at nets. I used my new bat for catching practise with an old ball to simulate match conditions and then examine it for seam marks. If none existed it was fine, otherwise I would knock it in some more.

[n80krr]

great advice thanks saunders. will this achieve similar result to a harder press? or can only a press achieve a hard/medium/soft press?