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[PM7]

Perhaps thats due to Salix's strict grading system?
Those heartwood tightgraind beasts are absolutely lovely....mmm

[jonpinson]

Not as expensive as you might think too.

[SillyShilly]

Previn - i think it suggests that this is Wrights grading system, Salix will then re-grade the willow, perhaps pushing it up to 10%, perhaps pushing it down to 5% - who knows??

[dan_nichols]

This is from the wrights grading system.

It is probably because, tree's are being felled earlier and earlier in there life and not able to develop into a tree of greater size. So if a tree is felled at 15/16 years old which is more likely now because of demand for willow. By the time the round has been split, each split which will produce the cleft is only going to have 7/8 grains. Then you have to take into account any heartwood/blemishes which obviously downgrades the cleft.

Obviously all tree's felled arent 15/16 years old but the ones of 20/30 years are becoming less frequent finds.

[PM7]

Well said Dom but all the Salix bats ive seen for sale and in person have very little or no heartwood.
These ones are quite appealing and look like they will play well as most Salix do....if priced right they will sell easily

[jonpinson]

Dan could you when time allows ask Andrew for a description of your in house grading system? I realise every maker grades by different means, it would be interesting to hear Andrew's take.

[dan_nichols]

no worries. i will ask him tomorow Jon.

[jonpinson]

Thanks for the PM by the way, just realised I'd read it and not replied. May well give her a call later this week.

[norbs]

This is from the wrights grading system.

It is probably because, tree's are being felled earlier and earlier in there life and not able to develop into a tree of greater size. So if a tree is felled at 15/16 years old which is more likely now because of demand for willow. By the time the round has been split, each split which will produce the cleft is only going to have 7/8 grains. Then you have to take into account any heartwood/blemishes which obviously downgrades the cleft.

Obviously all tree's felled arent 15/16 years old but the ones of 20/30 years are becoming less frequent finds.

Dan are you talking about these clefts? I ask because they have a fair few grains on them which suggests they are from an older tree as the outer rounds would have sapwood and grain width would be dependant on the growing season.

Also interesting to see that Salix grade before pressing

[dan_nichols]

nah norbs. just trying to explain why Wright's would say that of 1000 clefts only 7% would be grade ones. Im aware that there are older tree's around but not as many to supply the demand hence why you have to get so many of 4's to get 3's to get 2's to get 1's. You know all that anyway.

So far they have been graded twice, when they were unloaded off the trailer on looks/weight for the cleft, and again after the faces have been machined and the ends cut. Will be graded a couple of times again yet. Pressing starts properly tomorow i think, Ben and Andrew were setting the roller this arvo.

[mattw]

So would that mean in the long run (if the demand stays the same of climbs for G1 bats), could they become less likely to be produced due to trees having less time to grow?

[norbs]

nah norbs. just trying to explain why Wright's would say that of 1000 clefts only 7% would be grade ones. Im aware that there are older tree's around but not as many to supply the demand hence why you have to get so many of 4's to get 3's to get 2's to get 1's. You know all that anyway.

So far they have been graded twice, when they were unloaded off the trailer on looks/weight for the cleft, and again after the faces have been machined and the ends cut. Will be graded a couple of times again yet. Pressing starts properly tomorow i think, Ben and Andrew were setting the roller this arvo.

Cheers Dan and by the way best of luck up there mate great move

[dan_nichols]

I guess over a period of time it could be possible if demand got really high. But trees are always being replaced when they are felled and im sure there are still places around the country where willow has been growing and forgotten about. Plus if it got really difficuilt im sure suppliers would start upgrading lower grades i guess.

Cheers Norbs, much appreciated and me and Ben are trying to give as much insight into every process we can so hope everyone is finding it interesting.

[Cover_Drive]

So thinking about long term so it is good time to buy top grade bats

[mattw]

Any excuse... :]