Topic: Batmaking in the Early Years - Pics (Read 7962 times)

Tom · « **on:** January 14, 2009, 07:25:21 PM »

The Tree before felling.

�Bat Willow� grown here as wind break in East Anglia.

This parcel of trees shows plantation or wind break grown willow which produces taller trees with narrower grains. Trees are felled and cut into rounds on site.

This parcel of trees clearly shows parkland grown willow which produces trees with wider spaced grains.

The rounds arrive at the factory to be opened up in a process known as Riving. This involves driving a wooden wedge through the round using a wooden mallet or Beetle to produce a cleft. The axe is used to �mark� the split. (Image from the 60's)

After Barking the cleft is skillfully trimmed.

Clefts are graded and stacked so air can pass between in preparation for the long seasoning period. At this stage the wet cleft weighs 20-25lbs. (Another 60's image)

After 18-24 months Clefts are selected and rough graded to begin the journey into the factory. At this stage the seasoned cleft weighs 5-7lbs.

Tom · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2009, 07:28:59 PM »

Clefts are hand shaped to each models specification.

The bat press.

Handles are assembled from more than 20 components, including fine cane in another part of the factory.

The pressed blade is skillfully married to the handle, then crafted to perfection before sanding and polishing. Bats are quality controlled at every stage.

Final grading, inspection and the seal of approval

Images courtesy of Gunn & Moore www.gm-cricket.com
The majority of photos are from early 1900's unless stated

BlarneyArmy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2009, 07:35:47 PM »

Thats impressive. Very mind blowing how skilled they were back then and the amount of clefts there was at the place before the factory. The amount of people working at that factory and the bats produced! Fantastic stuff!

Chrissy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2009, 07:43:48 PM »

Jesus how many clefts! Interesting pics also

danspink · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:52:12 PM »

Nice little info about how the bats are made.

BlarneyArmy · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:00:31 PM »

The last pic is like a library lmao!

Talisman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:52:49 PM »

Now you see why the old un's like Fattus Cattus and Norb love the making of bats so much, they remember taking those photo's and being involved as kids.

SAF Bats · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:11:47 AM »

Tom excellent you know I love all this stuff so thanks as I don't really look at the GM website.

Fattus Cattus is that you up that tree in the second picture!

I also like the look of the guy with the Drawknife on the de-barking photo [clefts no handles - 1st one in Tom's second post] he has the look of someone that has just removed a bigger shaving then he was supposed. I've seen that look on Talisman when I'm listening to clefts!!!!

Sam to the C · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:59:53 AM »

its quite nice the photos very detailed!

sultanofswing · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:35:04 AM »

that last picture = heaven

Chaim · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2009, 12:46:11 PM »

wow tom

brilliant thread gives a really good insight on the history of batmaking

FattusCattus · « **Reply #11 on:** January 15, 2009, 08:40:24 PM »

Quote from: Norbair on January 15, 2009, 09:11:47 AM

Fattus Cattus is that you up that tree in the second picture!

Yes it is - I'm fertilizing the willow.

BucketHandsGreg · « **Reply #12 on:** January 15, 2009, 08:43:43 PM »

Hah, what is that up the tree?

BlarneyArmy · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:05:49 PM »

Fattus Cattus

Talisman · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:47:20 PM »

The Skyline Feline.

Author Topic: Batmaking in the Early Years - Pics (Read 7962 times)

Tom

Batmaking in the Early Years - Pics

Tom

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BlarneyArmy

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Chrissy

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danspink

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BlarneyArmy

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Talisman

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SAF Bats

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Sam to the C

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sultanofswing

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Chaim

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FattusCattus

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BucketHandsGreg

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BlarneyArmy

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Talisman

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