Quick update on this, I've been speaking with a couple of people and have suggested the following, I'm not saying this is a consice list but it's what i would recommend.
1. Decide what edge size and shape your going for, trace it on some card and then cut out. You now have a template to transfer on to your bats edge.
2. Use this template and draw on the profile on each edge making sure you line both sides up to keep symmetrical.
3. Use a flat bottom plane/ travisher to reduce the edges down to the required profile. I'd keep a couple of mm away from the edge line, this can be tidied up later.
4. Shape the profile with a travisher (I'd use a travisher rather than a round bottom plane, the reason being is that travisher blades are wider and more uniformed), keep away from the spine and remove weight mainly from the shoulder and toe are, keeping most of the wood where the middle position will be.
5. Shape the spine to give the required profile shape. Again this can be done with ether a travisher/ plane/ drawknife/ spokeshave etc. whatever you're comfortable using.
6. Fine tune the shape down to the required weight (i normally make the bat 2oz lighter) this will allow for sanding stages/ twine/ grip/ stickers etc
7. Shape the shoulders using a narrow blade drawknife and then smooth out using a narrow spokeshave, also a good time to shape the handle, again use a spokeshave for this. Then use a rasp to finish the handle shape.
8. Rough sanding, use a good quality sandpaper around 120 grit to smooth out any humps/ bumps etc
9. Fine sanding, again use a good quality sandpaper (i find that Aluminium oxide paper is the best) start and work through the grits 150/ 180/ 220/ 224/ 320. 320 is as high as you need to go on this.
]0. Buffing, apply wax and buff with a cotton mop.
11. Bind using waxed cotton twine/ apply grid and stickers
Narrow drawknife - Any old narrow blade drawknife will do, older the better - the steel tends to hold a sharp edge for longer.
Wood Spokeshave - Again any old wooden spokeshave will do.
Record Jake Plane - I think they're normally called a number 4
Travisers -
http://www.tomthackray.co.uk/shop/ OR
http://travisher.com/travisher-kit/ (you get sent a block and you have to make the body)
Bench vice - Record number 5 (5 inch maximum mouth)
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Topic: A quick guide to making your first bat (Read 123646 times)