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[Sam]

Hey guys , as I'm starting my second bat soon , and am getting quite into it , I don't want to get too far ahead of myself but was wondering what sort of tools I would require to splice and handle a cleft  . Not planning on doing it just yet but I'm curious. Would you use a table saw (or band saw or jig saw?)? And how would you go about making sure you cut it at the correct angle? Thanks  .

[ajmw89]

A band saw would be ideal, but you could probably get away with a jig saw if you are careful

[Simmy]

band saw and a jig

[Sam]

Any suggestions as to the technique used? 

[ajmw89]

band saw and a jig

riverdance or lord of the dance?

[Sam]

Also , I assume with a bandsaw you'd cut with the flat face of the bat facing up for a more accurate cut , but how would you keep the face level without a flat surface against the table (the spine would be).

[ajmw89]

Not sure, although it's on the list of questions the next time I visit H4L to go cleft shopping

[Simmy]

Also , I assume with a bandsaw you'd cut with the flat face of the bat facing up for a more accurate cut , but how would you keep the face level without a flat surface against the table (the spine would be).

flat face down!

how else would u keep it flat? u can push down on the spine onto a flat curface? lol

loads of vids on youtube of bat makers doing this

[Sam]

Not sure, although it's on the list of questions the next time I visit H4L to go cleft shopping

Remember to share it with us  .

[Sam]

flat face down!

how else would u keep it flat? u can push down on the spine onto a flat curface? lol

loads of vids on youtube of bat makers doing this

Do you just do the size/positioning on judgement then?

[Simmy]

Do you just do the size/positioning on judgement then?

no you make a jig...

you place the cleft in a jig and push it into the bandsaw

[geeders]

Hey guys , as I'm starting my second bat soon , and am getting quite into it , I don't want to get too far ahead of myself but was wondering what sort of tools I would require to splice and handle a cleft  . Not planning on doing it just yet but I'm curious. Would you use a table saw (or band saw or jig saw?)? And how would you go about making sure you cut it at the correct angle? Thanks  .

There's a good video of nixon cricket on YouTube that shows the jig set up he uses.

[Ryan]

Nixon uses a table saw and so do most of the established bad makers. The trouble is that the table saws are very big and expensive to buy. That's why most people use a bandsaw. Does the job just as well.

You need to find out what angle you like to cut at then make a jig around that. Getting it centred etc takes a little bit of time to get right but worth it. It took me ages to work out the correct angles and resulted in a few ruined handles (handle jig being harder to make than the splice jig).

The thing is there isn't a standard length/ width/ angle to make the cut at so therefore it differs from person to person.

[Sam]

Any suggestions as to a decent/large enough band saw for a cleft (sorry , a bit inexperienced with woodwork machinery  ). And Mayne some tips on setting up a jig if any of you have much experience .

[Ryan]

I've got a Elektra Beckum BAS 450WN which does the trick, shes' s an old workhorse and ideal. Just look for the motor output, go for the biggest machine you can afford, it'll be worth it. then make sure you have the correct blade for the job.

Best thing to do is measure the splice on one of your bats then work out the angles etc from that. Easier said than done. I'd tell you how mines set up but where's the fun in that?