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[brokenbat]

this bat hasn't been used much. I took the scuff sheet off to inspect the blade - are these normal surface cracks? also, seems like there are some vertical cracks that almost appear to be 'new grains' (the bat had 8-9 grains).

thinking of a coat of oil, before applying a new scuff sheet. should I do anything else?
is this the bat just "opening up" or should I be worried?

here is the picture:

[WalkingWicket37]

Looks a little dry to me mate, a light sanding should sort the cracks then give her a coat of oil or two and it'll be fine

[Northern monkey]

Yup
Dried out,,,get some oil on it

[GarrettJ]

A major problem of using scuff sheets is drying out. Ditch the scuff sheet and give your bat some love and attention when it needs it

[Seniorplayer]

Don,t get to concerned as already stated  that's  dryness lightly sand  clean blade  apply  thin coat of linseed oil place bat on its spine leave 24 hours and lightly apply 2ND coat of oil then do as suggested  leave scuff sheet off this will allow the oil to nurture the willow.

[MD2812]

Out of interest is there a way to put moisture back into the bat?

My understanding of oiling is that it sits on the willow and prevents the bat drying further.

There was a good video where someone (maybe J.Millichamp) iled a bat, cut it in half and showed the oil remained by the surface rather than seeping through.

[WalkingWicket37]

Out of interest is there a way to put moisture back into the bat?

My understanding of oiling is that it sits on the willow and prevents the bat drying further.

There was a good video where someone (maybe J.Millichamp) iled a bat, cut it in half and showed the oil remained by the surface rather than seeping through.

Leave it in a bathroom (or any othe room with steam in) maybe.
Ot ship it halfway round the world, works for Lavers

[RightArmRapid]

Out of interest is there a way to put moisture back into the bat?

My understanding of oiling is that it sits on the willow and prevents the bat drying further.

There was a good video where someone (maybe J.Millichamp) iled a bat, cut it in half and showed the oil remained by the surface rather than seeping through.

Actually that would be interesting to know, when oiling hair rather than putting moisture in the hair what happens is you lock in the moisture already present and stop it from drying out.

[Seniorplayer]

  You are correct  linseed  oil is used to maintain The moisture  levels already within in the  bat and help reduce cracking and splitting when using the bat, also the oil helps repel water this is why 6 coats of oil to the toe of the bat is recommend.Problems such as dryness can occur when scuff sheets are fitted to non oiled blades.

[fasteddie]

This happens to most of my bats as I don't use a scuff sheet. When you buy them they invariably have one which I whip off.

I've just left them and they seem to be ok. No damage, no oil either. I do keep my bats indoors which may be a gentle way of adding some moisture to the surface.

If anything, it will be a few grams lighter.

If you want to the bat to last along time then oil I guess. If you are happy to chop and change then give is a quick sand and let be. It's up to you really.

[brokenbat]

i always oil before applying a scuff sheet, but in this case, perhaps I should have given it one more coat. I also think a light sanding before a new coat helps the bat absorb the oil, but maybe thats just me being a moron.

[tejasapatel]

looks dry try sand (if the bat has been used) and do at least 2-3 coats of oil and before adding scuff sheet.

I would also suggest you use clear type scuff sheet for this bat as removing fiber scuff sheet from dry bats causes the fibers to peel off no matter how carefully done.

[Seniorplayer]

Sanding a used bat is recommended before applying a fresh coat of oil as this removes any existing dried on oil from the blade.

[kal_m]

Ditch the scuff sheet as someone mentioned earlier.Just protect the edges and the toe with an edge tape. Oil the bat before and after the season.

[crictech]

looks like water damage but it's hard to tell for sure from the picture

either way a good sand down and oiling should do the trick