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[wayward_hayward]

With just a month to go until the Vitas event, I thought it would be right to start refurbing my bats ready for a good old whack next month. I thought it would be a good idea to share any helpful tips and tricks to give your old favourite a new lease of life.

I'm just uploading my photos of my first refurb work of the winter, feel free to post your photos and information here too.

[Ams4287]

Have already done 3 team mates and 1 of mine, unfortunately I didn't do any before pics 

[wayward_hayward]

GM Epic 707

My first bat to refurb is my GM Epic, which I have a bit of a soft spot for. I have owned the bat nearly two years and it hadn't received a refurb so it was at the top of my list.





It didn't need much work doing to it, removal of the scuff sheet, small bit of damage to the toe and bit of TLC.

First up was the removal of the scuff sheet, which came off with relative ease thanks to the Mrs hairdryer. Always remember to pull the sheet off from edge to edge to minimise any wood coming off with the sheet. Another tip is to keep the scuff sheet as a template for the new one.



The scuff had hidden this little crack which shouldn't cause any worries.



Next up was removing the toe guard using the hairdryer to check for any damage. During a soggy net session, the toe had inflated so it needed some sanding to bring it back in line with the rest of the bat. GM toe guards I have found to be the best in the market, by actually staying on the bat! I will reuse the toe guard with the help of some super glue.





Onto the sanding, first up is removing any glue from the scuff. I used a touch of linseed oil to help ease off the residue with some 60 sandpaper. As the sandpaper heats up the glue, use a left over credit card to scrap it off along the grain. In my case, I use my old university card to the best of its abilities.



Once all the glue is off, I go through a variety of grades of sandpaper (60, 100, 180, 240, 600) to provide a smooth finish. The key is to not fly through the grades and make sure the finish is consistent across the bat. I hand sanded during the whole process, using the block for the face and edges and off cuts to work on rounding off the edges. As you can see from the photos, make sure you tape over the stickers if you want to save them.







Sanding complete, the bat looks excellent and the 600 grade sandpaper really finishes it off brilliantly, I love how smooth the finish is. I have given the bat a coat of oil to finish it off ready for a new scuff sheet in a few days time once the bat has soaked up all the oil.

[Silver Bullet]

GM Epic 707

My first bat to refurb is my GM Epic, which I have a bit of a soft spot for. I have owned the bat nearly two years and it hadn't received a refurb so it was at the top of my list.



Sanding complete, the bat looks excellent and the 600 grade sandpaper really finishes it off brilliantly, I love how smooth the finish is. I have given the bat a coat of oil to finish it off ready for a new scuff sheet in a few days time once the bat has soaked up all the oil.

Looks Great and thank you for the great guide. Only thing I've heard otherwise about is regarding the scuff sheet. Id always heard you take it off along the grains.

[potzy248]

"Id always heard you take it off along the grains."

Get ready for some huge chunks of wood coming off if you do mate.

[wayward_hayward]

I have added to the growing line of bats that need a bit of TLC with another purchase today. With Santa hopefully bringing me a sander, the production line should move swiftly along.



Latest purchase is the GM Cannon, which is a lovely shape. Bit of a beast at the moment at 2lb 14oz (listed as 2lb 9 oz!) but should scrub up nicely.

[WalkingWicket37]

The GM and the DS only need a new scuff sheet and they'll look virtually new won't they?

[wayward_hayward]

The GM and the DS only need a new scuff sheet and they'll look virtually new won't they?

Couple of cracks but nothing major. The puma needs dowelling.

[wayward_hayward]

Thanks to Santa, my refurbs are in full swing now. The Titan orbital sander that I have is excellent and has made it 10 times easier and quicker. That combined with my recently acquired buffer has created a silky smooth finish, delighted with the outcome.

[Phoenix]

What is the buffer you speak of?

[Mattsky]

Nice job! Did you use different grades of sandpaper with the sander? And did you add bat wax before buffing?

[wayward_hayward]

Nice job! Did you use different grades of sandpaper with the sander? And did you add bat wax before buffing?

Started with 120, 180 and 240 with the orbital sander, then used some 600 by hand. Afterwards, I gave the bat a buff to give the shine.

[Jenko]

I've given both my lavers Christmas make overs, thought it might bring me runs in the new year! Can't get any worse anyway

Think I might give the Joker a scrub up tempted to start using it again. Will get pics up sometime this week.

[Come in 5 and left a bit]

I oiled three bats today does that count as a refurb?

Also re-strung 2 handles and new grips

[WalkingWicket37]

I oiled three bats today does that count as a refurb?

Also re-strung 2 handles and new grips

Pictures or it never happened