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[Choaxi]

Hey guys, new bat maker here. I just had a few questions before I make my first bat. 

• What's the difference between having an oval handle and a circle handle?
• How do you put carbon fibre into a handle? What's the legality of it?
• Is it possible to bind a handle without a lathe as I don't have access to one? Time doesn't matter.
• What angle do you recommend on the blade for different types of batsmen and shots?
• How much wood does sanding remove? What grit should the bat be sanded too and for how long, considering I'm sanding it by hand

 
Thanks

[WalkingWicket37]

3) Hand binding is a possibility, I know as I've done a couple of my own bats!

5) If you are prepared to spend a lot of time sanding I think you'd be able to get about 2 oz off, but that may take a while by hand! As for the sanding itself, start with a rough grade of paper (100-120) then work your way up the grades to a fine sanding (about 400 to finish). Do each grade of paper until the bat is consistent all over, and most importantly don't skip grades as this ruins the finish.

1) an oval handle doesn't rotate in your hands as much as a round one on striking the ball (and feels nicer in the hand!)

2) I think the whole handle is made from carbon fibre rather than putting some in (don't quote me on that though). The grip and splice stickers cover it up so its only illegal if you get caught!

4) probably irrelevant to be honest, use any bat and you'll get used to it, by angle I'm assuming you mean bow in the blade? This occurs naturally over time and use anyway I think.

As you'll notice I answered in no real order. The later I responded the less certain I am of my answer.
Hope this helps

[Seniorplayer]

Carbon Fibre Handle

Carbon Fibre handle consists of a carbon fibre shell  with a polymer insert in the centre approx 5 inches from the top of the handle designed  to absorb and dampen vibration therefore increasing the size of the blades sweet spot it is only legal in existing bats

[Choaxi]

3) Hand binding is a possibility, I know as I've done a couple of my own bats!

5) If you are prepared to spend a lot of time sanding I think you'd be able to get about 2 oz off, but that may take a while by hand! As for the sanding itself, start with a rough grade of paper (100-120) then work your way up the grades to a fine sanding (about 400 to finish). Do each grade of paper until the bat is consistent all over, and most importantly don't skip grades as this ruins the finish.

1) an oval handle doesn't rotate in your hands as much as a round one on striking the ball (and feels nicer in the hand!)

2) I think the whole handle is made from carbon fibre rather than putting some in (don't quote me on that though). The grip and splice stickers cover it up so its only illegal if you get caught!

4) probably irrelevant to be honest, use any bat and you'll get used to it, by angle I'm assuming you mean bow in the blade? This occurs naturally over time and use anyway I think.

As you'll notice I answered in no real order. The later I responded the less certain I am of my answer.
Hope this helps

 
Thanks for the reply. Just two things, I was wondering how much wood the sanding would remove. As in how much space should I leave for sanding to remove.  Also, how long does hand binding take and is the process the same?

Thanks

[Seniorplayer]

 
Thanks for the reply. Just two things, I was wondering how much wood the sanding would remove. As in how much space should I leave for sanding to remove.  Also, how long does hand binding take and is the process the same?

Thanks

If you were two cut the bottom 2 inches of wood off a s/h bat  it would  remove around 2 ounces in weight off the bat.
Binding by hand can be tricky it is best to practice on a broom handle first use PVA wood glue on the handle as this helps the binding process.

[ajmw89]

In my opinion and experience sanding a whole bat does not take off more than 1oz.

[jwebber86]

I did my first bat the other week sanding took off very little. Less the i expected so the bat is a bit heavy. The binding was quite easy just need to keep our tight took a couple of minutes

[Red Ink Cricket]

all depends on the finish before sanding. If your tools are sharp and have been used properly then it probably wouldn't be a huge amount to take out.

[brokenbat]

In my opinion and experience sanding a whole bat does not take off more than 1oz.

just for good order, by sanding "the whole bat", you mean, everything except the spine, right?

[ajmw89]

I go very lightly over the spine, then up each side of it to bring it back to sharpness if that's what I'm going for.