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[WalkingWicket37]

Hi all

I recently got my hands on a lovely shaped Hunts County Aura. It's what I would call a Julian inspired shape!

As lovely as it is, the handle just feels a touch too girthy for me, so I'm going to attempt to reduce this myself while keeping the oval shape.

I'm sure I'd already started a thread asking about doing this, but I can't find it for the life of me!
Anyways, I think it was @Seniorplayer who said this wasn't too taxing a job, so I thought I'd give it a go. This thread will be updated as I go, but my intention is to get it finished this weekend (if the weather is decent).

My plan of attack is to remove the twine, reduce the handle by hand sanding, then reapply the twine.

I made a start tonight; by removing the twine, then putting it on a makeshift roll, so I can reuse it later.

[Gurujames]

You may be some time sanding it. Try a rasp, surform or spokeshave perhaps. Good luck

[WalkingWicket37]

Of the items listed I think I only have a rasp in the tool box.

I'll start off by sanding it (maybe just to remove the glue and twine reresidue) to see  how long I think it will take to get the desired result. 

[e4sby]

You'll only need a rasp file to do the job. Sanding it will be a right ball ache!

[Seniorplayer]

Carried out this task for a teammate this week for the same reason but only removed the binding from where he grips the bat.   ( he held the bat with batting gloves on and i mark the ungripped handle with a permanent marker ) before removing wood i wrapped 1 inch wide bat repair tape around remaining binding  at the top and bottom of the bat so it doesn't become frayed.
Didn't want to rough up the handle so didn't use a rasp used a smooth file to first get the shape he required followed by 60 grit sanding turning the bat handle to maintain the shape using a  preset outside caliper continually checking handle  shape and thickness allowing for  thickness of grip. Smoothed handle wood frays with 240 grit.
Didn't rebind the  handle used the 1 inch wide  bat repair tape wrapped tightly  in a spiral shape working upwards to retain handle inserts.
Never happy removing binding or wood at the handle stress point at the bottom of the handle for about  3 inches upwards

[WalkingWicket37]

Update - live from my back garden!

Made a start on the handle reduction using a file



I rather quickly moved onto done aggressive 80 grit aggressive paper and a block of scrap wood. I can work quicker and more precisely with this, and it seems to be getting the job done quicker!



The handle now feels good in my hands as it is. That means I need to take off a fraction more (to accommodate the extra girth re-binding will give) and I'll be ready for the next step

[simonmay5]

Looking good mate

[CrickFreak]

Hi all

I recently got my hands on a lovely shaped Hunts County Aura. It's what I would call a Julian inspired shape!

As lovely as it is, the handle just feels a touch too girthy for me, so I'm going to attempt to reduce this myself while keeping the oval shape.

I'm sure I'd already started a thread asking about doing this, but I can't find it for the life of me!
Anyways, I think it was @Seniorplayer who said this wasn't too taxing a job, so I thought I'd give it a go. This thread will be updated as I go, but my intention is to get it finished this weekend (if the weather is decent).

My plan of attack is to remove the twine, reduce the handle by hand sanding, then reapply the twine.

I made a start tonight; by removing the twine, then putting it on a makeshift roll, so I can reuse it later.

Doing this could change the balance. Careful!

[WalkingWicket37]

Doing this could change the balance. Careful!

Bit late for warnings now mate, I'm halfway through the reduction process!

[Seniorplayer]

Doing this could change the balance. Careful!

Your right thinning the handle depending on how much wood is remove can give an heavier pickup when this happens make a counter balance  useing cut grips around the top of the handle

[Buzz]

Removing weight from the pivot point won't make a difference to the pick up.
Plus the bat will feel better in the hands which will subliminally make the bat feel like it picks up better.

[WalkingWicket37]

Update number two.

Handle reduction hopefully done. I made it feel comfortable in my hands, then took a bit more off to account for reapplying the binding and grip.



Now onto the fun part, hand binding...

[WalkingWicket37]

This is going to take me a while...

[Stuey]

Update number two.

Handle reduction hopefully done. I made it feel comfortable in my hands, then took a bit more off to account for reapplying the binding and grip.

The sniff test?

[Seniorplayer]

This is going to take me a while...

A smear of wood glue on the handle I found helps when rebinding