Topic: Bat Refurbs (Read 7529 times)

wcc · « **on:** January 30, 2018, 10:03:52 AM »

Hi All,

Just wondering what grades of sand paper people go through when refurbing a bat for the best possible finish?

I.e what grade do people use on the sander and then for hand finishing.

Neon Cricket · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2018, 10:09:21 AM »

I've been playing about with refurbs lately trying to find the secret formula - the best I've managed so far was using 80, 120, 180, 240 grit.

All 4 stages were done using my sander, nothing by hand, at varying speeds. The finish has actually come out really nice with no old sticker marks showing through. I'm just waiting on my polishing compound to arrive at the moment so once I've got that I should be able to get the finish nailed down too! The ones I've done look good enough to go as it is, I just want to add a bit of extra sheen with the compound

I know some on here go as far as 400 grit, but personally I think it's probably a bit overkill (but then if you're not going to use a polishing compound it'll probably make a difference).

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2018, 10:28:09 AM »

I tend to go 80, 120, 180, 240 on the orbital then hand sand with 320 and 400 to get a really smooth finish.

I don't polish bats, but have found applying a very light coat of oil then sanding with the 400 grit gives a good finish.

wcc · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2018, 10:38:12 AM »

Quote from: WalkingWicket37 on January 30, 2018, 10:28:09 AM

I tend to go 80, 120, 180, 240 on the orbital then hand sand with 320 and 400 to get a really smooth finish.

I don't polish bats, but have found applying a very light coat of oil then sanding with the 400 grit gives a good finish.

Is the finish much better using a random orbital instead of hand held sheet sander?

Potentially going to invest in one if they are.

Neon Cricket · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2018, 10:48:05 AM »

Quote from: wcc on January 30, 2018, 10:38:12 AM

Is the finish much better using a random orbital instead of hand held sheet sander?

Potentially going to invest in one if they are.

100%, avoids any unwanted scratches. Definitely worth the extra (mine was only 50 quid!)

LEACHY48 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2018, 11:04:41 AM »

I have done a fair few refurbs and they have all come up really nicely (even if i do say so myself), I use 120/240/360/400 on my orbital, and then finish with a hand sand at 600 just to give it a nice sheen. apply bat wax (my own combination of linseed and beeswax) leave overnight, polish next day with my orbital polisher.

wcc · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2018, 12:40:45 PM »

Cheers everyone, where is the best place to purchase the sanding discs is varying grades? Thanks

Neon Cricket · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2018, 01:00:27 PM »

I've been getting mine from Amazon, pretty cheap and haven't had any issues with them so far - tons of options available

wcc · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2018, 01:33:05 PM »

Quote from: Neon Cricket on January 30, 2018, 01:00:27 PM

I've been getting mine from Amazon, pretty cheap and haven't had any issues with them so far - tons of options available

Cheers just had a look, just what i am looking for.

ilanz_bess · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2018, 04:35:27 PM »

Quote from: LEACHY48 on January 30, 2018, 11:04:41 AM

I have done a fair few refurbs and they have all come up really nicely (even if i do say so myself), I use 120/240/360/400 on my orbital, and then finish with a hand sand at 600 just to give it a nice sheen. apply bat wax (my own combination of linseed and beeswax) leave overnight, polish next day with my orbital polisher.

Forgive my ignorance mate...but when polishing with the orbital after the wax, do you sandpaper (what grade?) or something else?

Again please forgive my ignorance...

Gurujames · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2018, 04:46:44 PM »

For what it's worth:
First use a kettle to steam out any dents. Always sand round the existing stickers. Protect them with a bit of masking tape if you like, do this by hand.
A random orbit sander is preferable as it won't leave sanding markers.
If you use an orbital sander (usually has a rectangular base) you must sand it by hand in the direction of the wood grain. If you don't yet u will leave horizontal marks up the bat with will be visible although small.
A rotary sander will leave horrible scratches across the grain and should never be used.
Many people don't sand long enough before moving to the next grade of paper. You can achieve an outstanding finish with 240 grit paper if you can be bothered to do it properly.
I go 80/120/240 all on the random orbit. Then 240 grit by hand. I hand sand round the stickers with 80/120/240.
If you use a buffing compound/want to polish it then rub it with a lint free cloth. (Cotton rag).

LEACHY48 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2018, 05:46:00 PM »

Quote from: ilanz_bess on January 30, 2018, 04:35:27 PM

Forgive my ignorance mate...but when polishing with the orbital after the wax, do you sandpaper (what grade?) or something else?

Again please forgive my ignorance...

Hi mate I've got an orbital polisher like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002QS1LZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517334313&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=orbital+polisher&dpPl=1&dpID=41wD7jStGoL&ref=plSrch doesn't need sandpaper just comes with a nice fluffy white head that gives the bats a great finish

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2018, 06:09:42 PM »

Quote from: LEACHY48 on January 30, 2018, 05:46:00 PM

Hi mate I've got an orbital polisher like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002QS1LZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517334313&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=orbital+polisher&dpPl=1&dpID=41wD7jStGoL&ref=plSrch doesn't need sandpaper just comes with a nice fluffy white head that gives the bats a great finish

@LEACHY48 can I ask what polish or compound do you apply to the bats after final sanding?? I do a lot of refurbs for club mates etc and use as has been said 80/120/240 on my sander but would love to get that as new look again with a polish after sanding.
I don�t currently own a orbital polisher so I may we�ll get one of these but would like to order a polish to apply before adding new scuff etc

ilanz_bess · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2018, 06:48:32 PM »

Quote from: LEACHY48 on January 30, 2018, 05:46:00 PM

Hi mate I've got an orbital polisher like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002QS1LZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517334313&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=orbital+polisher&dpPl=1&dpID=41wD7jStGoL&ref=plSrch doesn't need sandpaper just comes with a nice fluffy white head that gives the bats a great finish

Thanks for the assistance mate. Unfortunately mine has the Velcro backing, so I don�t think it will be possible.

Gurujames · « **Reply #14 on:** January 30, 2018, 07:02:16 PM »

You can get a buffing head with a Velcro back for the random orbit sanders.
http://www.ciponline.co.uk/builders-tools-and-diy-c10/d-i-y-power-tools-c459/draper-125mm-hook-and-loop-fitting-lambswool-polishing-bonnet-for-63124-random-orbital-sander-model-no-sb5v-p58806/s60457?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=draper-125mm-hook-and-loop-fitting-lambswool-polishing-bonnet-for-6312-dra63470&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6eOI9K-A2QIVpLDtCh1duAxbEAQYAyABEgLPGvD_BwE

Author Topic: Bat Refurbs (Read 7529 times)

wcc

Bat Refurbs

Neon Cricket

Re: Bat Refurbs

WalkingWicket37

Re: Bat Refurbs

wcc

Re: Bat Refurbs

Neon Cricket

Re: Bat Refurbs

LEACHY48

Re: Bat Refurbs

wcc

Re: Bat Refurbs

Neon Cricket

Re: Bat Refurbs

wcc

Re: Bat Refurbs

ilanz_bess

Re: Bat Refurbs

Gurujames

Re: Bat Refurbs

LEACHY48

Re: Bat Refurbs

SOULMAN1012

Re: Bat Refurbs

ilanz_bess

Re: Bat Refurbs

Gurujames

Re: Bat Refurbs