I make bats as a hobby, in my garage, have done for a few years. I start with a cleft which is pressed for me, the splice cut and the handle cut to match. Everything else I do, from fitting the handle, through the shaping process to the final finish. I consider myself an amateur batmaker, working within the limitations of my equipment list which does not include a press, or a bandsaw.
For me, there are 2 main differences between what I do, and what a pro batmaker does. Firstly, they tend to have the full equipment list, without which it really isn't possible to handmake enough bats to make a living. Secondly, they deliver very consistent craftsmanship. I can make bats, but each one turns out a bit different to the others. Pro batmakers can create their model range and then replicate pretty much the same bat time after time. They can do it very consistently, and do it quickly enough to be profitable. On handles though, I think that possibly only 1 or 2 batmakers in the UK still make them. Importing cane is increasingly difficult and anyway making handles is a complex and time-consuming process, for no additional profit.
I think that Paul's main issue is with sticker brands, who import bats that are pretty much complete, and maybe just need a bit of sanding and polishing before being labelled up under their own brands. Clearly, this is different to what he, the forum sponsors and other traditional batmakers in the country (and also in Asia of course) do.
Alongside that are other batmakers who use CNC machinery and automated processes to produce high volumes of bats. This being the Custom Bats Forum I don't think that is such a discussion.
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Topic: Making, Shaping or Finishing? (Read 1509 times)