Topic: Suggestions on TK Lam repair (Read 8329 times)

Komdotkom · « **on:** June 09, 2019, 07:20:57 AM »

I purchased a TK laminate from CBF's own Kulli a few months back, but due to operator error I've damaged the toe. I like the bat despite the fact that the noises it makes don't seem to correspond with how far the ball travels. It doesn't have the normal 'crack' or 'ping' sound, but the ball just flies off it so I'm very happy. Before we get any further, yes it's illegal and I'm committing hate crimes against cricket. I feel the need to cheat because I'm a terrible person.
Now onto how this can be fixed.
It's got a pretty narrow toe and there was an existing crack in the face at the point where it has broken this time, which I suspect is why the Lamitoe has been done. The insert looks to be timber of some sort, maybe Oak? The face seems to be intact still, but the insert and back of the bat are toast. My thoughts are: remove existing insert, re-rout the slot for the laminate and use marine ply and 6mm width, heaps of glue and pressure and hope it works. Am I correct in thinking that the back of this bat is softer than the face which is why it's broken so easily?
Any input would be appreciated as I'd like to keep this bat going and further enrage the gods of cricket.

potzy248 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2019, 08:26:44 AM »

Open the cracks up, good glue (I use Gorilla grip 3 hour cure) probably to straighten it back up in a vice or try to pull the wood back to normal and then clamp. Should be fine.

Seniorplayer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2019, 11:26:39 AM »

As above but finish with fibreglass tape as tight as possible.

Buzz · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2019, 09:22:18 AM »

Loving this repair. Well done.

george_parv · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2019, 11:28:46 AM »

Great job!

Interested as someone who has not indulged in repairs myself how best to open up cracks and good glue choices as I have a TK lam which has been out of use for a while due to the laminate face starting to come away from the back.

Gurujames · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2019, 03:29:44 PM »

A butter knife is good for opening up cracks as they are thin and have no points or sharp edges. I use evostick PVA, but any decent quality PVA will do. You need to be careful of glues that are too rigid when cured as this can actually accelerate the cracking process and lead to a more dramatic breakage.

Cricket_PTY · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2019, 03:46:33 PM »

Quote from: Komdotkom on June 10, 2019, 02:38:51 AM

After some probing, it seems the old toe insert wasn't glued in any meaningful way and it started to fall apart.
So I removed the intact section with the router and then very carefully chiselled out the remaining section around the damage. 7.5mm marine ply insert installed, just waiting for it to dry before I clean it up.

What kind of wood should be used for inserts like this

?

Gurujames · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2019, 03:49:18 PM »

I would use willow from an old bat. In my personal opinion a harder timber could decrease the natural flexibility of the willow in that area and increase the risk of further cracking.
That is only my opinion though.

Buzz · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2019, 04:13:03 PM »

Quote from: Gurujames on June 10, 2019, 03:49:18 PM

I would use willow from an old bat. In my personal opinion a harder timber could decrease the natural flexibility of the willow in that area and increase the risk of further cracking.
That is only my opinion though.

That is what GN use on their bat repairs.

Komdotkom · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2019, 09:29:58 PM »

Instead of using a soft wood like willow I went for the complete opposite, the most rigid timber I could find. My thinking is that the insert is used to provide additional strength across the grain where willow has very little strength, in this case to stop the bottom edge snapping off. In my opinion (and with very limited experience) I don't think adding more willow, even if the grains are running perpendicular to the blade, will add much strength.
I think the opposing grain structure of marine ply would be ideal and help support the weak corner(s) but should be sufficiently flexible to not break upon impact.
I use Titebond type 3 PVA glue, it's flexible and extremely strong on well prepared joints.

Gurujames · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2019, 09:36:05 PM »

That�s the benefit of the forum. Try something out, see how it goes and report back. We all learn. Good job and let us know how it goes.

potzy248 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 12, 2019, 12:45:53 AM »

Nice work mate.

Nice feeling fixing a bat like this.

Northern monkey · « **Reply #12 on:** June 12, 2019, 05:04:20 PM »

Be interested on how it goes after that,,,lovely repair

Still on my to do list is a laminate

Komdotkom · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2019, 04:05:37 AM »

I used this on Sunday and with my usual amazing skills managed to get a few drives and cuts off the toe, seems as good as new with no sign of movement.
Any tips on how to re-apply the stickers? I want to take the stickers off the back (nice Redback Paradox ones) and repolish the bat so the colour is consistent, but I find that once polished I can't use PVA to re-adhere the stickers.
I did some googling and it seems that 3m 77 is the preferred glue for people who do craft but I worry that it may be too permanent?
Suggestions welcomed.

Kulli · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2019, 06:39:07 PM »

She still going strong?

Author Topic: Suggestions on TK Lam repair (Read 8329 times)

Komdotkom

Suggestions on TK Lam repair

potzy248

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Seniorplayer

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Buzz

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

george_parv

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Gurujames

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Cricket_PTY

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Gurujames

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Buzz

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Komdotkom

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Gurujames

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

potzy248

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Northern monkey

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Komdotkom

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair

Kulli

Re: Suggestions on TK Lam repair