Topic: Soulman�s sticks (Read 90400 times)

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #60 on:** October 28, 2020, 03:39:28 PM »

Quote from: jonny77 on October 28, 2020, 07:47:17 AM

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback.

Light willow will always be an issue, but then I suppose it's a matter of trying to get people to accept that big bats don't mean better bats, so smaller edges etc. at lighter weights. Also buying in slightly higher numbers should get you a few lighter ones. Speak to John at Red Ink. However it's difficult for any batmaker to give away thr really light clefts I'd think.

In terms of the drum sander, I started bulking one and have a metal frame coming. However don't think I'll actually use it, as the Mirka I have is great and can finish a bat in no time with less mess.

Look forward to seeing the workshop space.

@jonny77 when you say bulking is that putting multiple hook and loop bases on the orbital sander?? Ed from Garrad and Flck mentioned that to me also so maybe I�ll look into this. I also recently upgraded my orbital sander to a Mikita but Iv heard a few people that work in the carpentry trade have told be to look into a Mirka as opposed to a drum sander.

Funny enough Iv just placed my largest willow order and have got a better mix of weights and also having been making them for 6 months again now starting to get a better idea of what weight bat each cleft will make which is something Iv been guilty of not giving enough attention in the past and Iv ended up either totally ruining a cleft (only once) or making life very hard for myself by trying to make a weight that wasn�t ideal for that specific cleft.

Iv also made a new template from my daughters Harrow bat which has 33mm max edge as apart from when on the forum the majority of people who have supported my start up brand don�t seem bothered by edge size, toe & shoulder size just seem to want a specific weight. I think originally I felt I wouldn�t achieve much without 35+ edges but very hard to get the willow to achieve this in small quantities.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #61 on:** October 28, 2020, 03:42:21 PM »

Quote from: Jimbo on October 28, 2020, 10:57:53 AM

Hope neither of you get too discouraged as you both post some lovely looking sticks which keep me entertained while I'm "working" from home!

Notice both @SOULMAN1012 and @jonny77 have pretty good social media going on, have either of you looked at getting a website up to showcase stuff or facilitate orders?

@Jimbo yes I would like to get one sorted out but my I.T skills are pretty poor and my free time is even worse lol. I do plan on looking into one of these easy websites I see advertised but they need to be able to be done on an iPad as I don�t the a laptop or PC. Do you know much about websites??

Jimbo · « **Reply #62 on:** October 28, 2020, 03:52:56 PM »

Quote from: SOULMAN1012 on October 28, 2020, 03:42:21 PM

@Jimbo yes I would like to get one sorted out but my I.T skills are pretty poor and my free time is even worse lol. I do plan on looking into one of these easy websites I see advertised but they need to be able to be done on an iPad as I don�t the a laptop or PC. Do you know much about websites??

Not for commercial use mate. Easy website setups are all pretty good if you use a reputable one as I'd assume you're not looking for any particularly fancy functionality on your site, my club used to have a very simple site that did most of what you'd want but the current version was done by a former member who does professional Web design and it's well over my head.

jonny77 · « **Reply #63 on:** October 28, 2020, 04:58:18 PM »

@SOULMAN1012 sorry, typo. Was meant to say 'building' a drum sander, not bulking! 🤦‍♂️

I use a Mirka and it's great. After spending sometime with a batmaker recently I also realised I spent way too much time sanding. I've drastically reduced this now and still get a great finish.

@Jimbo appreciate the feedback buddy. There just seems to be more appetite for bargains or 'pro bats' on the forum than this type if thing, but I'll keep posting mate as any feedback is better than none!

I'm currently building a website myself using a well known provider, it's been fairly easy, but may end up getting someone to finish it for me. Keep your eyes peeled as I'll need it finished for when softs arrive 😁

Jimbo · « **Reply #64 on:** October 28, 2020, 05:19:27 PM »

If you could get the Scott website up in time for my next unnecessary bat purchase that'd be great 😂

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #65 on:** November 15, 2020, 08:45:13 PM »

So managed to salvage a cleft that I managed to make a bit of an error on when shaping the shoulders and created a shoulderless bat.

May as well share the good, the bad and the ugly on my bat making journey. This was a bat I crafted free hand and wish I hadn�t really but never mind.

Note to self if it looks to easy on YouTube it probably is lol.

Anyway was a very heavy cleft at 3lb 9.9oz and the result is 2.13 but im going to say it feels a lot lighter than this. Thick handle but a more modest edge size at 32mm max.

Certainly not the finest bit of craftsmanship Iv turned out so far but better than putting on the wood burner pile. It�s a lovely cleft with 9 grains a little heartwood and once again a lovely ping.

If someone wants a smash and go bat drop me a message as I�ll let go for a tank of fuel basically if not I�ll maybe use in a bit of T20 slap and tickle.

t2ylo · « **Reply #66 on:** November 18, 2020, 07:07:07 PM »

So I�ve been sitting on these two for a couple of weeks, gutted that I can�t net at the moment.

Having seen W&W evolve on here and always buying/trusting Chris� old bats I thought I�d give one (two as it turns out) a go.

The house is upside down at the moment so I�m limited on space to take loads of photos.

Both 2.11. One net bat (fibre scuff) the other a G2.

Shape is lovely. Spine tapers into toe. Middle is long and generous.

But for me it�s the balance. You would never guess these are 2.11 on pick up - I had to check again before posting but they really are 2.11.

Big clefts. Big edges. Some concaving. Great under the mallet and bouncing a new ball on them.

Cool stickers got the thumbs up from the younger members of Taylor Towers

The net bat is good to go now. The G2 needs a little more knocking in.

I�ve given them a little hand sanding and light wax

No all that remains is to see if they suit my leg side dominant game.
To quote Graeme Smith �My best shot remains the cover drive through mid wicket� but damn I�m going to look good doing it.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #67 on:** November 18, 2020, 08:58:52 PM »

Thanks @t2ylo hope when we all mange to get into the nets these treat you well, I know they are up against a few big brands in your collection.

Thanks for the feedback and little write up, greatly appreciate it.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #68 on:** November 20, 2020, 04:23:13 PM »

Started shaping this one up today. AM18 profile which is the shorter blade longer handle option.

Must say personally this is one of the best ones Iv made so far in my opinion. Shape flows nicely and shaping the shoulders is now so much easier with a curved spoke shave.

Edges are 40mm with a 27mm toe in the centre and 18mm at the edge and also 19mm at the shoulders. Full shape keeping all the wood in the hitting area.
Large oval handle helps the pick up and 2.11 before sanding and then binding and stickers so will be about 2.13 but already feels nice in the hands.

So much competition out there but if anyone wants to support an up and coming bat maker happy to let go for �100 plus postage due to heavier weight.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #69 on:** November 23, 2020, 11:04:53 AM »

Little bit more work done on Sunday on the AM18 and thought I�d get a nice winter sunshine picture of the profile.

jonny77 · « **Reply #70 on:** November 23, 2020, 11:22:55 AM »

Look nice mate, lovely profile

ch1p · « **Reply #71 on:** November 23, 2020, 11:39:38 AM »

There�s just something about a profile picture, particularly in the sun.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #72 on:** November 23, 2020, 02:16:05 PM »

Quote from: jonny77 on November 23, 2020, 11:22:55 AM

Look nice mate, lovely profile

Thanks mate, its my favourite of the two i make on a more regular basis, been a fan of the slightly shorter blade option since using a GM Neon a few seasons ago.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #73 on:** November 27, 2020, 09:44:05 PM »

Refurb and a copy completed this week. Copy is a G2.

Both are beats weighing over 3lbs.

The refurb is 3.1.6 and the new bat 3.1.5 so really happy to have got the weights pretty much spot on.

The refurb was stickered as an Affinity but sure it�s an M&H amplus. New one is a little fuller in shape, larger all round in terms of edge size and also toe isn�t quite as rounded as per request.

As always any views and comments welcome.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #74 on:** December 02, 2020, 07:48:42 PM »

Last one of the year finished. Based this on the popular GM shape doing the rounds and it�s arguably the best overall bat Iv made due to the improvements in the finish. Through chatting to a few people Iv found a new polish and also bought a couple of attachments for my orbital sander to allow me to polish in addition to some new sanding discs it�s resulted in a great overall finish that my old iPhone can�t do justice to.

Standard SH length bat, mid middle with a high spine at 63mm, light concaving that�s only into the spine keeping max wood in the bat.
Specs are 35 edges
18mm shoulders
21mm toe edge and 28mm centre of the toe
Grade 2 willow with 7 grains and a small amount of marbling towards the middle and dead straight grains through the toe.
Semi oval handle, thicker at the bottom and moving to round towards the top.

Finished weight 2lb 10oz

Also first chance to see the new colour option for 2021 in Black and gold with the brand logo in gold which for me really looks smart finished with a single U.K. made black chevron.

As always feedback or views welcome

Author Topic: Soulman�s sticks (Read 90400 times)

SOULMAN1012

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Jimbo

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jonny77

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t2ylo

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ch1p

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