Topic: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making (Read 3191 times)

velvetsky01 · « **on:** February 22, 2021, 12:10:09 PM »

Hello all,

I thought I would share with you my first attempts at bat making.

First off the clefts. I managed to secure these from @Chad in a trade. They were from H4L.

I purchased some tools from our very own @Northern monkey who made a beautiful Traviser and Drawknife for me - I picked up a spokeshave from ebay as well as a roundbottom plane. (I have since purchased a Stanley No.4 Plane and a larger round bottom plane from @LEACHY48 - this stuffs addictive)

My first attempt was a mixed bag. I went with a standard shape in mind - this was merely to try to get used to the tools and to learn from mistakes (there were a few!!) So I used the butterfly cleft for this - Butterfly I found to be hard to work with - I maybe would like to try again with butterfly willow as I now am more used to the tools.

Here are some images of the process from my first attempt (you will see some learning on the job was certainly undertaken!)

As you can see it was a learning curve The bat weights 2lb7oz with no binding etc - made the mistake early on of taking far too much off the shoulders - But this was all about learning - Learning how to you the tools mainly as well as working with willow - something I havent done before apart from refurbing bats.

My 2nd attempt is far better (I hope you agree) Taking stock of everything from the first go - I made a point of trying to make this one as big as I can. So not to make the same mistakes. I chose a full shape to base it on (My UZI LE in Root Profile) I borrowed my father in laws no.4 Plane to do this one.

This one has ended up at 2lb12oz with zinc oxide tape for binding and one chevron grip. It picks up nicely. And I will certainly be giving it a go in the nets

I hope you enjoy this post and future posts - I have one more cleft to work on currently and certainly will be buying more in - its great fun I urge anyone who has wanted to give shaping a go to do so! - just be mindful tho it does take over all thoughts for the days you are doing it ! My wife even commented on it ha

I�d also like to thank the following people for all their help and pointers throughout - @Grubby @Northern monkey @LEACHY48 @neoncricket

Thanks guys

Northern monkey · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2021, 12:14:33 PM »

Cracking job

JTtaylor145 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2021, 12:47:15 PM »

Well done mate. Really pleased you have started to shape bats up.

I wonder if you will be as fussy with the bats you shape up

Chalkie · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2021, 12:50:46 PM »

Well done Tony, I imaging it is a steep learning curve but a great experience and its good to see the improvements from the 1st to the second. I hope to have a go making one later this year.

SOULMAN1012 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2021, 12:51:11 PM »

Top first efforts mate and you can see the improvements already from bat 1 to bat 2

edge · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2021, 12:54:44 PM »

The forum podshaving club grows again! Nice work Tony, always good to see more people giving it a go.

Grubby · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2021, 01:20:14 PM »

Good job Tony. From No.1 to No.2 just think what No.10 will be like!
But please keep the 'Bumpy Bats' name we agreed when the brand comes to fruition.

velvetsky01 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2021, 09:23:13 AM »

Number 3 all completed and SOLD! Chuffed to say that this one sold to a local player fairly quickly after posting it on social media
What a great feeling to receive such positive feedback from something that you have made.

This one has more concaving that the full one. My Shoulder and handle work certainly has improved with this one. Again learning to use the tools as I go.

I have another cleft on order so hopefully this will arrive soon

Grubby · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2021, 10:27:49 AM »

Good work Tony.

Author Topic: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making (Read 3191 times)

velvetsky01

Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

Northern monkey

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

JTtaylor145

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

Chalkie

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

SOULMAN1012

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

edge

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

Grubby

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

velvetsky01

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making

Grubby

Re: Velvetsky01 (TheBatBadger) Bat making