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[Akshay BP]

Hello, I removed the scuff sheet and fiberglass edge tape of my bat as I suspected some cracking underneath. I was right and saw more than a couple of cracks on the heartwood side (left handers inside edge). The bat was purchased last season and saw very minimal usage after careful knocking, oiling and application of the scuff sheet and fiberglass edge tape.

I have seen videos/suggestions of applying super glue in the cracks and sanding down after the glue dries. Will that be enough for my bat or do you think I have in my possession a poor piece of willow?

Thanks in advance.

[Jimbo]

I'd probably use wood glue and clamp/tightly wrap it in tape overnight for a crack that size. Not necessarily anything wrong with the willow!

[Akshay BP]

I'd probably use wood glue and clamp/tightly wrap it in tape overnight for a crack that size. Not necessarily anything wrong with the willow!

Any thoughts of why the heartwood side is so brittle? I had applied an extra coat of oil originally and was careful while knocking in that edge.

[Bungle]

What exactly do you mean by "careful while knocking in" - is there any chance it wasn't fully ready to face a cricket ball?

[Akshay BP]

What exactly do you mean by "careful while knocking in" - is there any chance it wasn't fully ready to face a cricket ball?

I made sure to roll the edges and wasn't hitting the heartwood side too hard initially. I also had knocked the heartwood edge a little longer.

The appearance of cracks with minimal usage does suggest that maybe I had not knocked it enough.

[Jimbo]

Any thoughts of why the heartwood side is so brittle? I had applied an extra coat of oil originally and was careful while knocking in that edge.

Heartwood is naturally more brittle than sapwood I believe, not a flaw, just an inherent quality of the willow.

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Heartwood is naturally more brittle than sapwood I believe, not a flaw, just an inherent quality of the willow.

Correct and the reason most people want it on the outside edge when batting so it carries further. Peronsally my inside edge is the one I use most!

[Akshay BP]

Correct and the reason most people want it on the outside edge when batting so it carries further. Peronsally my inside edge is the one I use most!

  Based on the evidence, I use only the inside edge!