Print

[jonpinson]

Are you proceeding with the new shape you mentioned a while ago?

[tim2000s]

Yep it is different.  If you understand the willow and what it requires it isn't too bad but you can ruin some nice looking clefts on the press.  The press was made in a few places, the majority or the design work, analysis and [control systems] dynamics of the press was done with help from a few friends that still work in the Race car industry, the frame etc done locally

No wonder you're the one who hosts the "Ask the batmaker" sessions! Sounds almost as complex as building a race car, and we're only talking about pressing! Maybe we should call you "Dr Andy"?

[Perkins17]

how many bats todate would you say you have made ?

[SAF Bats]

Are you proceeding with the new shape you mentioned a while ago?

Not sure, Buzz is getting an interesting shape so might use that one.  Got a few in mind though but almost definately keep the Fabrica

[SAF Bats]

No wonder you're the one who hosts the "Ask the batmaker" sessions! Sounds almost as complex as building a race car, and we're only talking about pressing! Maybe we should call you "Dr Andy"?

There are a few phd research subjects that could be done on Cricket Bats....  If I ever have some spare time [well quite alot of it] then I do one.  I like the techie questions though makes me sound like a geek when I answer them

Any bat maker could run an  "Ask the Batmaker" session, it just so happens it is normally me.  This time looking for Movember Donations
 
http://uk.movember.com/mospace/774848/

[SAF Bats]

how many bats todate would you say you have made ?

Enough to keep a personal service and enough to have a 2 - 3 week waiting list.  Today none I've been messing about with you guys

[Perkins17]

did you learn to make bats yourself for did you learn it from another bat maker ?

[Washington]

Cheers for answering all those questions Andy, im just starting out making a few part mades and am really enjoying it but its challenging so its nice 2 hear from a batmaker who seems so passionate and open about stuff, as generally the podshaving community seems 2 be one that is shrouded in mystery and cards are kept close 2 chests! Understandable especially after what happened with Kieran?? who set up heritage cricket!

[SAF Bats]

did you learn to make bats yourself for did you learn it from another bat maker ?

I learnt myself with some help from bat makers --- I started off a bit like Gary @Reback, I think, making a few electric guitars and generally messing around with wood. 

A bit of background info - I've got a Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering and specialised in Aerodynamics in my last year of Uni, then worked as a Race Engineer for a few seasons.  Engineering has always intrigued me, if I see something that interests me I need to understand how it works and why it works at a theoretical level as well as a pratical level. That is how my mind works sadly. 

When I started to play cricket, I played rugby most of my life, I got geekily involved in bats and why one was better then the other.  I then decided to put my money where my mouth was and make one, I then end up here!

[SAF Bats]

Cheers for answering all those questions Andy, im just starting out making a few part mades and am really enjoying it but its challenging so its nice 2 hear from a batmaker who seems so passionate and open about stuff, as generally the podshaving community seems 2 be one that is shrouded in mystery and cards are kept close 2 chests! Understandable especially after what happened with Kieran?? who set up heritage cricket!

Nothing to hide you see stuff on videos etc and answering questions is fairly easy plus you keep a few things to yourself.  Yep not sure what happened to Kieran, I vaguely remember having a minor spate with him about some post or other 
 
http://uk.movember.com/mospace/774848/

[skippy]

how many bats todate would you say you have made ?

Enough to keep a personal service and enough to have a 2 - 3 week waiting list.  Today none I've been messing about with you guys

Andy I also want to know the answer to the question 2-3 wek waiting list means nothing, you may only make 1 bat every 1 week or something

[Washington]

Yeah not heard from him since then! Ive seen on his website that he has lowered his prices from what he was initially asking for. So have you moved out of your garage now? Do you have 2 purpose built workshop now? I have a smallish outbuilding that I have converted into a basic workshop for the time being! Spent most of my spare time there over the last few weeks . . . So apart from the essential tools what is your most important workshop device? 

[Buzz]

Today none I've been messing about with you guys

Shocking - you should be nose to the grindstone making my bat!!  

[SAF Bats]

Andy I also want to know the answer to the question 2-3 wek waiting list means nothing, you may only make 1 bat every 1 week or something

You wont get a straight answer from me, unless you are the chap that processes my company returns that is, then you'll know

[SAF Bats]

Yeah not heard from him since then! Ive seen on his website that he has lowered his prices from what he was initially asking for. So have you moved out of your garage now? Do you have 2 purpose built workshop now? I have a smallish outbuilding that I have converted into a basic workshop for the time being! Spent most of my spare time there over the last few weeks . . . So apart from the essential tools what is your most important workshop device? 

not checked hope he is doing ok, it took me a while before I decided I was comfortable with the product and start selling

Yep have an external workshop which I share with a joiner and a new one almost sorted

Best tool in the workshop - the Radio, then my drawknife
 
edit: actually device the Jig for the handles