Thread: Cricket bats - 1939+62

Thanks for the links. As a cricket buff, I really enjoyed them.

I guess you need to view them as a history lesson and not a guide to setting up factory processes. There was a few concessions to OH&S in the 62 vid. I'm sure I saw a pushstick. But I reckon they could probably count the number of fingers lost per 10' of willow as well as the number of bats!

I can't resist adding this one ... cos ... it's got woodwork in it ...

Damn the man!
Screw progress!!
I'M NOT MOVING!!!


PROPPED-UP SHOP aka CRAZY HOUSE - British Pathé

Thanks

Good Grief!!! Did you see you the tablesaw was used freehand in the first video?!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Good Grief!!! Did you see you the tablesaw was used freehand in the first video?!

It sure made me wince, I think his future nickname was "stumpy"

Originally Posted by ClintO

I think his future nickname was "stumpy"

Or lefty

TT

Great videos thanks for posting pmcgee.
I've seen alot of different vintage video's on this subject, and needless to say there have been many instances where I've cringed, but also have been mightily impressed by the supreme skill of those craftsmen featured.

These are a few of my efforts as a keen amateur.
I'd be very interested to know is anyone else on the forum does something similar with their spare time.

Hi all,
I think I'd rather have the skill to use the saw like that than have to stand in the middle of the pitch, with the finished product, and face the lightning bolts that some of our bowlers have tossed down over the years, now THAT'S scary.
Geoff.

Good video, thank you for posting.

Another cricket fan here. Thanks for posting these PMCGEE.

And to BL400. Nice stuff! After seeing the vids, was wondering if anybody was making bats in Australia any more.

Is it a hobby, or a bit more than that? And I hope your technique is a little more considerate of your ongoing need for all your digits (is there a nods head smiley?)!

Cheers all
Dave W.

Hi Gunnie, yeah to date I've still got all my apendages (fingers crossed).
There are a few in aus that still make them, but not many at all.
Of the 2 or 3 that are full time, one of these still makes by hand (following the methods of the videos) the other 2 utilise copy lathes. the others are small hobby setups.
I'm deffinitely a hobbyist, my day job keeps me very busy but perhaps in retirement I'll find the time to pursue it. (this is quite a way off though yet)

I studied batmaking for the topic of my Design & Technology major work in the HSC, after school I then continued - teaching myself the finer points behind many of the batmaking techniques (because there really isnt alot of info out there on how to go about this. After a few years of refining things I then got the chance to go and learn from an eminently experienced in NZ (english expat) for a few weeks. This was a terrific experience, he having made bats for:
-I.V.A Richards
-Imran Khan
-Brian Lara
-David Gower
-Alvin Kalicharan
-Geoffrey Boycott
-Joel Garner (3"longer in blade, 3"longer in handle)
-Basil DÓliviera
-Kepler Wessels
& a heap of others

For sheer randomness, have a look at this page, but be prepared to waste a good few hours.

Other interesting stuff - British Pathé

I particularly like the electric guitar company, not just because it's woodwork, but really because of the guy doing the edge banding in his short sleeved grey knitted cardigan his granny knitted for him!

I can't believe I can't find anything on Alan Peters in there ...




Alan Peters - Telegraph

Alan Peters | The Economist