Manufacturing Process of a Cricket Bat

Step 1: Cricket Bat Willow Cricket bat willow is cultivated timber which grows in large plantations in wetland areas. Each tree will be planted individually and after a life span the willow be cut for a bat. For each willow tree cut another two new trees are planted and the actual spices are protected.

Step 2: Selecting the Timber After the trees have become a mature about 15-20 years, they are cut into the rounds and split into clefts. The waxing is necessary for the clefts as it prevents quick moisture content. Any clefts suffering from this moisture contents it is filtered out of production.

Step 3: Machining Once in the workshop, the cleft undergoes various machining process to be cut into the basic blade shape. Even at the machining stage, the craftsmans expertise is essential as the blade must be continually evaluated in order to maximize the natural potential of the willow. There are no short cuts as every willow is unique and must be assessed through the production process quality.

Step 4: Pressing the Blade Once the blade has been correctly graded and machined, the next stage is the pressing. The willow fibers have to be compressed in order to strengthen the timber sufficiently to withstand the impact of a cricket ball. But as pressing is delicate balance between hardening the balance and strengthening the bat. The

right amount of pressure is given and in order to maximize performance and durability.

Step 5: Fitting the Handle The handle is laminated construction of cane and rubber strips is fitted through the precise splicing of the handle into the blade. The craftsman will set the handle slightly forward of the blade ensuring a perfect pick up once the bat is made. The handle is secured using a water resistant wood glue and left overnight to dry.

Step 6: Sanding Once shaped, the bat will be both course and fine sanded. Like the shaping the sanding is dependent upon the eye and skill of the craftsman. The characteristic finish a bat can be attributed to very fastidious sanding which has always been a point of pride.

Step 7: Binding, Polishing & Labeling The handle is a bound using the finest quality twine. The bat is mounted in a lathe which is controlled using a foot treadle, which provides strength at the top of the splice and throughout the length of the handle. The blade is then finely burnished using a compound wax which polices and flattens the wood leaving a satin finish.