1-Tree Growing
Taking 15 years from planting to harvest, English willow needs specific growing conditions such as wet heavy soil with 10 metres of space between each tree for optimum growth. During this time the trees are maintained ensuring any side shoots are rubbed off or cut off to reduce the amount of knots on the cricket bats harvested from this tree.
2-Willow/ Tree Cutting
On average most trees are felled once they reach 15-20 years depending on the tree however, trees in good condition can be felled with as little as 10 years or left to grow for up to 40 years.
3-Willow Splitting
On average most trees are felled once they reach 15-20 years depending on the tree however, trees in good condition can be felled with as little as 10 years or left to grow for up to 40 years.
4-Willow drying
To get the best out of a willow cricket bat in terms of performance weight each cleft is slowly dried over a long period of time to a range of 11-13% moisture content, which is naturally air dried. Once received by the manufacturer they will measure maintain the moisture content of their stock to ensure performance of every cleft.
5-Grading
To get the best out of a willow cricket bat in terms of performance weight each cleft is slowly dried over a long period of time to a range of 11-13% moisture content, which is naturally air dried. Once received by the manufacturer they will measure maintain the moisture content of their stock to ensure performance of every cleft.
6-Handle fitting
Using only top quality Sarawak cane handles laminated with rubber strips to improve force absorption, each cleft will have a v shape cut in at one end the handle expertly fitted. The handle will be shaved down to fit the blade exactly, so it creates a perfect friction fit without the need for excessive force. Once the fit is accepted, the handle will be removed, wood glue applied, re-inserted clamped for 48 hours to ensure a strong splice.
7-Shaping
The shape of the bat also known as the profile is designed to offer a particular balance pickup. With knowledge gained over many years master bat makers can shape the blade using factors such as positioning of the swell or thickest part of the bat, toe shaping such as round, square duck-bill even to the level of the size placement of the edges.
8-Pressing
A crucial part of the bat making process, pressing is designed to compact the willow fibres to create a laminated surface enabling the face to withstand the pressure of a cricket ball hitting it. Master bat makers will know how much pressing a cleft will need to get optimum performance once it is has reached this point is given it’s final grade for the retail market.
9-Binding
The binding process is where the bat maker improves the feel, strength durability of the handle using string wood glue. This also reduces the chance of the rubber grip from riding up the handle when batting.
10-Labelling
The finishing touch of any bat is where the makers leave their final mark by applying their brand logo using specially designed stickers on the front, back sides so that you can show the makers name.
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