TYPES OF FINISH
Several types of finish are available on different bats.
NATURAL FINISH
The willow is not covered by any protective coating or tape. Some lower grades of willow may be bleached, or partially bleached, in all cases a very light coating of Raw Linseed Oil will help the bat last longer assuming it has been correctly knocked in.
CLEAR POLYARMOUR FINISH
Polyarmour is a varnish type finish which gives initial protection. Polyarmour adds some strength to the blade and stops the wood getting dirty in store. However, remember that a clear Polyarmoured bat should be correctly and thoroughly knocked in. Do not worry if the coating crazes or cracks during knocking in.
FACE TAPE FINISH
Pro-face tape is a clear self adhesive film which is applied in sheet form to the face and edges of the bat. It is widely used by Test Players because of easy maintenance. If face tape is applied only the toe of the bat needs a light coat of oil to prevent swelling due to dampness.
OILING
Far too many bats coming back for repair have been over oiled. There is a danger that you can damage the wood fibres by over oiling. It is better not to oil than to over oil.
Polyarmour bats or bats with face tape do not need oiling other than perhaps a very light coat to the toe to avoid water getting in and causing the wood to swell.
TO OIL YOUR BAT PROPERLY
1. Using a soft rag, apply a light coat of oil to the front, edges, toe and back of the blade. DO NOT OIL THE SPLICE
2. Keep bat in horizontal position.
3. After 2 weeks, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper and apply another light coat of linseed oil to the face, edges and toe (not the back).
4. Repeat after 2 more weeks ensuring the bat is kept horizontal between oilings.
5. Only use raw linseed oil.
KNOCKING IN
Knocking in is the process by which the fibres of the willow blade are compressed and knitted together to help prevent damage from the impact of a cricket ball. This is best done by using an old ball or a mallet. It is not sufficient to hit a few balls in the nets or in the garden. Knocking in should be done in a patient and thorough manner and should take no less than 6 hours in total. To a large extent, the effective life of your bat is determined by the thoroughness of your knocking in process. You are trying to make the toe and edges in particular harder than when the bat was purchased, to minimise the damage from an edged stroke.
KNOCKING IN YOUR NEW BAT
1. Using an old ball or a bat mallet like a hammer deflect gently off the edges the way a ball might in a game.
2. Increase the force and work the edges until they show a rounded, compact appearance.
3. Use the bat to hit short catches (i.e. very light work on the face) or bounce a cricket ball up and down on the face.
4. Use the bat in the nets against old softer balls.
5. Use the bat in the nets against newer balls.
CAUSES OF DAMAGE
DRY BAT
It is important to store your bat wisely to prevent the willow drying out and becoming brittle. Ideally you should store your bat in the garage or a garden shed where the wood can absorb some moisture from the atmosphere. DO NOT leave your bat close to a central heating radiator or fire. DO NOT leave yor bat in your car boot or rear window where the temperaturewill soar.
TOE SWELLS DUE TO DAMP
When the toe of your bat swells this has been caused by water/dampness getting up into the wood fibres. Aviod this by doing one of the following:
1. Applying a light coat of oil to the toe of the bat before each game.
2. Use of a sealant to prevent water penetrating.
3. Applying a toe gaurd before the bat is used.
However if your bat is already damaged do one of these two alternatives:
1. Place the toe of the bat in a woodworking vice, being careful to cushion both sides of the blade to prevent damage.
2. Allow damp area to dry normally then use an old ball to knock out the swollen area.
EDGE AND TOE DAMAGE
The majority of bats will be damaged if the batsmen edges a quick ball or digs out a fast yorker. The bat must be put in for repair as no willow will withstand such impact. Knocking in properly, however will reduce risk.
SURFACE CRACKING
Willow is not manufactured. Surface cracking or crazing will appear on the face of all bats after a period of use. The knocking in period is vitally important in minimising surface cracks. Surface cracks do not harm the bats performance but proper knocking in delays the appearance of these cracks. If the willow starts to lift away after a time, use any PVA water based glue and clamp back together. Sand the glued area with medium grade sandpaper. Apply face tape.
