How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

One of the most searched areas in bat rolling is how to build a bat rolling machine.

How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

---

How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

There are several factors that go into building a bat roller. I will break this article out so you can make a no enlightened decision to whether you want to take on such an endeavor.

Here are some questions that need to be answered before you start a project.

How the machine works Parts and Materials Cost Time

How the Machine Works:

Before any of these can be answered you will first need to decide on what type of machine you are looking at.

Most parallel machines can roll both ways, but a perpendicular machine can only roll 1. Also a perpendicular machine will leave flat spots in the bat and not roll the enTire sweet spot.

We highly recomMend a parallel machine.

The machines work by compressing the carbon fibers and laminates between rollers and then rolling the bat between the rollers. Primarily the sweet spot of the bats are the section you are targeting during the roll.

Material List

Cost

The cost of building a machine can greatly very ... but you can figure the minimum will be $ 200 plus, depending on your bearings and roller materials. It will be more for the state of the art plastics that are being used in the better bat rolling machines.

Time

Building a machine will take some time as you will have to draw out the design and then cut and machine the parts and gather the bearings etc.

Bottom line is this is a project that can be taken on if you are a do it yourself person who has proper equipMent and time and some designing knowledge. To machining background or a friend who has one wouldhelp here.

Another viable option is to purchase a Bat Rolling Machine directly from a reputable manufacturer. Here are a few things to look for when choosing that manufacturer.

You need to stay away from a plastic called Acetal with a trade name of Delrin. It is really hard and has zero forgiveness.

How to Build a Bat Rolling Machine

Woodturning Projects - Four Things a Beginning Woodturner Should Look For

For the beginning woodturner, woodturning projects need to meet four criteria: They should be instructive, inexpensive, interesting, and quick. Meeting these simple conditions will enhance the learning experience with enjoyMent and have finished projects that serve to encourage the beginner to woodworking with the lathe.

First they need to be instructive. While it can be argued that any woodturning gives instruction to the beginner, there should be a deliberate thought given to choosing a project that teaches one or two new skills. Ideally, the project will work on existing woodworking skills and build from that experience to gain confidence on the lathe. The first tools to learn are typically the roughing gouge, the parting tool and spindle gouges. These allow the new woodturner to rough a square to round; shape with straight lines, beads and coves; cut to a determined diaMeter; and part off the finished project.

Second, the wood worker's project should be inexpensive. Most of the price of a project is determined by the wood used. In fact, the first few projects should consist of local woods that are cheap or free. Any other embellishMents should be easily found and inexpensive indeed, such as tea lights or copper pipe sections for handle ferrules. If a band saw is part of the shop set up it is simple to reduce a section of firewood to turning squares that will be fine for a variety of projects.

Third, the project should be interesting. Realizing that the beginning woodturner is intending to develop and refine skills, it is encouraged that the project be repeated several times. It is far better for the would be wood turner if the project maintains its interest through several incarnations. This is achieved in at least three ways.

1. It is developing new skills which has an interest value of its own

2. Most projects can be embellished with beads, coves, grooves, deliberate burn marks and other decorations, each of which is a learning experience for the beginner.

3. Projects can be used by the turner or given to friends and family unlike practise sticks that are at best highly decorated kindling.

Fourth, the woodturning project should be quick to produce. After all, the project is really secondary here. The primary need is to develop new skills on the wood lathe. One of the great ways to do so is to repeat, repeat, repeat. As the project is turned one time after another, the results can be lined up and compared to decide what is needed for improveMent and where the new wood turner can pat himself or herself on the back for a Job well done.

One such project for the beginner is a file handle. The lines are simple and can be performed with roughing gouge, spindle gouge and parting tool. Maple or ash from the firewood stash will do a great Job and the only addition needed, if desired, is a ferrule cut from some scrap pipe. Besides, every woodworker can use another file handle as can almost any amount of friends who can give encouragement as they exclaim in awe over the beginning wood turner's new skills.

Woodturning Projects - Four Things a Beginning Woodturner Should Look For

Woodturning Projects - Four Things a Beginning Woodturner Should Look For

---

Woodturning Projects - Four Things a Beginning Woodturner Should Look For

Three Tips For Using a Wood Turning Lathe

If you learn the right way to use a wood turning lathe, it will soon become one of your favorite tools. Here are three important tips for using a lathe. They're applicable to all projects and you should keep them in mind whether you're turning a big, thick table leg or a delicate candlestick.

Good Projects Start with Good Wood

Before you even think of starting a wood turning lathe project, double-check the quality of the wood you're using. Using the right kind of wood is important, but that only one consideration.

You need to check the wood carefully to be certain it's the right size. Remember, you may lose a portion of the piece's top and bottom. That means you'll want to use pieces that are slightly longer than the project requires. There's nothing more frustrating than turning a great piece and then finding that you just can't use it.

You'll also want to inspect the wood carefully for quality. If you find deep scratches or cracks in your wood, you may end up with a final piece that will fall short of your quality standards. Check your wood for appearance, as well. Some pieces may have slightly discolored areas or grain patterns that just won't look right when you're done.

Using the Right Tool for the Job

A particular project may call for the use of a wood turning lathe, but that doesn't mean that any lathe will do. This fact becomes quite clear when you witness someone "biting off more than he or she can chew" by trying to handle an oversized piece of wood in a smaller lathe.

A pen lathe is great for a number of different Jobs, but it won't be up to task for bigger projects. Likewise, smaller lathes may offer more precision and control than larger ones, making them ideal for small projects. Step back and evaluate both your project and your equipMent. Are they really a good match? You should be able to answer that question in the affirmative without hesitation.

Your Hands and Eyes are Worth More than a Great Table

Every single project involving a wood turning lathe is serious. That's because you're using powerful equipMent that has the potential of hurting you if not used correctly. "Safety first" may seem like a worn-out cliche, but it bears repeating when it comes to lathe work.

Be certain your wood is properly placed and is snugly fitted into the lathe. Use all necessary protective gear. Never touch a moving piece of wood with your hands--it only takes a few moments for the machine to come to stop. Don't remove a piece of wood until you've flipped the power switch to "off."

You may be excited to finish your project in record time, but it doesn't make sense to trade your safety and well-being to save a few minutes. Take the time and care to keep yourself safe.

lathe wood

---