How to Turn a Wood Baseball Bat

Making a wooden baseball bat can be a rewarding experience for any authentic baseball fan. Though it takes years to perfect, with proper equipment you can produce a bat with a small amount of practice. While the first attempt at a bat may not work, after a few tries you can make a homemade bat ready for the field.

Things You'll Need

  • 36-inch long piece of wood
  • Lathe
  • Wood gouging tool
  • Sand paper
  • Centering mark tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on what kind of wood to use. Typically bats are made of white ash and maple. Most hardwoods will work, but white ash is typically thought to be the best. Get a piece that is 36 inches long, 4 inches wide and 4 inches deep.

    • 2

      Mark the center of each end of the bat. Using a centering mark tool to find the exact center of each end of the piece of wood. At each center, lightly tap a nail into the wood to create an indentation to which the lathe can be attached. Finding the exact center is very important to maintain the balance of the bat blank.

    • 3

      Spin the blank to the lathe and gouge out the basic shape of a bat. Make it as smooth as you can. The bat should be anywhere between 30 inches and 36 inches long. It should be about 2.75 inches wide at the fat part of the barrel and taper into a 1-inch-wide handle with a 2-inch knob.

    • 4

      Sand the bat using a coarse sand paper. Slowly work your way into a fine grit paper until the bat is smooth. Take your time with this step, as it affects the overall appearance and feel of the bat.

    • 5

      Stain the bat. Find a stain that fits your stylistic needs and apply multiple coats. Be sure to let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Once you have applied an adequate amount of stain, your bat is ready for use. Take it to the park and find a buddy to lob a few right in your sweet spot.