How to Make a Cricket Bat From a Willow

The cricket bat is the essential tool of the game. Making your own bat is challenging and may require access to a woodshop or serious woodworking equipment. But if you succeed, you'll have a unique bat to display or play with. And as the film "Shaun of the Dead" showed, a cricket bat is also good to have in a pinch should zombies ever show up at your favorite pub.

Things You'll Need

  • English willow cleft, or a willow that has already been shaped into a blade
  • Cane handle (usually rattan)
  • Bat grip
  • Water-resistant wood glue
  • Twine
  • Wax or wood finish
  • Sanding equipment
  • Woodcutting machine (if the blade has not been formed)
  • Wood pressing machine
  • Planer and/or drawknife
  • Grip cone
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Form the willow cleft into a blade shape with a woodcutting machine. The maximum length of the bat is 38 inches, and the maximum width is 4 1/4 inches, but you'll want to make one comfortable for your size within those guidelines. If you're starting with a willow that's already been cut into a blade, move on to Step 2.

    • 2

      The blade needs to be pressure treated so the fibers compress. This will make your bat stronger and firmer. Place the blade in the wood pressure machine and apply 2,000 lb. of pressure. You may want to repeat this process several times. If you are working with a precut blade, this may have already been done (check with your supplier).

    • 3

      Cut a splice out of your blade to fit the handle in. Make sure the fit is perfect. You've heard the term "measure twice, cut once," but in this case, you'll want to measure three or four times, especially if you've never done this before. Use your wood glue, insert the cane handle into the splice and allow to set.

    • 4

      Using your drawknife or planer, shape the blade. Pull off willow until you've created your desired shape, shaping the toe and driving area.

    • 5

      Sand your bat. If you intend to do this with a hand sander, expect to put a lot of time into this step. You might need several weeks of picking up your bat, sanding it for a bit, then putting it down until you're ready to work some more.

    • 6

      Brush the handle with glue and add twine for strength.

    • 7

      Wax and polish your blade.

    • 8

      Using the cone, add your grip. Slide the grip over the cone and roll onto the bat handle until it's in place.