I'm diving into woodworking and have some old tools like hand planes and drawknives. Recently, I connected with an Afghani family across the alley, helping them out with their bikes. The oldest son, who is 17, wants to make a cricket bat together from some treated 2x6's I have. I have no idea what kind of wood is best for this and where to begin. I would normally use a lathe for the handle if it were for myself, but this is a fun project for us. Any tips for making a cricket bat?
3 Answers
I agree that PT wood isn’t suitable, as the chemicals are meant for bugs and mold, not for handling. I’d recommend picking up some ash wood; it lasts longer and is commonly used for baseball bats, which makes it a solid choice for your cricket bat too. Plus, cricket bats have a specific shape, so it might be worth looking up some diagrams online for guidance!
You definitely shouldn't use treated lumber for a cricket bat because of the chemicals in it; those could be harmful when absorbed through sweaty hands. Instead, try using soft maple or a hardwood like oak. A straight grain is ideal. It's awesome that you're getting into this and also bonding with your neighbor! Don't stress about making it perfect right away—just have fun and keep practicing!
Traditional cricket bats are typically made from willow, which might be hard to find in the US. Ash is a great substitute—lots of people use it for bats in baseball, so it should work well for cricket too. I’ve seen videos of people making bats from different woods like pine, but willow is lighter and good for playability. If you’re struggling to find the right wood, a downed maple branch could be a useful option, lots of them around St. Louis!