wrote in message
oups.com...
A aluminum bat that cost $300.00 is because the amount of sweet spot.
The more you pay the bigger the sweet spot hence the better chance of
hitting the ball futher. I prefer wood bats but my guess is if a batter
has a choice they will pick metal because of more pop. The Cape Cod
leaque (summer league of top college players from around the contry by
invitation only) uses wood bats but most college leagues dont.The major
teams buy their bats.(cape Cod leaque and I think one or two other
leaques) . When they scout they want to see the real thing. Our state
has been requiring wood in playoffs but not regular seson yet. The
reason for metal is because its too expensive to use wood because of
breakage. The reason against is the extra pop becomes dangerous to the
pitcher etc. If they allow metal bats why not allow corked bats again
more pop. I am very supprised to read no finish. I would think the
handle would get very dirty without sealing.
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A couple of things:
1. About 60 years ago my dad turned a bat for my brother and me. He used
hickory instead of ash (more abundant in N. Alabama).
As far as I know, there was no finish on it except for the oils and sweat
from our hands. We used that thing all the way from grade school (kinda
heavy) on thru high school. Only problem we had with it was a slight warp
after a few years. Always had to be sure you had it facing the right way
before you stepped up to bat. {:-)
2. In the Marine Corps our M1s had walnut stocks. We were instucted to use
only raw linseed oil on them to maintain a sheen and keep the wood from
drying out and becoming brittle. I don't know what the source of the info to
do that was, but there was usually a good reason most of the traditional
things that were done.

I think if you used any film finish on the bat, it would possibly be subject
to cracking due to impact. I know ash is hard, but a fast ball should cause
some surface flex or distortion on impact.

Your idea to turn a bat for your kid is great. We were always proud of ours.
No one else we knew could say "My Dad made this bat!"

Ken Moon
Webberville, TX.