How to cup end of bat?

[TallPaul]

I have a Rawlings Big Stick Adirondack Model bat. I would like to cup the end.

1) What is the maximum allowed depth and width of the cup area?

2) What tool is used to do it?

3) Is this something that can be done at home with a hand drill?

[batmaker06]

The MLB bat spec says that the cup can be no deeper than 1", must be between 1" and 2" in diamter, and be rounded. My tool of choice is a 1 3/4" cove box bit (half-round) that I put in a drill press with a centering three-jaw chuck mounted underneath on center. However, a few years ago when I turned my very first bat by hand, I did use a hand drill. It won't look professional, but it will take out between 0.5 and 0.9 oz of weight out of the bat. I wrapped the bat in a towel and then clamped it in a vice. It will be very easy to see that you are not on center when you are a little off, so you can keep adjusting until it looks ok. Lots of bat makers don't have rounded bottoms to the cups, maybe you could use a 1.75" forstner bit.

[Coach Jim]

I've been looking, any suggestion where to find a 1 3/4" (or 1 1/2") cove box bit?

EDIT: Well, I found a place online and decided to order the 1 5/8" cove box bit. I'm making a variety of barrel sizes from 2.25 - 2.75; this was a middle size. If I decide to expand my efforts, I may go for different sizes. For now, this one will be utilitarian. So, I've used it once, by hand. The cut was pretty rough, but some 50 grit under my thumb had a nice looking finish with a little elbow grease. Thanks for the tip.

[nystixs]

Here you go.. http://www.magnate.net/