r/turning • u/SpaceDave83 • 6d ago

Baseball bat questions

I want to make a couple of torpedo baseball bats. I know the “mlb legal” dimensions, but that doesn’t give me much info on where to put the thickest part of the bat, in relation to the end.

Also, I want these to be as heavy as is legal, how does one control weight and balance, esp. with woods that vary in density?

If I was REALLY into getting things perfect, I could buy a factory made torpedo bat and take measurements off of that, but I sure don’t want to spend that kind of money.

I’m way too old to be using these myself, but I thought this might be a good learning experience, trying to hit both specific dimensions AND a specific weight. All the videos online seem to treat bats as a beginner project, but I want to make something better than a vaguely bat-shaped stick.

I will most likely be making these out of maple, if it makes any difference.

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u/ColonialSand-ers 6d ago

I don’t have a torpedo schematic handy, but here’s a classic pattern to get you started.

The best placement for the heart of the bat is different for every player, but I’d suggest for your torpedo bat to move the thickest part from between 33-34” to around 29”-30” and taper accordingly.

In terms of weight it’s more of an art than a science. The target weight is achieved by a combination of the starting weight of your blank and the overall size/shape of the finished bat. In general if you stick close to the dimensions of an established design you should come in around a reasonable weight.

I turn a lot of bats so if you have any more questions during your project feel free to reach out.

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u/SpaceDave83 6d ago

Thanks! I was hoping to find a torpedo schematic, but I’ve been unsuccessful so far. As far as weight is concerned, my plan is to weigh the project frequently as I go so I can sneak up on the right weight. I’m concerned that multiple mountings & dismountings might make it prone to getting out of round as I progress, but I guess I’ll burn that bridge when I get there

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u/ColonialSand-ers 6d ago

What’s your target length and weight?

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u/SpaceDave83 6d ago

Mr. Google says:

Legal torpedo bats in the MLB, following the same rules as traditional bats, cannot be more than 2.61 inches in diameter and 42 inches in length, with the weight typically around 31 or 32 ounces. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: Length: The bat cannot exceed 42 inches in length. Diameter: The bat cannot be more than 2.61 inches in diameter at its thickest part. Weight: While Babe Ruth used bats weighing over 40 ounces, the current norm is around 31 or 32 ounces. Design: The torpedo bat design, pioneered by Aaron Leanhardt, moves the bat’s mass lower down the barrel, creating a “bowling-pin” shape, with a thinner end. Legality: MLB’s rule 3.02 states that bats must be a “smooth, round stick” and the torpedo bats are legal as they conform to this rule. Purpose: The design aims to optimize the bat’s mass distribution, putting more weight where players make contact more frequently, potentially enhancing offensive output.

So it looks like there isn’t a specific weight limit. That being said, I will arbitrarily pick 33 ounces, and 41 inches long

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u/ColonialSand-ers 6d ago

That’s a giant bat and is going to be very difficult unless you do some special construction.

Most players nowadays are swinging what’s called a drop-2. Meaning the bat is two ounces lighter than the length. Typically a 34”/32oz or a 33”/31oz bat.

I made a drop-5 recently but it was for a young teenager who needed all the mass at the end of the bat so it allowed me to extend the handle and save some weight.

https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/s/mRdJnTS5qO

To make a drop-8 in a reasonable profile you’d want to either do a laminated bat with a basswood core, or take an already lean bat and cork it to shave off the extra ounces.

Of the common modern bat woods, birch and ash blanks tend to be slightly lighter than maple as they are a little less dense.

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u/SpaceDave83 5d ago

That is useful information, thanks!

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u/ColonialSand-ers 5d ago

Also you’re going to want at least an inch of material on either side of your finished bat. So make sure your bed length can accommodate it. I think I have 41” between centers on mine so a 39” bat is about the longest I could reasonably turn.

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u/SpaceDave83 5d ago

Yep, I got a long bed.