1. Fasten the machine down to a table using either a pair of c-clamps or with (4) 5/16" diameter bolts. Make sure that you have enough clearance to turn the handle and are move the bat back and forth without bumping into anything.
2. Place the bat in the machine and crank down the top handle until the bat sits firmly between the two rollers. The bat should not be able to move up and down between the rollers. This will be your "zero point" in which you will use as a reference point when you begin rolling.
3. Turn the handle 1/4 of a turn and start pushing the bat back and forth between the rollers. At this time it may not be necessary to use the side handle for assistance. Push the bat in and out 10-15 times.
4. With the bat still in the machine give the upper handle an additional 1/4 of a turn bringing it to a total of 1/2 turn. Roll the bat back and forth 10-15 times again
5. Go to 3/4 of a turn and again roll it back and forth 10-15 times. You will do this for 1 full turn and beyond.
6. Now unwind the handle, rotate the bat 1/2 inch or about 45 degrees and follow the same procedure in steps 2-5
Note: if you are having trouble following the steps then you may find the video more concise.
Important Info
The newer 2012-2013 bats are under the new BBCOR (batted ball coefficient of retention) regulations and may have thicker walls and stronger resin in order to combat the "trampoline effect". However a bats performance can still be enhanced given that you use the proper break in techniques in conjunction with bat rolling. A longer rolling period may be needed in order to effectively break down the composite material in these bats. As a result many people are now heating the barrel of their bats before rolling so that the resin can break down more easily.
Also some manufacturers are putting tamper evident finishes on their bats so to restrict any further modifications. For example, the newer Eastons have thinner paint and putting too much pressure on these bats can cause the paint to come off or de-laminate. Apply heat to the bats sweet spot evenly with a hairdryer or any other heat source prior to rolling will help to keep the paint from de-laminating during rolling.
2. Place the bat in the machine and crank down the top handle until the bat sits firmly between the two rollers. The bat should not be able to move up and down between the rollers. This will be your "zero point" in which you will use as a reference point when you begin rolling.
3. Turn the handle 1/4 of a turn and start pushing the bat back and forth between the rollers. At this time it may not be necessary to use the side handle for assistance. Push the bat in and out 10-15 times.
4. With the bat still in the machine give the upper handle an additional 1/4 of a turn bringing it to a total of 1/2 turn. Roll the bat back and forth 10-15 times again
5. Go to 3/4 of a turn and again roll it back and forth 10-15 times. You will do this for 1 full turn and beyond.
6. Now unwind the handle, rotate the bat 1/2 inch or about 45 degrees and follow the same procedure in steps 2-5
Note: if you are having trouble following the steps then you may find the video more concise.
Important Info
The newer 2012-2013 bats are under the new BBCOR (batted ball coefficient of retention) regulations and may have thicker walls and stronger resin in order to combat the "trampoline effect". However a bats performance can still be enhanced given that you use the proper break in techniques in conjunction with bat rolling. A longer rolling period may be needed in order to effectively break down the composite material in these bats. As a result many people are now heating the barrel of their bats before rolling so that the resin can break down more easily.
Also some manufacturers are putting tamper evident finishes on their bats so to restrict any further modifications. For example, the newer Eastons have thinner paint and putting too much pressure on these bats can cause the paint to come off or de-laminate. Apply heat to the bats sweet spot evenly with a hairdryer or any other heat source prior to rolling will help to keep the paint from de-laminating during rolling.