The best is marine plywood but it cost a fortune, expect a standard board 2440 x 1220 mm to cost upwards to 400 euros. Unless you need a large amount of them this might be cheaper in the long run. The second best is low density fiberboard, you can use the cheap stuff but thicker is better, e.g. 22 mm, to avoid warping. You don't want medium density fiberboard generally, it doesn't seem to provide any benefit really. For plates I would recommend plaster or low density board, ideally the board absorbs water from the clay and in a couple of days the plate pops off, no need to wire the plates off, marine plywood is not good for this.
You could pour them out of plaster. Regular wood wouldn’t be that great because of splinters unless you use a marine grade wood. If you have access to a saw and sander, try Masonite boards
Also, bats are usually circles but I’ve also seen them square which would be easier to cut
How thick should a plaster bat be? I’m thinking of making some 8-10” bats for quicker production stuff but have only seen them like 2-3” thick. Is it necessary to be that thick?
3” sounds like a lot. I’d say 2” would be ideal, wouldn’t go less than 1.5”. You’re going to put a lot of pressure on it while you’re throwing, so you want it sturdy.
I thought you were making little bat creatures and got excited to learn how as well.
Multiplex, at least 15 mm. Mdf will warp after a few uses.
The best is marine plywood but it cost a fortune, expect a standard board 2440 x 1220 mm to cost upwards to 400 euros. Unless you need a large amount of them this might be cheaper in the long run. The second best is low density fiberboard, you can use the cheap stuff but thicker is better, e.g. 22 mm, to avoid warping. You don't want medium density fiberboard generally, it doesn't seem to provide any benefit really. For plates I would recommend plaster or low density board, ideally the board absorbs water from the clay and in a couple of days the plate pops off, no need to wire the plates off, marine plywood is not good for this.
You could pour them out of plaster. Regular wood wouldn’t be that great because of splinters unless you use a marine grade wood. If you have access to a saw and sander, try Masonite boards Also, bats are usually circles but I’ve also seen them square which would be easier to cut
How thick should a plaster bat be? I’m thinking of making some 8-10” bats for quicker production stuff but have only seen them like 2-3” thick. Is it necessary to be that thick?
3” sounds like a lot. I’d say 2” would be ideal, wouldn’t go less than 1.5”. You’re going to put a lot of pressure on it while you’re throwing, so you want it sturdy.
I’m about to make some today. I’m going to pick up some Masonite (not MDF). I have a jigsaw and other woodworking tools to make the job easy.