Lorraine...

Phenolic resin panels in many grades, thicknesses, and sizes are
available through these folks:

http://accurateplastics.thomasnet.com/plp/viewitems.aspx?cid=1634&categoryname=p\
anels&productname=phenolkraft-sup-tm-sup-xx-xxx-panel&&forward=1

I use 1/4" thick phenolic to make some of my tools. Wonderful stuff
to work with. The "wooden knives" I made out of it hold a very sharp
edge for a very long time, and leave the clay extremely smooth. I use
the low grade paper-based panel, which is probably what you want.
They call this grade "phenolkraft", which is the product to which the
above URL links, and the 1/4" thickness runs about $8 per square foot
($50 minimum order). The higher grades use various fabrics as the
substrate rather than paper, but they are likely overkill for your
purposes.

There may be cheaper or more local sources.

Also, don't underestimate relatively inexpensive plywood for your
batts. I have several that I made years ago from ordinary 3/4" birch
ply that show little wear. Good luck with your project.

James Freeman

"All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I
should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed."
-Michel de Montaigne

http://www.jamesfreemanstudio.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesfreemanstudio/
http://www.jamesfreemanstudio.com/clayart/




On Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 4:13 PM, Lorraine Pierce<piercepottery@...> wrote:
> Hello all, I need to make  custom sized bats and would like to use the same
> material that Wonder Bats are cut from. It is not Medex but a dark brown
> "phenolic resin treated composite panel product developed for applications
> in exterior and high moisture interior environments..similar to plaster bats
> in the way it releases the pot when it becomes leatherhard." I saw a recent
> picture of Val Cushing using such a bat at a recent workshop. Can anyone
> post the brand name of this 'panel product'? I am in Orange Park Florida,
> just under Jacksonville on the map. I am ever grateful you are all out
> there,and thanks yet again.
>
> Lori Pierce, still doing the exercises you sent John Rodgers...they really
> help!
>