Making my own putter

[DStar 182]

Hi all

I'm a newbie on here as I'm getting back into golf after 15 years away. Great timing as my local course is closed due to the UK lockdown but I've squeezed in a round and had some practice. 

I'm a CNC programmer by trade and I like tinkering with ideas for things to make and, as I'm back into golf, thought I'd have a go at making my own putter. 

I have no experience of what makes a good putter but thought, as I'm almost starting from scratch again, I could make something to try. 

Here's the 1st attempt, just waiting for the shaft and I can give it a go at home:

As I was just playing with an idea it's aluminum with a 304SS insert and copper weights. It's probably a little light at just under 300g with 2.5° loft but will see how it goes.

From doing the machining on the 1st one I've learned a few things and have already made a start on #2 which is going to be carbon steel but a slightly different shape (more of a traditional style). Possibly do a 316SS version if this one works nicely so that I can compare the 2..

What do you think?

Steve

Edited January 12 by DStar

[cnosil 14,704]

Look nice. You need to get it shafted and roll some putts.

[Headhammer 1,805]

Really nice work and I love that head shape. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Buffly 493]

@DStar since you are making your own putter, you can do what no manufacturer is "allowed" to do - combine technology. 

I have been wondering what it would be like to take the 4°, 3°, 2°, 1° face of the Sik putter and mash it with the Evnroll grooves and an Axis face COG head design... It would be extremely full of tech!

Can you build that?

[txgolfjunkie 1,647]

This is how the small guys get started...it only takes one and then before you know it, you're charging a pretty penny...or quid...or pence...regardless, keep up posted! Especially since that looks to be a lefty putter. 

[JohnSmalls 5,964]

7 hours ago, DStar said:

Hi all

I'm a newbie on here as I'm getting back into golf after 15 years away. Great timing as my local course is closed due to the UK lockdown but I've squeezed in a round and had some practice. 

I'm a CNC programmer by trade and I like tinkering with ideas for things to make and, as I'm back into golf, thought I'd have a go at making my own putter. 

I have no experience of what makes a good putter but thought, as I'm almost starting from scratch again, I could make something to try. 

Here's the 1st attempt, just waiting for the shaft and I can give it a go at home:

As I was just playing with an idea it's aluminum with a 304SS insert and copper weights. It's probably a little light at just under 300g with 2.5° loft but will see how it goes.

From doing the machining on the 1st one I've learned a few things and have already made a start on #2 which is going to be carbon steel but a slightly different shape (more of a traditional style). Possibly do a 316SS version if this one works nicely so that I can compare the 2..

What do you think?

Steve

Really like it!  Especially with the slot for the shaft being on the right side of the putter for us lefties.  Interested to see how it rolls.  Let us know!

[ballplayer002003 1,066]

That's cool.  I wish I had the knowledge and equipment to be able to do something like that.  Make as many models as you can and start naming them, you never know.

[HardcoreLooper 5,137]

But seriously, it's beautiful.  Have you considered a design that mills out more material as you get closer to the sweetspot to try to make the heel/toe more responsive compared to the center?  And do it in a way that you don't get sued by Guerin Rife?

[DStar 182]

17 hours ago, cnosil said:

Look nice. You need to get it shafted and roll some putts.

Thanks, that's the plan 

16 hours ago, Headhammer said:

Really nice work and I love that head shape. Keep us posted on your progress.

Thankyou. Will do..

14 hours ago, Buffly said:

Can you build that?

Maybe further down the line as I get more of an idea of what works  

12 hours ago, txgolfjunkie said:

Especially since that looks to be a lefty putter. 

That's one of the reasons why I thought I'd give it a go, no where local stocks LH stuff to try  

3 hours ago, ballplayer002003 said:

Make as many models as you can and start naming them, you never know.

Good plan, I could be the next SC  

2 hours ago, HardcoreLooper said:

But seriously, it's beautiful.  Have you considered a design that mills out more material as you get closer to the sweetspot to try to make the heel/toe more responsive compared to the center? 

I'm sure, as I go on, I'll be able to make changes to improve. I've no real idea what will or won't work, it's a bit of guesswork with some 'that looks right'...

[DStar 182]

So, while I've been waiting for the shaft, I made a start on #2. 

I don't get much spare time on the machine so progress may well be slow but have been playing with face-milling ideas. 

This putter will be carbon steel (an identical 316SS version may be done if this feels good), aiming for around 330g as we have fast greens at my course, removable weights in the heel/toe. 

What's your favourite face mill pattern? All are approx .025mm deep, done with a 3mm ballnose cutter. 

[Tom the Golf Nut 2,214]

Very nice work. I used to be a machinist and a CNC programmer back in the G code days. I miss it sometimes, but love what I do now...…. Play golf with customers. 

Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform on the green. 

[Headhammer 1,805]

Like the first milling pattern the best, it's very unique.

[ejgaudette 927]

These look like some great designs and really interesting work. I have always thought it would be cool to have the skills to do something like this and see what could be come up with. Look forward to seeing what you come up with in the future.

[Reesedw 2,463]

All of these look amazing.. If they putt as good as they look you might have a side business.. Great job.

 

[00sportsman 2,168]

Those look great!  I'm so jealous that you have the ability and equipment to work on projects like that.  As a fellow lefty, I'm hereby offering my services as a beta tester for your technology.  You can just ship them to Florida and I'll give them a workout!

[Rickp 20,714]

Really like it!  Especially with the slot for the shaft being on the right side of the putter for us lefties.  Interested to see how it rolls.  Let us know!

Did someone say Lefty


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[Rickp 20,714]

Really nice job for 1st time out.
Why the switch from 304ss to 316ss?


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[ChitownM2 314]

This is extremely cool, I wish I had these kind of toys at my disposal.

I vote for milling pattern #4 on the face. 

I'd try to taking your original mallet design here in aluminum and then adding on some wings like a spyder out of something much much heavier to create a really high MOI putter. Kind of like a PXG blackjack 

[DStar 182]

8 hours ago, Rickp said:

Why the switch from 304ss to 316ss?

We have a piece in the metal store and there's not too much difference between the 2 except machinability. 316 is a bit tougher to machine but we do loads of it here so I have the best tools for it. 

[Rickp 20,714]

We have a piece in the metal store and there's not too much difference between the 2 except machinability. 316 is a bit tougher to machine but we do loads of it here so I have the best tools for it. 

OK gotcha. I was wondering if you knew something specific about the 316 and yes 316 can be a PIA.
Most of my stainless putters are/were 304.
So far you’re looking good


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