Making my own putter #2

[DStar 1,437]

As #1 was quite successful and came out better than expected I thought I'd have a go at doing another one.

After a chat with the pro he recommended that a more traditional blade would be a good one to try and sell so that's what I'm doing.

I'm going to do a set of 4 this time, 2 x RH & 2 x LH in both 304SS and carbon steel, so that we can put a couple into the shop for demo. 

It's all programmed on the mill, I just need a window in the work-load to get them machined. I did have time to do a sample of the face machining to see how it looks as I'm trying to keep the engraving/logo's to a minimum to try and give them a clean look.

I'll, hopefully, get them done in time for when we can start playing at the end of March 

I'll update as I get more done but, as usual, all thoughts & input gratefully received. 

Steve

[DStar 1,437]

I'm also trying to think of the options that would make it appealing to buy. So far I've got:

• Material (304 or CS)
• Loft
• Shaft colour/length (using KBS CT Tour that come in a few different colours)
• Grip
• Alignment (lines/dots etc)

I've also found a UK based headcover maker so could do colour options on that too. 

What things would you be looking for in a custom putter? 

[ejgaudette 3,927]

4 hours ago, DStar said:

As #1 was quite successful and came out better than expected I thought I'd have a go at doing another one.

After a chat with the pro he recommended that a more traditional blade would be a good one to try and sell so that's what I'm doing.

I'm going to do a set of 4 this time, 2 x RH & 2 x LH in both 304SS and carbon steel, so that we can put a couple into the shop for demo. 

It's all programmed on the mill, I just need a window in the work-load to get them machined. I did have time to do a sample of the face machining to see how it looks as I'm trying to keep the engraving/logo's to a minimum to try and give them a clean look.

I'll, hopefully, get them done in time for when we can start playing at the end of March 

I'll update as I get more done but, as usual, all thoughts & input gratefully received. 

Steve

Like that face pattern with just the D in the corner very clean. Looking forward to the full line up.

[Rchang 306]

How hard would it be to do slightly curved face like the Sik and Bobby Grace radial putters to get consistent launch and loft off strikes from top to bottom ?

[jlukes 16,468]

6 hours ago, DStar said:

I'm also trying to think of the options that would make it appealing to buy. So far I've got:

• Material (304 or CS)
• Loft
• Shaft colour/length (using KBS CT Tour that come in a few different colours)
• Grip
• Alignment (lines/dots etc)

I've also found a UK based headcover maker so could do colour options on that too. 

What things would you be looking for in a custom putter? 

If I’m purchasing a custom putter I want to be able to choose:

neck style

site lines/dots and location

paintfill

loft/length/lie

[DStar 1,437]

1 hour ago, Rchang said:

How hard would it be to do slightly curved face like the Sik and Bobby Grace radial putters to get consistent launch and loft off strikes from top to bottom ?

It's something I'm looking into...

[txgolfjunkie 2,462]

7 hours ago, DStar said:

I'm also trying to think of the options that would make it appealing to buy. So far I've got:

• Material (304 or CS)
• Loft
• Shaft colour/length (using KBS CT Tour that come in a few different colours)
• Grip
• Alignment (lines/dots etc)

I've also found a UK based headcover maker so could do colour options on that too. 

What things would you be looking for in a custom putter? 

If I'm buying a custom putter I look for:

• Neck (plumbers, slant/flow, double/single bend)
• Alignment (lines, dots)
• Weight (interchangeable weights if production cost allows for it)
• Shaft (Chrome or matte black)
• Grip (SuperStroke, Best Grips, Lamkin, etc)
• Putter color (chrome or dark finish)

Of course, this all depends on what you, the putter maker, can handle. I would offer different alignment, shaft and grip options to start with and then expand into other options once business grows.  

[ballplayer002003 1,433]

In buying a custom putter I would want to choose:

neck styles (flow neck for me)

Heel shafted

loft/lie

weight

grip 

paint fill colors

putter head finish (raw/oil can/matte etc)

engravings

sight dot/lines etc

I'm excited for you and this new venture you are diving into.  

 

[DStar 1,437]

A bit slow with updates on this as the machine has been tied up with other work...

Not any more!! I'm pretty chuffed with it so far. Carbon steel, 395g at the moment but have the face machining to do so I reckon around 360g when I'm done.

Edited March 11, 2021 by DStar

[JohnSmalls 6,920]

On 2/25/2021 at 1:55 AM, DStar said:

I'm also trying to think of the options that would make it appealing to buy. So far I've got:

• Material (304 or CS)
• Loft
• Shaft colour/length (using KBS CT Tour that come in a few different colours)
• Grip
• Alignment (lines/dots etc)

I've also found a UK based headcover maker so could do colour options on that too. 

What things would you be looking for in a custom putter? 

Many have been said already, but for the sake of your research:

These are what I would look for in order of importance:

-Loft/lie/length
- head weight
- face milling depth or none
-material/finish
- alignment

[Nolan220 1,973]

looking good man 

[DStar 1,437]

Finally got one of each hand finished! Just need to order shafts & grips and off to the pro shop they shall go  

344g, brushed 304 stainless steel..

Edited March 15, 2021 by DStar

[JohnSmalls 6,920]

2 hours ago, DStar said:

Finally got one of each hand finished! Just need to order shafts & grips and off to the pro shop they shall go  

344g, brushed 304 stainless steel..

Those look great!

[Lacassem 16,715]

3 hours ago, DStar said:

Finally got one of each hand finished! Just need to order shafts & grips and off to the pro shop they shall go  

344g, brushed 304 stainless steel..

Incredible nice work

[DStar 1,437]

Had a play with the black oxide treatment we have here at work on the carbon steel head. This one will be going in the bag when we can start playing again here in the UK.

Thanks for all the kind words guys, really appreciate them and any feedback:

Edited March 16, 2021 by DStar

[fozcycle 15,388]

Very nice looking Dstar. What is the Head weight going to be? Have you considered weight ports for future models?


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

[DStar 1,437]

8 minutes ago, fozcycle said:

Very nice looking Dstar. What is the Head weight going to be? Have you considered weight ports for future models?


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

Thanks  

Head weight is 344g. I'm looking at another version of this with weights in the rear bumpers to allow adjustment of the balance. 

[DStar 1,437]

Getting a bit carried away now . Decided to have a go at 'torching' one of the 304 heads and I think a fair bit of beginners luck was on hand..

[ejgaudette 3,927]

1 hour ago, DStar said:

Getting a bit carried away now . Decided to have a go at 'torching' one of the 304 heads and I think a fair bit of beginners luck was on hand..

Another great look here with that torching. I get the beginners luck, its like the first time I make something is the best after that I seem to never quite get it the same again. Keep it up these are looking great.

[DStar 1,437]

Exciting news!! I've sold one of my putters 

Built to the customers specs. 344g carbon steel - bead blasted then black oxide treatment and they've opted for a simple white paint fill which looks great on the black steel. 3° loft, 72° lie. 

Just waiting for the custom headcover being made by Scott Readman and it'll be rolling..