"Softening" the edges of a putter -- tools?

[Birdie Wooster]

The recent Dalehead thread has got me thinking -- how does one go about the handwork that makes a milled putter look more like an old Ping? Do you use the same methods and tools gunsmiths use to round off sharp edges? Has anyone done this themselves (non puttermakers, that is). If so, how difficult is it and how long does it take?

[corky]

Dremel, files, 3m abrasives, metal polishers..... Fill yer boots

Go slowly

[jrich61820]

Hand file, Dremel tool and good eye. Take your time and don't get in a hurry. Remember, what you remove CAN NOT be put back, so just go slow:)

[oneaugusta]

Great advice above! Along with mentioned above is very good lighting, you want to see every detail when removing material. Also, maybe you all have great eyes but I find using the safety glasses with that magnify to be very helpful, they have a small section at the bottom of the lens that will get you up close and personal with your work.

[Allfat]

I would stay away from the dremel unless you are very experienced in its use. It is very easy for it to get away from you and make yourself a few hours worth of work buffing out the scratches you just dragged across the entire putter. Hand tools and taking it slow are your friend in an endeavor like this. You are not removing much material, so just sit down and take it slow. Your patience will be rewarded.

[blav28]

Just started softening a Newport with hand files. Even with a stainless putter, the metal's coming off very easily. it's going to take some time to get it to where I want it to be, and I get the feeling the finish work is going to be more time consuming than the initial filing.

 

 

Started with the neck. The putter is a 2008 Studio Select. Left is my longtime gamer. Right is the patient I picked up recently. Obviously a work in progress and no where near done. Since this picture, I've taken the heel side way down and have rounded the heel-side bumper a bit. I'll get more progress pictures up as it happens.

[alexdub]

I would stay away from the dremel unless you are very experienced in its use. It is very easy for it to get away from you and make yourself a few hours worth of work buffing out the scratches you just dragged across the entire putter. Hand tools and taking it slow are your friend in an endeavor like this. You are not removing much material, so just sit down and take it slow. Your patience will be rewarded.

 

+1

 

I couldn't agree with this more. The dremel can REALLY ruin a putter if you're not careful and have experience. A small hand file, some 200 grit paper, and scotchbrite pads will do wonders. Always go slow.

[RookieBlue7]

Get a variable speed Dremel and turn it down to a slower speed.

[blav28]

Getting closer.

[mvhoffman]

Getting closer.

 

any chance you can do a top comparative view (looking down at the putter)?

[blav28]

Getting closer.

 

any chance you can do a top comparative view (looking down at the putter)?

 

This work?

[mvhoffman]

looks interesting. Not really my style, I actually like the sharper edges. all except for the damn sightline on mine. I would love a no sightline 1.5, but those are tour only...

 

If it is what you are going for, it is solid work. take your time and smooth it out. keep updating with pics.

[blav28]

If it is what you are going for, it is solid work. take your time and smooth it out. keep updating with pics.

 

Pretty much what I'm trying to accomplish - I love the look of original Daleheads. And this putter is my favorite putter I've rolled in the past ~8 years. So I grabbed on cheap and decided to operate.

 

I may do a little more work, then send it off to the experts and let them complete it. Undecided as of now.

[mvhoffman]

Figure out what you are looking for and there are a ton of options for finishing, milling, etc. Jrich (putter spa), Tom (Slighter), George (Torreyrat), Kyle (Bastain milled)

 

there are a multitude of options here on wrx. Find what you like and go for it. You are doing some solid work. Keep it up.

 

I agree with you on the putter. Here are a few pics of mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And if you ever get rid of the other Newport let me know... I want the no sight line...

[tangojay]

Emery cloth IMHO the best way, seen a maker use this to do what you want to do, he had a machine of course with a large loop of it, just take a foot or so piece and use it like if you were shoe shinning, place the putter in a vice by the shaft (in between you knees will do)

Like it was said before, S-L-O-W,,, you can take more off but you cant put it back on,,, it will also save time since no deep groves will be cut into the putter.

[blav28]

After I did the shaping, I sent it to BOS for the finish work. Loving the look of it - BOS did a killer job.

[mvhoffman]

that looks wonderful

[gioguy21]

After I did the shaping, I sent it to BOS for the finish work. Loving the look of it - BOS did a killer job.

Wow!

 

that looks gorgeous. the shaping on the shoulders looks cool -- and hats off to BOS - that color is primo. incredibly solid job Blav

[jtitleist12]

After I did the shaping, I sent it to BOS for the finish work. Loving the look of it - BOS did a killer job.

 

B.

 

Awesome work! You did a great job with all of the shaping.

 

Tempted to put this in play now that you got it back and the Toulon is rolling so well?

 

- Josh

[avgjoe]

looks good... I'm guessing no "before" weight on that (to know how much taken off)

[bruinmw]

After I did the shaping, I sent it to BOS for the finish work. Loving the look of it - BOS did a killer job.

 

What's the head weight after the shaping? Curious to see how much weight came off.

[jtitleist12]

These heads weighed 320g without the sole weights so that is a good "starting" point.

 

- Josh

[bob1sh]

Awesome job on this putter!