Making a custom putter for a gift, with Pictures!

[Cachaulo]

apologize for the long backstory

UPDATE: SEE POST 22 FOR FINISHED PICTURES!




After reading a bunch of threads on here about custom putters and thinking about making my own someday, I finally decided to do it.
My grandfather introduced me to golf when I was 12. He has had Parkinson's disease since I was very little, when I was in my early teens he was still able to golf 18, go skiing and play tennis which is a large feat for someone with Parkinson's for so long. After his first knee replacement he was back up and walking in no time, but after his latest knee surgery he didn't bounce back as quickly. His mobility is not what it used to be and he's been fighting to get back on his feet for a while. Through all of it he always keeps a positive attitude and is truly an inspiration to me and so many others. I thought it would be cool to make him a putter for a Christmas gift to thank him for getting me into this game I enjoy so much.
I decided to go with a traditional Anser style and took some cues from a few other putters I have seen on these forums. This is my first attempt at a custom putter so I left out some details that might add to the cost, I would really like to include some of them in the future (relief near the front of the neck being one). The head weight is also much heavier than a true gamer but this is partially to help combat the tremors that Parkinson's causes, (estimated ~420g, my next putter will be for me to use so I'll cut this down considerably). I chose the neverbend putter grip so he can pick up the ball, this will likely be a carpet putter forever but it can't hurt.
I got quotes on the machining and chose a very low cost supplier, knowing that what I get back will likely be very rough and will need extensive finishing work. I recently got some pictures back of the parts before they were shipped out to me and I thought I'd share them with you guys.

This is the design of the putter in CAD




These pictures were taken by the machine shop, there seems to be some weird distortion in some of the shots...I'll post better shots when I get them in hand.

The plan for finishing is to work down the sharp edges and do some stampings. Right now I'm thinking initials on the rear bumper areas, something on the bottom and maybe the hosel. I'm toying with the idea of a single letter in each of the Cameron-rip off circles in the back, then paint filling them in black then filling the circle with translucent paint after...might be a cool look. Then some sort of finish, I was leaning towards black oxide but I'd love to hear some suggestions, (material is carbon steel btw).
When I get them back... paint fill, shaft/grip and it should be ready to test out!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, I'll update this thread with pictures as the process continues. Hopefully these will work out and I can make a second version to kick my odyssey out of the bag!

[jclark07]

Very cool story. Keep us posted.

[score72418]

Cool story and nice work! If I had the tools to create a custom putter I definitely would. I'm sure your grandpa will love it!

Keep us posted with your progress!

[oregongolf]

Very nice. Can you share the cost?

If it were me, I'd go with black polymer for a nice maintenance-free finish.

[RookieBlue7]

If it were me, I'd probably take the pics down from this thread because Scotty holds a patent on 3 dots in the cavity, and if some of his loyalists on here see this and shoot him an email, you and the machine shop could get in a bunch of trouble.

Other than that, it's a cool story and a neat project.

[Mich Nick]

Making a personal piece of art should be of no concern legally. if you were making these to sell then the patent would be an issue.

Very nice work!

[Carr X]

I think it's a beautiful thing to do something like that for your grandpa. I wish you (and him) the best of luck in your endeavor. That said, your design is apparently an homage to the "3-dot" look of the Scotty Cameron, which has already been mentioned in this post. Was it your intent to make something that looks like a SC? Did you consider any other designs? I'm just curious.

Thanks for sharing!

[TMfan54]

nice story. i'm sure your grandpa will like it.

[Johwak121]

Nice work! was the design done using Google sketch-up??

Cant wait to see paint fill and the final product!!

[Cachaulo]

Thanks for the replies! The modeling was done in solidworks. I'm not a huge Scotty fan (never owned one) but I love the way the studio select Newport 2s look. The three dots is easier to machine than my other designs and for my first putter I though I'd keep it simple.
I really like machine putters and have been playing around with the use of fasteners like they have. My next putter will likely be black with red anodized cap screws, I'll post a rendering when I get back from my trip on Sunday.

[cardia10]

Up next, Cameron trademarking the word PUTTER, like he created it.

[Cachaulo]

Got the heads in today, they look pretty good but a long way from being finished. First observation, they were painted with silver paint that is flaking off all over. Maybe this was to prevent corrosion? I'll need to strip them before any more finishing. Also the loft/lie will need adjusting, but this shouldn't be too difficult. Lastly the weight is very heavy, I was shooting for 400+g for grandpa so I'll have to weigh these tonight. Will prob cut some weight on the second one so i will be able to game it sometime.

Lamont emailed me and I'm super excited to work with him to finish these. If you read this Lamont, call me up so we can get these started!

I'll post some pictures tonight.

[Cachaulo]

Here are a couple quick pictures with my phone. The paint is much harder to remove than I thought, I tried some paint thinner to no avail. The dremel took it off pretty well but it is pretty hard to get into the corners. I'll probably be picking this paint off for a while. I put a shaft in and stroked some putts on the carpet...for my first putter I'm pretty excited about the feel. The heads weigh in at 430g, and the feel is pretty close to my old heavy putter but I think I need to take 50 or so grams off before its ready for a course. Next step get rid of the rest of the awful paint, do some grinding on the sharp edges and map out the stamps. Then its off to get Black Polymered!

[Mattro]

My guess is it's Powder Coat, if you are having such a horrible time removing it. That stuff is a BEAOCH to get rid of, but I was able to pick up some sort of spray foam at the automotive store. Sprayed it on and let it set for a minute then rinse with water comes right off (most of it). Also if you use it do outside cuz the stuff is murder in closed spaces.

[Cachaulo]

I got most of the paint of then shipped them off to Lamont to work his magic. Here is a teaser shot he sent me

So far I have really enjoyed working with Lamont and I can't wait to see the finished results. I will post more pictures as they come in.

[mickeytbones]

I like the look of those Hoffman forged 8802 heads I see near your putters!!!

[Stu-Co]

[quote name='Mich Nick' timestamp='1286884379' post='2739292']
Making a personal piece of art should be of no concern legally. if you were making these to sell then the patent would be an issue.

Very nice work!
[/quote]
I believe there couldn't be a "patent" on the three dots in the back of the cavity.... it's not really an invention... could be considered a design, but it's likely trademarked. I also agree...if they were for retail it could be an issue...maybe these are just going to be paperweights

[Stu-Co]

Were the heads milled or forged? They look like forgings....

[Cachaulo]

[quote name='Stu-Co' timestamp='1288884550' post='2774152']
Were the heads milled or forged? They look like forgings....
[/quote]

With the paint removed you can see the milling marks...I think forging would be pretty expensive for a custom part...

[Cachaulo]

Here are some pictures LaMont (Mannkrafted) just sent me of the putters midway through the finishing. One putter is for my Grandfather, the one with initials JFK and "deadeye" on the sole. The other is for me with my initials CV, fav number and the dollar signs all over. The pockets were to get the weight down a bit (still heavier that most this style), I think they look cool!

 

They got a variant of the black polymer finish, it is something new with a hint of silver in it I think? I haven't seen it yet but I gave LaMont free reign with these things and so far I love what I have seen. Paint fill will be White, and might have green in the dollar signs, we will see. They should be done soon and I'll post the finished pictures. Can't wait to get it out on the course!

 

[Mortician]

Cool project. I would lone to do something like that some day.

[Cachaulo]

Well they are finished, boxed and in the mail! Lamont sent me some pictures and I wanted to share my excitement with you guys. Big thanks to Lamont who took these things from ROUGH to what I think is a pretty sweet polished look. Mine is the one with the $, other one is for Grandpa. Enjoy!

[Stu-Co]

Those look pretty sick!

[Mattro]

Total bang up job there! Not to be too nosey, but what did those bad boys set you back roughly?

[TRoc9892]

Wow those things are beautiful. Seems like they set up so sqaure.
[quote name='Mattro' timestamp='1290199192' post='2798565']
Total bang up job there! Not to be too nosey, but what did those bad boys set you back roughly?
[/quote]
I hate to ask but I also would like to know.

[Cachaulo]

Thanks for the compliments!
As for price Lamonts prices are on the Mannkrafted site, don't quote me but it think it is $40 face milling, $65 polymer plus a bit extra for the stamping and fill.
I have a contact that got them machined for a very low price, between $100 and $200 (I'm actually helping another golfwrx member get his design machined now). After everything including grip/shaft I'm pretty close to a retail scotty, not cheap but by no means out of reach.