Putter Restoration

In this Instructable, I restore and customize an old used and abused putter. I'm an avid golfer and have always appreciated the custom putter scene. I started to research custom putters and I learned a lot of things - how they are made, materials used, surface finishing techniques, as well as the different types of putters. Its all exciting stuff that peaks my interest.

I found a cheapo putter on facebook marketplace. It is the style of putter I like and the correct material (stainless steel) I want for this project. Alright, lets begin!

Tools

Mig Welder with SS Wire

Benchtop Sandblaster with Glass Bead Media

Sandpaper 200 Grit

Utility Knife

Heat Gun

Metal Pick

Ball Peen Hammer

Bench Grinder with Convolute Wheel

Angle Grinder with Cutoff Wheel

Vice

Torch

Paint Applicator Squeeze Bottle

Bristle Brush

Respirator

Rubber Gloves

Hack Saw

Adhesive Spray

Permanent Marker

Air Compressor

Belt sander

Paper towel

Acetone

Paint stripper

Muriatic acid

Grip solvent

Electrical Tape

Materials

Old Putter

Acrylic paint

Epoxy

Putter grip

Grip tape

Copper plate

In this case the 'insert' is in bad shape, so I do not have to worry about damaging it during removal. It will not be reused.

Heat 'insert' surface with a heat gun for a moment.

Remove old 'insert' with a metal pick.

Using a torch, apply heat around the hosel where the shaft is inserted. This will loosen the existing epoxy.

Remove head by pulling & twisting simultaneously.

Apply paint stripper onto the adhesive and painted surfaces.

After 20 minutes, scrape away adhesive and paint using a bristle brush and paper towel.

Place putter head into a plastic container.

Pour muriatic acid into container. After two hours the coating will be removed.

Dip putter head into water/baking soda to neutralize the remaining acid on its surface.

Use a convolute wheel on a bench grinder to remove dents. These wheels are great for taking small amounts of material off at a time. Gently press putter into wheel and evenly run length of putter surface against the wheel. Insure you do not hold putter in one spot to avoid taking off material unevenly.

Using a piece of sturdy paper, shade insert shape with a pencil (see picture above and reference video if not sure).

Cut shape out with scissors.

Cut a rectangular chunk out of the copper bar using a hack saw and a cut off disc on an angle grinder. Copper has long been a favorite metal as a putting surface because it is a soft metal with a high density, often perceived by the golfer as greater feel. 

Adhere paper shape onto copper cutout (using adhesive spray).

Color in the exposed areas with a permanent marker.

Shape copper with a belt sander. This requires the most patience. Don't rush it. As you grind and are coming close to the correct size, check the fit against the putter. Keep doing this until proper fitment.

The plan here is to get rid of the lettering and numbers on the sole of the putter. The trick is not to remove material, but to add material.

Clean surface with acetone.

Weld in letters and numbers (welds do not have to look pretty because the will be grinded off). I found it easier to spot weld in the bigger numbers and beads were sufficient for the smaller letters. The rule of thumb for welding SS is to use a higher grade stainless wire. In this case I used 308 wire for the 303 putter.

Grind welds smooth with a belt sander and convolute wheel.

I decided to go with a satin finish. Bead blasting is the best way to achieve this. I set my regulator at 60psi and was happy with the results.

While researching and looking at tons of pics of custom putters, I really liked the look of the hammered texture on putters. So let's give it a try!

Tape/mask off surfaces you don't want to have the texture. The tape will absorb the blow and not dent the putter.

Clamp putter head onto a solid surface and using a ball peen, start hammering until you're satisfied!

The copper insert is too thick in this case. Sand 'insert' down to proper thickness using a belt sander as well as hand sanding.

I found it advantageous to place 'insert' into putter head while sanding.

Clean surfaces with acetone.

Apply epoxy to putter and press in the 'insert'. (Insert insert!) :)

Fill applicator bottle with acrylic paint.

The paint is a bit too thick. Use a small amount of water to thin.

Apply paint. Overfill is fine.

Wipe excess off with paper towel dampened with acetone.

Cut old grip with a utility knife.

Rip and peel off.

Clean any residue off with acetone.

Apply new grip tape to shaft.

Spray grip solvent into new grip and onto grip tape.

Slide on grip and make sure it is fully seated.

Tape/ mask top of hosel and to the end of shaft.

Apply epoxy to hosel.

Insert putter head into shaft.

Align the putter head with the grip.

Let's hope this putter improves my golf game. For further clarity please check out the video of the project.

Thanks for following along!