The Art of Putter Restoration (Scotty Cameron Putter Resto-Mod)

Welcome to this Instructable where I take you through the exciting journey of restoring and customizing a worn-out putter. As an avid golfer with a deep appreciation for custom putters, I delved into the fascinating world of putter craftsmanship. Through my research, I discovered the intricate details of their construction, the variety of materials used, advanced surface finishing techniques, and the diverse styles available.

Finding the Perfect Candidate:

My journey began with a hunt for the ideal putter, and I stumbled upon a diamond in the rough on Facebook Marketplace—a neglected Scotty Cameron putter. Despite its worn appearance, this putter not only possessed the style I desired but also featured the perfect material for my project—carbon steel. Join me as we breathe new life into this iconic Scotty Cameron gem!

Tools

• Razor Blade
• Wire Brush
• Benchtop Sandblaster with Glass Bead Media
• Sandpaper 200/400/600 Grit
• Heat Gun
• Metal Pick
• Bench Grinder with Belt Grinder Attachment
• Angle Grinder with Cutoff Wheel
• Paint Applicator Squeeze Bottle
• Rubber Gloves
• Air Compressor
• Calipers
• Ruler
• Band Saw
• Mini Belt Sander
• Paint Brush
• Crock Pot

Materials

• Scotty Cameron Putter Head
• Acrylic paint
• Epoxy
• Leather Wrap
• Grip tape
• Stabilized Burl Wood (typically used for knife scales)
• Heat Shrink Tube
• Nickel Plating Remover (Caswell product)
• Cold Blue Liquid
• Q-Tips
• Degreaser
• Paper towel
• Acetone
• WD-40

Stripping Away the Lead Tape

• To start the restoration, delicately remove the stick-on lead tape from the putter using a razor blade. Lead tape is traditionally applied to adjust the weight, ensuring the perfect feel for each player when putting.

Preparing for a Fresh Start

• Place the putter into an acetone bath. This will effectively loosen up the old paint, making it easier to remove. Allow the putter to soak for 1 hour, ensuring that the acetone thoroughly penetrates.

Removing Lingering Paint

• After the acetone bath, any remaining paint can be effortlessly eliminated using a wire brush. Gently scrub the putter, focusing on areas with lingering paint until you achieve a clean, blank canvas.

Belt Sander Magic

• Now, using a Scotch-Brite belt on a belt sander, carefully remove and blend out minor imperfections all over the putter head. Be mindful not to linger in one place; instead, ensure even sanding for a consistent finish.

Bead Blasting for a Smooth Finish

• Place the putter head into a bead blaster and give it a blast over the entire surface. This process will provide a smooth finish, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the putter. The bead blasting technique adds a refined touch to your restoration project.

Follow these steps to create a custom insert for the countersunk slot on the back of the putter.

Select a stabilized wood burl for a unique touch.

Shaping the Wood Burl

• Reduce the thickness of the wood burl using a band saw.
• Cut the wood burl in half with the band saw.

Measuring and Cutting to Fit

• Measure the countersunk slot on the back of the putter.
• Transfer the measurement onto the wood burl.
• Cut out the measured shape using the band saw.

Finalizing Dimensions

• Using a belt sander, bring the wood insert to its final width and length.

Creating Fillets

• Apply fillets to the corners of the insert.
• Fold sandpaper over the edge of a straight piece of wood resting on the workbench. This will ensure the sand paper is perpendicular to the workbench.
• Slide the wooden insert over it while rotating to achieve proper fillets.

Checking Fitment

• Check the fitment often to ensure you don't sand too much.

Achieving a Flush Fit

• Mill the thickness using sandpaper until it is the proper size to fit flush inside the slot on the putter.

Please reference the video for more clarity.

This step involves removing the factory nickel plating to reveal the carbon steel surface. Instructions for removing nickel plating from carbon steel vary depending on what product you use. I followed the instructions that were provided with this product: MetalX B-9 Nickel Stripper.

• Dump the specified amount of nickel plating powder into water and mix until the powder dissolves in the container.
• Place the putter into the solution and put the container into a crock pot to maintain the water at the proper temperature.
• After three hours, remove the putter head. You'll notice black residue, a byproduct of the old nickel plating.
• Bead blast the residue off the putter head for a clean and refreshed surface.

Now that the putter has been stripped of its nickel plating and treated to a consistent bead blast finish, it's time to apply a cold blue finish for a sleek appearance.

Cold Blue Application

• Degrease the putter head to ensure a clean surface for the cold blue application.
• Using a paintbrush, apply cold blue over the entire putter head surface.
• Rinse the putter in cold water.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you achieve your desired shade. (For reference, I applied the blue twice.)

Drying and Finishing Touch

• Allow the surface to dry thoroughly.
• To even out the cold blue coating, run steel wool over the entire putter surface in a consistent direction.
• Soak the putter with penetrating oil for 24 hours. (For example, WD-40 can be used.)

For a distinctive finish, consider leather wrapping your putter grip. Follow these steps for a professional and personalized touch.

Find the Tapered Side:

• Remove the plastic from your new grip tape, unfurl it, and identify the tapered side. This side usually comes with a small, sticky backing (depending on the brand). Remove the backing.

Follow the Handle:

• The tighter you wrap, the thinner your grip. Choose the best overgrip for your playing style.

Start at the Butt:

• Begin wrapping from the bottom of your putter shaft, with the tapered side of the overgrip angled up on a short bevel.

Secure the Tape:

• Wrap the overgrip to your comfort level. Once you reach the top of the handle, snip off any excess.

Finishing Touch:

• Place a heat shrink tube over the end of the wrap and secure it in place by applying heat until it has shrunk to size.

For a distinctive touch, consider laser engraving the insert. Follow these steps for a customized and visually appealing finish.

Have the Insert Laser Engraved:

• Seek out a local business to perform laser engraving. This budget-friendly option adds a unique touch to your putter.

Enhancing Engraving with Paint Fill:

• Apply black paint fill to the engraved areas to make the lettering pop.

Cleaning the Excess:

• Wipe off excess paint with acetone soaked in a paper towel.

Let it Dry:

• Allow the paint to dry completely.

Securing the Insert in Place:

• Mix epoxy according to instructions and apply it to the back of the insert.
• Carefully place the insert into its final position, ensuring a secure fit.

It's time to bring your putter together.

Apply Epoxy to the End of the Shaft:

• Coat the end of the shaft with epoxy, ensuring even coverage.

Insert the Shaft into the Putter Head:

• Carefully insert the shaft into the putter head, ensuring a secure and aligned fit.

Verify Alignment:

• Double-check that the putter head is correctly aligned with the grip.

Allow it to Dry:

• Let the assembled putter dry for a minimum of 24 hours to ensure a strong bond.

Congratulations! Your personalized and restored putter is now ready for the green. Enjoy your unique creation on the golf course.

If you enjoyed this project please consider subscribing to my Youtube Channel. Your support is appreciated!