Nina Caldwell
Designing a golf putter can be a complicated task, but it's a great way to customize your gear. The design process involves several steps, from choosing the right materials to milling and finishing. Most putters are built with a steel shaft, and the head can be made from wood or metal. Putter designs vary, and the distribution of mass in the club is an important factor to consider. Milling a putter can be expensive, and the process involves programming the milling steps using software like alphacam. The design of the grip is also important, with options including round, flat top, and pistol shapes.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
When it comes to choosing the right materials for designing a golf putter, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, most putters use a steel shaft, which is a standard material that is readily available and easy to work with. Using steel also means you won't need a chop saw for the final assembly, simplifying the process.
However, it's important to note that putter designs vary widely, and personal preferences play a significant role in the choice of materials. For example, some putters are made of wood, which can be customised and detailed according to your taste. Woodworking allows for unique touches like torched wood with cracks dusted in orange mica powder, and a clear alumilite finish, as mentioned by a putter designer on Reddit.
Another important consideration is the distribution of mass in the club, which can greatly impact performance. Internal weights can be added for balance and performance enhancement, and the number and placement of these weights can be customised. Additionally, the loft of the putter, or the angle of the clubface, is an important design feature. Most putter heads are built with a loft ranging from 2° to 5°.
The grip of the putter is another area where you can customise your design. There are various grip styles to choose from, including round, flat top, flat sides, paddle, square, pistol, jumbo, and super-jumbo. The choice of grip is entirely based on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
Lastly, the process of milling a putter can be expensive, and the cost will depend on the number of milling steps and the desired finish. A basic pipe cutter can be used to cut the putter to the desired length, which may be a more cost-effective option.
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Cutting the wood to size
First, select the type of wood you want to use. Some popular choices include walnut and maple. If you don't have a chunk of wood that is thick enough, you can glue together two thinner boards to achieve the desired thickness, as mentioned in one guide for making a wooden putter.
Once you have your wood prepared, it's time to cut it to the desired length and height of your putter. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as a table saw or a basic pipe cutter. You can also use a cutting template to help you achieve the desired shape. In addition to the length and height, you'll also need to cut a hole for the putter shaft. This hole should be drilled at a slight angle, typically around 20 degrees, to accommodate the shaft.
It's important to note that you should also consider the type of shaft you plan to use, as this can impact the cutting process. Most putters use a steel shaft, which is more accessible and doesn't require a chop saw for assembly.
If you're feeling creative, you can also add some detailing to your wooden putter. For example, you can cut a right angle on the inside edges or add an inlay channel before gluing the wood together. Just remember to cut the inlay channel before gluing the wood, as mentioned by one putter maker.
Overall, cutting the wood to size for a golf putter requires some careful measurement and the right tools. By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you'll be well on your way to creating a functional and unique golf putter.
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Drilling and assembling
Drilling:
- Choose your material: Select the type of wood or metal you want to use for your putter head and shaft. Common choices include walnut, maple, steel, or a combination of these materials.
- Cut and shape the putter head: Decide on the desired shape and size of your putter head. Cut the material accordingly, considering factors such as length, height, and angle. You can use a cutting template to guide your cutting process and ensure symmetry.
- Drill holes: Using a drill and an appropriate drill bit, create holes in the putter head for assembly. Drill a hole for the shaft to be inserted at a specified angle, typically around 20 degrees. Ensure the drill bit matches the diameter of the shaft.
- Smooth the surface: Use sandpaper or a sander to smooth out any burs or rough edges on the steel and wood components. This step ensures a comfortable grip and enhances the overall finish.
Assembling:
- Prepare the shaft: Cut the shaft of an old golf club to the desired length, typically around 35 inches. You can also add any preferred detailing, such as buffing or shining the shaft.
- Attach the shaft: Insert the shaft into the drilled hole in the putter head. Ensure it is securely attached and aligned correctly with the angle of the hole. You can use epoxy to secure the connection between the shaft and the head.
- Apply finish: Before attaching the grip, consider applying a finish to the shaft and head assembly. This can enhance the appearance and protect the club. Some options include automotive paint for a glossy finish or spar urethane for a water-resistant finish.
- Add the grip: Once the finish is cured, attach the grip to the shaft. Ensure it is securely attached and comfortable to hold.
Remember to take your time during the drilling and assembling process, as accuracy is crucial for the performance and balance of your golf putter.
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Adding weights for balance
Adding weights to a golf putter is a common way to balance out the club and improve consistency in putting. This process is known as "counter-balancing" or "counter-weighting". The weight can be added to the grip, the head, or the shaft of the putter.
One way to add weight to a putter is to use adjustable grips, such as SuperStroke's CounterCore, which allow you to position a mass in the butt end of the grip. This can improve the stability of the stroke by counter-balancing the putter. The mass used in counter-balancing is called a "counterweight" and can be placed in the grip or above the hands. This can be done by purchasing a putter with a heavier grip and head or by adding weight to an existing putter. For example, a golfer could use a heavier static weight putter with a weight of 75g in the shaft and a counterweight of 50g.
Another way to add weight to a putter is to use lead tape. This is a cheap and readily available option for those who want to make incremental weight increases. A four-inch strip of lead tape will generally add two grams of weight to the putter head, which is equivalent to one swing weight point. The placement of the lead tape is important as it can alter the centre of gravity, acoustics, and overall feel of the putter. It is commonly placed on the sole or in the cavity of the putter head, but it is important to note that it can remove paint if left in one place for too long.
Additionally, some putters feature weight plugs in the heel, which can be used to adjust the weight distribution. This allows golfers to customise the putter to their preferences and improve their putting consistency.
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Choosing a grip
When it comes to choosing a grip for your golf putter, there are many options available. The grip is the part of the club that you hold, and it's important to choose one that feels comfortable and allows you to have a smooth, controlled putting stroke.
There are several types of grips to choose from, including round, flat top, flat sides, paddle, square, pistol, jumbo, and even super-jumbo. The Super-Stroke grip is currently a popular option on the market. Ultimately, the choice of grip comes down to personal preference and what feels right for you. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to grip selection.
Some things to consider when choosing a grip include the size of your hands, your preferred putting style, and the amount of traction or tackiness you prefer. You may want to experiment with different grips to see what works best for you.
Additionally, you can customise your grip by adding grip tape or using a specific type of finish to enhance your comfort and performance. For example, you can use automotive paint to add a gloss finish to your grip, as mentioned by a golfer who designed their own putter.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to create a 3D CAD drawing of the putter.
The next step is to create a physical model, typically through 3D printing.
The milling process is programmed using alphacam. This dictates the number of milling steps, cut quality, accuracy, finish, and ultimately cost. Most putters are made using a 2-step milling process.
The distribution of mass in the club is important. Most putter heads have between 2° and 5° of loft. The type of grip is also a consideration, with options including round, flat top, flat sides, paddle, square, pistol, jumbo, and super-jumbo.
Basic tools such as a drill, sandpaper, and a pipe cutter can be used. Unlike other golf clubs, a putter doesn't require a ferrule or a chop saw for assembly.
