First refinish attempt

Just thought I would share some pics of my first attempt at refinishing. Learned a lot that I will definitely use on my next attempt. Started off with some rough finishing (dremel grinding and files) then lots of sanding (some with a 'mouse' but mostly hand sanding) then polishing (steel wool and polishing wheel attachment for drill) and then flamed (high heat torch - also tried to touch up some spots with a hand held propane torch but didn't work).

Overall, more hand work than I expected. Considering that I was just using this for a learning experience, I'm relatively happy with the outcome although I need to figure out a better way to make the hard to reach places in the cavity a little better. The first torch attempt put some nice color on the face and sole but there were some marks (a fingerprint in particular) that I didn't notice until it was too late so I had to start over....the second attempt put some great yellows and purples on the flange but nothing really showed up on the face or sole. I probably should have tried again but I think I might just shine them up again and go with the polish look. Also the 'shiny' pictures look a little gold but that was due to lighting....they are actually very silver. But, the yellows in the torched pictures are actually there....not a light effect.

Thanks for looking. I would also like to say that this was 'inspired by' LaMont and Deerslayer....not close to what they can do but the stuff that they put out has caused me to try more and more things myself. Next project (along with a couple more refinishes) is to make a handmade putter. I already have found the steel, now I just need to get to work on it.

The other thing that I wish I would have done was weigh this. I am looking to get a scale to see what weight it is at now but I have no idea what I started with.

i think they look good!!!!!! especially the second one the face color is find it'd wear to that anyway.

You did an awesome job! It always is a good idea to have a scale around though. Live and learn, right?

 

How long did you take to do this? Was it a weekend project of yours? Or did you just dabble with it here and there over the winter?

I think you did a good. I cant wait to see the handmade when finished. Keep up the good work, looks like you could get to be really good at this.

looks good compared to what it started as

Is that putter made from Manganese Bronze?

Thanks for the replies and feedback.

 

This was more of a spare time project....took about 3 weeks. But, actual work time was probably a good 8 hours....and most of that was learning what to do. Just pulling the head was a first for me. Took some time experimenting with different files, different dremel bits, different grit sandpaper/steel wool, etc. I would guess that with the right equipment, this should only take about 4 hours....depending on the condition and what you are trying to do to it.

 

I'm excited about the handmade. My father has an auto repair shop and they have some primitive metalworking tools like a mill attachment for their drill press. I will probably try to rough it out with that, then hand finish it. I just hope I get to it before the weather gets too nice. Then again, it might be a nice project while I sit on the patio watching the kids run around like maniacs. If it happens and turns out presentable, I'll be sure to post some pics.

 

I was hoping that it was made of carbon steel because I wanted to try out a cold gun blue kit but it seems to be regular stainless. The 'gold' tone in the middle pics is due to lighting...and the fact that I had to take the pics without a flash because the reflection was too bright.

Good job!!! It looks great.

Very nice - and for a first time, extremely impressive........ Flaming is a brilliant thing - take a decent shaped Rife island putter and turn it into something really outstanding just with a torch...... that flamed Bimini 8802 was freakishly lovely.

 

 

 

Coops