How to get medium scratches & gouges out? Use a File?

bdspiker · February 27, 2014

Hey guys...

I feel like some sort of addict. I have successfully "restored" a couple putters, but now i really want to do a full restore on a pretty beat up putter. This specific one is a SC Red X. There are some medium scratches and some gouges on it and i am wondering how to go about smoothing them out?

I've read that some use a file to get the gouges out & then use an abrasive wheel to clean up any file markings... Then some fine grit sand paper to get rid of the wheel markings? I guess I am just looking for some advice on how to go about this?

Which type of file to use, grinding wheel/abrasive wheel? Grit of sand paper?

Any help would be awesome!!

golfluvzme · February 28, 2014

BDSpiker,
You have been bitten by the bug, LOL.
You can go with the sand paper, but I would be gentle with the file. For dings on edges and such, use a very fine file and just go slowly. Your biggest challenge will be wanting to see progress, NOW. Patience is huge and this section is a great place to find tips and such.
When it bites you harder, give a look at a 6" Buffer and some 3M or Norton Deburring wheels. You can find them on eBay, they will run $30-60 each, but will make your work SO much easier.
I never really did much work using sand paper, so I am the wrong one to ask about that part, but the deburring and finishing wheels, 6" diameter and 1" wide were life-changers for me. Here is a quick link that will show a sample of what I am talking about:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-DEBURRING-WHEEL-GENERAL-PURPOSE-WHEEL-6x1x1-9S-FIN-64900-CLEANING-FINISHING-/201039607479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecee4f6b7

That one is a "FINE" grit, so it would be best for the later stages of your work, but if you find a med. grit model, you'll be in business.
I hope this helps and if you need more, just post in this thread and I'll do what I can to contribute to your addiction, LOL.
Have a great weekend,
LaMont in AZ

wrbush31 · March 1, 2014

Great suggestion, LaMont!

Tiny Toes · March 2, 2014

Hey I just got done refinishing my Scotty Cameron Studio Design 1 and It had DEEP DEEP gouges. I was going to use a file, but ended up using Emory Cloth. You can get a pack at Home Depot or any hardware store for 4 bucks and it works like magic. The pack comes with 1 sheet of course, 1 sheet of medium, and 1 sheet of fine. I bought two packets of that, and then normal 1000 grit sand paper and used that last. Remember when using emory cloth/sand paper: patience is key. The longer you sand the better the results! Cheers and good luck!

Tiny Toes

bdspiker · March 3, 2014

Awesome, thanks guys!!

With the deburring wheels... Should I place the putter against the wheel in a specific position? i.e. toe up/down? I am assuming that whichever way i start, i should always go the same direction? Once this process is complete, then go with sand paper to get rid of the "wheel marks"?

bdspiker · March 3, 2014

And when you say very fine file... Whats your recommendation ?

firemedic0120 · March 3, 2014

I am looking to refinish my putter. I was wondering what everyone's thought on the different types and styles of finish. Nickel plating, black Oxide, or paint.

smeech8000 · March 3, 2014

[quote name='firemedic0120' timestamp='1393881544' post='8789568']
I am looking to refinish my putter. I was wondering what everyone's thought on the different types and styles of finish. Nickel plating, black Oxide, or paint.
[/quote]

DIY options are going to be somewhat limited based on what kind of material your putter is made of. What are you looking at?