Removing Engravings

[corky]

I have a Stainless putter that has some extensive engravings on the sole.... can these be filled in?

 

I guess this would require brazing/welding ???

 

anybody any experience of this and who could do this kind of work?

 

Thanks

[CWB]

ask Tom?
Maybe get a photo or 2 and send/ email him?
http://www.slightergolf.com/slightergolf/index.php/siteservices/menu-fox-refinishquote

[GatorNate11]

Just about anything can be undone, it's just what will it take to undo it. Depending on the depth, you may be able to fill it with something, sand it to the same level as everything else, then finish it or paint it, or leave it if it doesn't bother you.

[LionGolfer]

Corky,

Unless you want to DIY, it'll probably need to be sent in to someone who will need to grind the sole down so that all engravings are gone. This will result in 2 things I believe : weight loss and need for a refinish. The former can be done with tungsten weighting which can be in the heel and toe of the face if the sole is deemed too thin. The refinish can then be in nearly whatever you want and since yours in a SS head, I believe oil finishes (I don't recommend as they look good new but don;t last and can be a far cry from what it looked like new in a pretty short time), black OX, plating etc will be options.

[corky]

Thanks lion et al.... the problem is the torched finish is lovely it's just the sole engravings, I removed the paintfill which helps but would like the while sole just plain.

So the conclusion is that there are ways of accomplishing it but not without collateral damage.

decisions decisions......

[golfluvzme]

Corky,
I think that your comment says it all, "So the conclusion is that there are ways of accomplishing it but not without collateral damage."
The engravings could be welded in and then smoothed out, but it is not a matter of perfect. It may take a couple of tries to fill it 100% perfectly. During that process, there is a realistic risk of the heat causing the metal to "warp" or twist, as well.
Like Lion said, you can sand it flush, but the weight loss will be significant and trying to replace that weight with tungsten plugs is an expensive option. People do not realize that there are limits to just how much weight you can add with tungsten, also. Most putters are never designed to have thick areas that will lend themselves to plugs of any substantial size, so gaining large amounts of weight is not usually possible.
For finishes, being SS limits you more than mentioned. About all you have for choices are satin, matte or polished raw stainless.............Torch'd stainless with a color variance depending upon amount of heat and how long it is applied........polymer application..........or Caswell's 303 SS Darkener. Oil can and black oxide are only suitable for a carbon steel head, although some shops still advertise an oxide finish for 303.
Post up some pics if you move forward with this project. We are a very visual crowd and love to SEE what is happening.
Best of Luck,
LaMont in AZ

[502 to Right]

What putter are you talking about?

(and I concur with LaMont above)

[LionGolfer]

[quote name='golfluvzme' timestamp='1407215122' post='9860001']
Corky,
I think that your comment says it all, "So the conclusion is that there are ways of accomplishing it but not without collateral damage."
The engravings could be welded in and then smoothed out, but it is not a matter of perfect. It may take a couple of tries to fill it 100% perfectly. During that process, there is a realistic risk of the heat causing the metal to "warp" or twist, as well.
Like Lion said, you can sand it flush, but the weight loss will be significant and trying to replace that weight with tungsten plugs is an expensive option. People do not realize that there are limits to just how much weight you can add with tungsten, also. Most putters are never designed to have thick areas that will lend themselves to plugs of any substantial size, so gaining large amounts of weight is not usually possible.
For finishes, being SS limits you more than mentioned. About all you have for choices are satin, matte or polished raw stainless.............Torch'd stainless with a color variance depending upon amount of heat and how long it is applied........polymer application..........or Caswell's 303 SS Darkener. Oil can and black oxide are only suitable for a carbon steel head, although some shops still advertise an oxide finish for 303.
Post up some pics if you move forward with this project. We are a very visual crowd and love to SEE what is happening.
Best of Luck,
LaMont in AZ
[/quote]

I didn't know that about Oil can and Black Ox finishes. Live and learn. Thanks.

[Shambles]

[quote name='corky' timestamp='1406812476' post='9823391']
I have a Stainless putter that has some extensive engravings on the sole.... can these be filled in?

I guess this would require brazing/welding ???

anybody any experience of this and who could do this kind of work?

Thanks
[/quote]

If you wanted to you could even have the flange cut off and replaced by a new one but I doubt it would be worth doing when it is so much easier to just go shopping and buy the same model.


Shambles

[Nuggets]

silver or soft solder will fill it in then you can sand it down to the same level and blend it in, can be removed after by applying heat

[corky]

Thanks Gentlemen for all your replies....

I 've gone backwards anf forwards on this and at this point have decided to leave it alone, the risk on achieving the end result with other kind of damage, weight loss, warping, refinishing are too great.

The putter in questionis a one of a kind Bettinardi Bb8 for those that were interested.

Thanks again for educating me

Corky