Older Maltby Loft/Lie Machine - Still relevant?

Pingman222 · June 22, 2016

Currently looking at picking up an older loft/lie machine. It seems to be the older Ralph Matlby GAM model. I would love to get a mitchell or a true blue but it's just not in the budget, and i don't see myself using this more than a handful of times. I play pings anyways so i wouldn't really even be bending my own, but maybe friends clubs and a couple of customers a year.

What would this even be worth anymore you think?

Awalkspoiled · June 22, 2016

I used that exact setup for many years. You’d want to use a real machinist’s protractor rather than that magnetic one, but given a good protractor the separate loft/lie setup works extremely well and tends to be more accurate than all-in-one machines like the Mitchell. The stand is excellent. The clamp works well but needs care to be sure the pads are in good shape. I always used card stock to wrap the head and a copper sheath for the hosel itself. The disadvantages are -

You have to remove the club from the bending vise to assess how far you’ve bent the club. (You’ll get good at guessing, though)

You have to be careful to maintain the brass pads on the vise

You can’t bend hybrids or woods (you CAN bend putters with the addition of an aluminum shim)

That particular bending bar will leave a dent in most softer irons if you’re not very careful

Not sure what it’s worth but I sold mine for around $60 plus shipping ($95 altogether iirc) without the stand. I upgraded to the Golfsmith Ultimate Loft/Lie which I prefer to the Mitchell or True Blue and which is far more versatile and sophisticated than the old Maltby but a helluva lot less bulletproof.

kylemd · June 22, 2016

I have one. Picked it up for a steal few months ago. Works fantastic. I do need to mount it to its own stand bolted to floor ( in the works) but bolted to shop bench works. Great machine. Parts still available also through Golf Works. Agree with wrapping clubs prior the clamping and bending. I use lead tape. Get it.

ZipinZ · June 22, 2016

I have the same unit, had it bolted down to the garage floor, moved to a smaller house and ditched the stand and now I just clamp in into my bench vice, Also make a few alum/brass shims so I didn't mark my irons, and picked up a adjustable higher quality bending bar. As for adjustments I use the following loft/lie gauge ... see post #12 regarding the magnetic Blue bevel box ... it's cheep but works great.

http://www.golfwrx.c..._1#entry2834965

Edit ..... paid $150.00 about 6 years ago.

Have fun ...

D.

NHpro · December 29, 2020

Just picked one up this week. It's very well made and in my basement workshop.

I will be bending very little, so this unit will be just fine.

Oh, and I got it for less than $75 with stand and bending bar included.

After clean up, it looks as good as new.

Gary Leahy · June 12, 2021

Hi guys,

I know this topic is several years old but I just picked up one of these machines. Won't say what I paid for it but I seriously overpaid. None the less, are there any videos or instruction manuals that show/tech how to use it? I can't seem to find any info online that shows how to get started. Thanks in advance.