Home Milled Brass HCOG

[sergizmo]

I'm going to need testers...

Hi folks,

Below are pictures of my latest creation, a brass blade with high center of gravity. I designed it in a solids CAD package, and then machined, finished, stamped, polished, paintfilled and assembled it at home. The CG is high to get immediate forward roll. It is center shafted and face balanced.

Some technical info;
Loft: 2.5*
Lie: 70* (would be considered 2* flat)
Length: 33.5"
Drawn weight (ie calculated weight) before machining: 357g
Actual measured weight after maching and finishing: 356g (no tip-weight added)
Swingweight: E1
Shaft location: center
Balance: face balanced
Shaft: True Temper Straight Taper
Grip: Lambkin Dual Density
MOI: 3621g-cm^2 principle (found in CAD)

In a couple of years I would like to get a very small putter business going, in my spare time while not at work. The plan is to have 3-4 stock models and have customers specify weight, lie angle, length, alignment marking (none, single line, double line, dot), stampings, paintfill, and grip. There will hopefully be some finish options as well. All putters will be center shafted and face balanced; designed for more of a straight back and through stroke.

The putter pictured below I hope will be in the lineup. It is machined entirely on my little manual mini-mill, as I don't currently have a mini-CNC. This way I can machine this model while others run on the CNC machine (when I get it).

At this stage I am still learning about putters, and so need feedback from people who really know the subtle nuances of putter performance. This means product testing by Golfwrx members. I will make 4 putters for testing that will be FREE (aside from shipping). I want at least 2 to go to Golfwrx owners and marshalls, to show support for this site.

The 4 people chosen will recieve a putter similar to mine, but they will specify weight (330-370+g), lie angle, length, alignment markings, stampings/paintfill, and grip type. There will also be some minor variations possible on finish.

Product testers will consult me via e-mail/PM's initially to specify the technical info provided above. I will then update the tester with pictures at various stages of the process to keep them informed. The stampings and painfill will be initially done on scrap material with lines drawn to represent putter borders/edges and be approved by the tester before being stamped on the putter itself.

After they have recieved their putter and used it for a while testers will give me feedback on; quality of machining/finish, weight, balance, feel, distance control, ease of alignment, quality of roll and stampings/paintfill. I also want feedback on the process itself ie. initial consultation, updates, quality of communication, etc... Testers could also write a review on the putter and the overall experience of dealing with me.

Product testers must like center shafted face balanced putters. This putter (and all future putters) are designed with this in mind. Therefor, someone with a more straight back and through stroke would be better suited to testing the putter. Players with a "screen door" type putting stroke will not like a face balanced putter.

What I am looking for in testers:
- Must like center shafted putters (as stated above).
- I want at least 2 owners/site architects or marshalls to be testers.
- Non-marshalls/non-owners must be regular posters.
- Must have experience with several different putter styles/types.
- Knowledge of what they want in a putter ie weight, length etc...
- Must be open minded.

People who wish to be testers should post in this thread about why they think they would be a good product tester. I'll give it a few days and then announce the testers and the proccess will begin with initial consultations.

As I said before the putter will be FREE with the exception of shipping which is paid by the tester. I feel this is a good way to support Golfwrx and it's members, along with giving me valuable feedback on what I need to do in the future.

Without further delay, here are the pics;

[chesterrc]

I dont think I would be a putter tester, but I wanted to tell you that your putter looks really good. Its always neat when people create there own putters, and I can tell you put alot of time and dedication into this project. Good Job!

[Lord Thomas]

Sergizmo,

 

Thats a really nice looking putter.....especially for being hand machined!

 

I would be interested in doing some testing for you. I'm an 18 year old college golfer, and I am currently using a center shafted mallet, however, I have also spent time using numerous other styles of putters (heel shafted mallets, Anser-style putters, blades, and MOI style mallets among others). I prefer my putters to be short (as I am only 5'6"), and heavy (in the 360ish weight range).

 

-Thomas

[USNHack]

Great job on the putter :huh: And an even better idea to get input from other WRX'ers for your future product development, I'm sure you'll get plenty of test requests and receive some very solid and honest feedback. Best of luck and I look forward to reading the reviews (cool)

[Geo]

Sergizmo, I would love to test out one of your putters. I am a somewhat active poster here, and while I'm post throughout the forum, most of my posts (currently at 18%) are in the flatstick forum. I have a somewhat large, varied collection of putters of many different metals, headstyles (including 2 center shafts), weights, lengths, etc., and definitely know what I like as far as specs go (except loft--never really experimented with loft in a putter). I'm also a fellow lefty (has to count for something! :huh: ). I am fairly good with providing specific feedback, and am fairly thorough when doing so (even if I have to use the same adjective twice in a sentence). (cool)

 

Let me know if I qualify. Either way great contribution to the site giz, I look forward to reading about the process either as a participant or as an interested spectator. :crazy:

 

beruo

[rednumbers69]

great looking putter sergizmo (cool) i would be veeery interested in testing a putter for you. i consider myself a avid poster in golf wrx. i have 211 post since septemberish and have 3.1 post per day. i try not to post repies unless i feel strongly about the subject or can help in any way. i have resently started a putter collection and think this would be great evperiace for me. i know what i like in putters but i am also willing to work with many types of putters. my preferance for a putter is 2 dergrees of loft .5 degrees flat 34 or 33.5 inches and im generaly a fan of blade and moi style putter but i do like specific mallets. i also think i would be a good tester because i have had many brands of putters with many varidied feels so i can compare the feel to ones i own and have resectly owned. furture more i currently own 3 center shafted putters (scotty test sample red x 2, tm menza center shaft, and a futura phantom mallet) 4 blade putters in cluding a tp mills scotty circle t and a slighter. so as you can see i have used a large veriaty of putters and i would be honered to test you putter.

[HipCheck]

Very nice work! Love the center shaft and would love to see that with a bottom flange only, like a JAT style. I would be happy to test, but it is winter here in NJ. My current putter rotation includes a Big Ben (center shaft, which I've had most success with), Gauge Japan Tubu Mallet and Yes Sophia (Napa style blade). Yeah, no variety there!!! (cool)

[rednumbers69]

forgot to mention i like 360 to 370 g putters

[sergizmo]

Sergizmo, I would love to test out one of your putters. I am a somewhat active poster here, and while I'm post throughout the forum, most of my posts (currently at 18%) are in the flatstick forum. I have a somewhat large, varied collection of putters of many different metals, headstyles (including 2 center shafts), weights, lengths, etc., and definitely know what I like as far as specs go (except loft--never really experimented with loft in a putter). I'm also a fellow lefty (has to count for something! :huh: ). I am fairly good with providing specific feedback, and am fairly thorough when doing so (even if I have to use the same adjective twice in a sentence). (cool)

 

Let me know if I qualify. Either way great contribution to the site giz, I look forward to reading about the process either as a participant or as an interested spectator. :crazy:

 

beruo

 

You definately qualify bro! It would be great if you tested one of my putters and added it to your collection. The fact that you're a marshall is terrific also. 1/4 selected.

 

Don't worry about loft, all putters will have 2.5*.

 

Since you're a marshall, mabye we could have a thread showing the different stages of manufacture from start to finish that I will update with pics as we go along? What do you think? Could be cool for everyone to see. :cry:

 

I'm just waiting for some carbide inserts (for one of my cutters) that should be here in a week. By that time I'll have bought the material and will be able to start. In the meantime could you PM or e-mail me regarding your desired headweight and lie angle (eg 72* is standard, 71* is 1* flat and 73* is 1* upright and so on). We can worry about stuff like stampings/paintfill, alignment marking, finish, length and grip later.

 

This is going to be awesome!

 

Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Serge

[email protected]

[Geo]

Sergizmo, I would love to test out one of your putters. I am a somewhat active poster here, and while I'm post throughout the forum, most of my posts (currently at 18%) are in the flatstick forum. I have a somewhat large, varied collection of putters of many different metals, headstyles (including 2 center shafts), weights, lengths, etc., and definitely know what I like as far as specs go (except loft--never really experimented with loft in a putter). I'm also a fellow lefty (has to count for something! :huh: ). I am fairly good with providing specific feedback, and am fairly thorough when doing so (even if I have to use the same adjective twice in a sentence). (cool)

 

Let me know if I qualify. Either way great contribution to the site giz, I look forward to reading about the process either as a participant or as an interested spectator. :crazy:

 

beruo

 

You definately qualify bro! It would be great if you tested one of my putters and added it to your collection. The fact that you're a marshall is terrific also. 1/4 selected.

 

Don't worry about loft, all putters will have 2.5*.

 

Since you're a marshall, mabye we could have a thread showing the different stages of manufacture from start to finish that I will update with pics as we go along? What do you think? Could be cool for everyone to see.

 

I'm just waiting for some carbide inserts (for one of my cutters) that should be here in a week. By that time I'll have bought the material and will be able to start. In the meantime could you PM or e-mail me regarding your desired headweight and lie angle (eg 72* is standard, 71* is 1* flat and 73* is 1* upright and so on). We can worry about stuff like stampings/paintfill, alignment marking, finish, length and grip later.

 

This is going to be awesome!

 

Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Serge

[email protected]

 

Very cool. :cry: I'll drop you a PM a little later tonight. I definitely agree with you on getting a thread going on this. Several people have already shown interest in the process through some other posts, so we can at least get a dual-thread going (between here and the clubmaker's forum--should be able to have a shared thread between both, or double up as this project very much belongs in both forums).

 

Well, you definitely made a good decision on this one. So, yay for me.

 

beruo

[sergizmo]

Sergizmo,

 

Thats a really nice looking putter.....especially for being hand machined!

 

I would be interested in doing some testing for you. I'm an 18 year old college golfer, and I am currently using a center shafted mallet, however, I have also spent time using numerous other styles of putters (heel shafted mallets, Anser-style putters, blades, and MOI style mallets among others). I prefer my putters to be short (as I am only 5'6"), and heavy (in the 360ish weight range).

 

-Thomas

 

Thomas,

 

I would be very happy if you would test one of my putters! 2/4 selected. Having a college golfer on-board would be fantastic. Could you please PM or e-mail me with your desired headweight (please be specific), and lie angle (72* is standard, 71* is 1* flat, 73* is 1* upright and so on).

 

I look forward to working with you.

 

Serge

 

[email protected]

[Teetogreen86]

Serge

 

Being a moderator here, I would be more than happy to help one of our valued members out. I actually built a few putters myself while I was in high school and really enjoyed the experience and learned about how much actually goes into a putter. I am very impressed by this latest putter you made. I'd love to test one out, write reviews about the putter and your communication, etc. If you take a look at my WITB I try to give a very good review of each of my clubs. I have experience with all kinds of putters. I've used old Ping Ansers, Ping Isopur's, Newports, Red X2, TP Mills Mizuno Model IV, Bobby Grace M5K, Bullseye, etc. I am currently a student at SDGA in Orlando, FL, and I work at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. If you think I'm suitable for the job, feel free to send me a PM! Thanks.

 

Kyle (cool)

[Lord Thomas]

Serge,

 

Thank you for the opportunity. PM Sent!

 

-Thomas

[animalistic]

great innovation, love to see that kind of thing!!!!good luck with the putters

[illinikyle]

Wow!!! This is some cool stuff. I'll make my case for you to pick me, but either way I'm looking foward to seeing how this goes!

 

 

Putting is my favorite part of the game, hands down. I'm a low-mid single digit golfer that relies heavily on the flat stick to keep my scores down. I live within two blocks of the course that I play and spend every evening in season at the putting green (out of season i putt while watching tv in my living room). People at the course often think i'm crazy because i take my stroke so serious that i video tape it once every week or so and put it on my v1 program to make sure that i'm staying consistent. I switch putters from time to time and I am currently playing with a Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum Newport 2. That being said, my all time favorite putter was passed down to me by my father. It was an original center shafted Ping A-1!!! After a round one day at Weaver Ridge (a great course in Peoria IL), the putter was taken from my bag when I was eating lunch with my friends. I was never able to find it again, and can't shell out the cash to get another one, especially one that was in the same great condition. Since that point i've always had my eye out for a new center shafted model as they just seem to work best with my stroke. I think you've got a great product there, and I would be happy to help you continue towards your dream. If I'm lucky enough to have you pick me I will keep you updated with every step of the testing process. I could supply both written/over-the-phone information to you along with digital photos or digital video clips of my testing process at the course (any of which could also be posted here on golfwrx). I consider myself a fairly regular poster here and I'm honestly on the site way more than I probably should be-just can't get enough! I know a decent amount about putters and would love to use my simple knowledge to help the process along. I appreciate your consideration and wish you all the luck in the future with your project. :huh:

 

 

My preferred specs...

 

33.5-34"

360-365g

71* lie angle

let me know if you need any more info.

 

Kyle (cool)

[sergizmo]

Serge

 

Being a moderator here, I would be more than happy to help one of our valued members out. I actually built a few putters myself while I was in high school and really enjoyed the experience and learned about how much actually goes into a putter. I am very impressed by this latest putter you made. I'd love to test one out, write reviews about the putter and your communication, etc. If you take a look at my WITB I try to give a very good review of each of my clubs. I have experience with all kinds of putters. I've used old Ping Ansers, Ping Isopur's, Newports, Red X2, TP Mills Mizuno Model IV, Bobby Grace M5K, Bullseye, etc. I am currently a student at SDGA in Orlando, FL, and I work at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. If you think I'm suitable for the job, feel free to send me a PM! Thanks.

 

Kyle (cool)

 

Sounds good Kyle, 3/4 selected. Be sure to PM me with your desired dexterity (LH or RH), head weight and lie angle.

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Serge

[email protected]

[sergizmo]

Wow!!! This is some cool stuff. I'll make my case for you to pick me, but either way I'm looking foward to seeing how this goes!

 

 

Putting is my favorite part of the game, hands down. I'm a low-mid single digit golfer that relies heavily on the flat stick to keep my scores down. I live within two blocks of the course that I play and spend every evening in season at the putting green (out of season i putt while watching tv in my living room). People at the course often think i'm crazy because i take my stroke so serious that i video tape it once every week or so and put it on my v1 program to make sure that i'm staying consistent. I switch putters from time to time and I am currently playing with a Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum Newport 2. That being said, my all time favorite putter was passed down to me by my father. It was an original center shafted Ping A-1!!! After a round one day at Weaver Ridge (a great course in Peoria IL), the putter was taken from my bag when I was eating lunch with my friends. I was never able to find it again, and can't shell out the cash to get another one, especially one that was in the same great condition. Since that point i've always had my eye out for a new center shafted model as they just seem to work best with my stroke. I think you've got a great product there, and I would be happy to help you continue towards your dream. If I'm lucky enough to have you pick me I will keep you updated with every step of the testing process. I could supply both written/over-the-phone information to you along with digital photos or digital video clips of my testing process at the course (any of which could also be posted here on golfwrx). I consider myself a fairly regular poster here and I'm honestly on the site way more than I probably should be-just can't get enough! I know a decent amount about putters and would love to use my simple knowledge to help the process along. I appreciate your consideration and wish you all the luck in the future with your project. :huh:

 

 

My preferred specs...

 

33.5-34"

360-365g

71* lie angle

let me know if you need any more info.

 

Kyle (cool)

 

Sounds fantastic Kyle! You are just the type of tester I'm looking for, 4/4 selected. The pics/vids of actual testing is a great idea both to help me and as an interesting subject for the membership. Could you please be a little more specific about the headweight ie. to the gram.

 

I look forward to hearing from you in the future and building a putter that you will enjoy,

 

Serge

[email protected]

[illinikyle]

Email Sent...THANKS!!! (cool)

[sergizmo]

All 4 testers have been selected. They are;

 

beruo: Marshall

Teetogreen86: Marshall

Lord Thomas: Member

illinikyle: Member

 

As stated before it will be at least a week before I can start the machining, I am waiting on some carbide inserts. I can in the meantime get the stock and cut it to length. Any minor alterations to the putters length will also be done in CAD to achieve the testers desired headweight.

 

I will start a thread documenting the making of beruo's putter, from start to finish. It will contain pics of machining operations -> from facing the stock to size, milling out the pockets, milling the contours on the bottom and sides, drilling the hole for the shaft and milling the loft. Also included will be pics of filling/sanding/scotchbrighting and other finishing operations. Pics of stamping/painfill and assembly will round it out.

 

After the putters are completed and shipped to the testers I am sure they will be nice enough to post a review of both the putter and the experience overall.

 

I apologize to anyone who wanted to be a tester and was not selected. I had to limit it somewhere, and I think 4 putters will give me enough feedback on this model. But everyone will enjoy and learn from beruo's "in progress" putter thread and the reviews by the members.

 

I hope this will be the first of 3 or 4 Golfwrx testing sessions of my putters. In 2 years I want Deschamps Putters to be a reality and believe this is a great first step to making that happen.

 

Thank you everyone for your kind words. This is going to be great fun.

[Teetogreen86]

Sounds great Serge! I look forward to working with you! :cheesy:

[nickc445]

Great work.

 

I am often tempted to follow suit and try my hand at milling putters. My lack of any knowledge to machining has prevented me thus far.

 

Thanks for letting guys like me live vicariously through you.

 

Please keep us updated.

[aue21]

Nice work!!, are you related to the " Hockey" Buzzy by any chance??

[Geo]

I thought I'd give a brief update w/out spoiling the upcoming "making of" thread. Serge is hoping to get all 4 putters completed by Monday, then all that will be left is the finishing and cosmetic type stuff. Honestly, I am amazed at both how much work goes into these putters, and by how much thought Sergizmo has put into this designs (as well as his others--just wait :fool: ). He has been great in answering my questions and really knows what he's doing. Picture quality has become excellent (first pics, not so much ;) ), especially considering that he is taking "action" shots while in action--no CNC milling going on here (yet). I'm actually much more excited about testing his putters after 1) getting to understand the ideas driving the design and 2) gaining an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into these! The fact that it's being gripped with a Gripmaster's Stitch-Back Tour Pro HL Redwood Leather grip doesn't curb my enthusiasm either. (Big thanks Sarg1948 :D ).

 

beruo

[illinikyle]

I've seen a few early shots of my putter and it looks 100% TOP NOTCH. I can't wait to starting rolling putts with it when the project is complete.

[kklick]

Sergizmo

 

I can't wait to see the pics of your process. I remember seeing this thread and then forgot about it. Looks like an awesome putter can't wait to see your four final putters. ;)

[Asleep]

You might consider the option of going 2 to 4 degrees upright with this style and lengthening the shaft.......it would set up perfectly for those who use the "Claw" grip.

 

Beautifully milled.

[sergizmo]

I thought I'd give a brief update w/out spoiling the upcoming "making of" thread. Serge is hoping to get all 4 putters completed by Monday, then all that will be left is the finishing and cosmetic type stuff. Honestly, I am amazed at both how much work goes into these putters, and by how much thought Sergizmo has put into this designs (as well as his others--just wait :) ). He has been great in answering my questions and really knows what he's doing. Picture quality has become excellent (first pics, not so much :D ), especially considering that he is taking "action" shots while in action--no CNC milling going on here (yet). I'm actually much more excited about testing his putters after 1) getting to understand the ideas driving the design and 2) gaining an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into these! The fact that it's being gripped with a Gripmaster's Stitch-Back Tour Pro HL Redwood Leather grip doesn't curb my enthusiasm either. (Big thanks Sarg1948 :fool: ).

 

beruo

 

 

Thanks for the kind words beruo. I won't have all the milling done by Mon., just the upper and lower cutouts, which are the most time consuming and involved part. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I hope to get all milling, including milling the bottom and side contours, loft, and drilling the hole for the shaft, done in about 5-6 days. Teetogreen86, Lord Thomas, and Illinikyle will be recieving e-mails with pics in the next couple of days of their putters with the cutouts milled.

 

As beruo has said, there are some great milling pics that should get everyone's attention. It should provide a lot of information into how the milling process works and the planning involved.

 

Right now I have an MOI style putter with adjustable weighting designed (ie drawn in a CAD package). It will be milled from a solid piece of aluminum, with the weights as brass cylinders that are screwed in. It has an insane MOI number while still looking simple. I can mill this on my manual mill, but the machining time is going to be ridiculous. I'll probably make 1 for myself if I have the time. That way I can still show you guys the design. To be practical to machine more I need that CNC.

 

The CNC is going to be at least a year (probably longer...). I still have to move out. ;) When I get the CNC I have to design and make specialized fixturing, learn the nuances of the programming language (all are a little different), troubleshoot the toolpaths, mill a proto and further refine the program to reduce machining time and improve surface finish. I also need to learn web design and create a website, get some covers made, register as a business etc...

 

I'm going to design another blade style putter that will be practical to mill on my manual machine. It will be a little longer heel-toe and look less traditional from address but have a significantly higher MOI number.

 

I'm thinking of just going into business with these two models offered in both brass and copper. I'm starting to read a book on web design and can get the covers made at myputtercover.com. That would be a way to get my putters out there when interest in them is high. I will then expand when the CNC arrives and all the bugs are worked out.

 

I would like to thank the owners and marshalls for offering such a great forum to share ideas. The ability to host pictures on site is fantastic. In the future when things get rolling (ie second design is done, website is up, registered as business etc...) I would like to become a sponsor here. Could one of the owners/marshalls please PM me about cost, info etc...

 

I'm really looking forward to sending out these test samples to the marshalls and members and getting feedback from them along with the rest of the membership. The making of thread with beruo's putter will be a great opportunity for the membership to learn and ask questions. Hopefully it will also attract new members or get current members posting more.

 

I'm off to mill,

 

Serge

[sergizmo]

How did I miss this??????

 

 

 

This is fantastic. Can't wait to see the pics of the process

 

Thanks for the support. ;) Late is better than never. Just wait until you see the making of thread with beruo's putter.

[sergizmo]

I've seen a few early shots of my putter and it looks 100% TOP NOTCH. I can't wait to starting rolling putts with it when the project is complete.

 

You'll be getting more pics of your putter by Tuesday, including some milling pics.

[sergizmo]

Asleep, kklick, aue21, nickc445; Thanks for the support! ;) I can't wait until the membership sees the "making of" thread for beruo's putter. Should be a lot of fun.