What is the perfect metal for a putter?

[sergizmo]

I would assume that when an OEM says carbon they mean, "high carbon."

 

Not neccessarily. Carbon steel is another way of saying mild steel, meaning basic iron and carbon along with very small amounts of other elements (not enough to be considered an alloy). It can contain anywhere from .15-.18 (1018) to about 1.2 (unusual, most common high is .9) percent carbon. Steels with a lot of carbon are referred to as high carbon steels, and in rounds are referred to as drill rod.

 

In general (this interpretation can vary)

 

Low carbon; .15-.18 to .4 percent carbon (1015,1018 to 1040)

 

Medium carbon; .41 to .65 percent carbon

 

High carbon; .66 to 1.2 percent carbon

 

Putters labelled as carbon steel would almost certainly be low carbon steel. They are softer, so larger cuts can be made (reducing machining time) and less tool wear occurs (reduced tooling costs). The softer material would also provide a softer feel than stainless, offering an alternative.

[jcigars]

Chris...pretty sure jr posted a chart that showed the softness rating of different metals...let me see if I can find it after dinner.

 

Jimmy

[rustyputterguy]

I would assume that when an OEM says carbon they mean, "high carbon."

 

Not neccessarily. Carbon steel is another way of saying mild steel, meaning basic iron and carbon along with very small amounts of other elements (not enough to be considered an alloy). It can contain anywhere from .15-.18 (1018) to about 1.2 (unusual, most common high is .9) percent carbon. Steels with a lot of carbon are referred to as high carbon steels, and in rounds are referred to as drill rod.

 

In general (this interpretation can vary)

 

Low carbon; .15-.18 to .4 percent carbon (1015,1018 to 1040)

 

Medium carbon; .41 to .65 percent carbon

 

High carbon; .66 to 1.2 percent carbon

 

Putters labelled as carbon steel would almost certainly be low carbon steel. They are softer, so larger cuts can be made (reducing machining time) and less tool wear occurs (reduced tooling costs). The softer material would also provide a softer feel than stainless, offering an alternative.

 

You're setting a bad example by knowing what you're talking about. Pretty soon everyone will want to make posts that pertain to the thread and add value, unlike this one. If that happens the number of posts on the site will be cut down by 3/4.

 

:)

 

Great, informative post.

[choeppner]

I'll look as well Jimmy. I remember it, but have to dig it up. Hurry up with dinner :):)

 

-CHRIS-

[johnnystick77]

I would assume that when an OEM says carbon they mean, "high carbon."

 

 

Putters labelled as carbon steel would almost certainly be low carbon steel. They are softer, so larger cuts can be made (reducing machining time) and less tool wear occurs (reduced tooling costs). The softer material would also provide a softer feel than stainless, offering an alternative.

 

Good catch....I had it backwards.

[sergizmo]

I would assume that when an OEM says carbon they mean, "high carbon."

 

Not neccessarily. Carbon steel is another way of saying mild steel, meaning basic iron and carbon along with very small amounts of other elements (not enough to be considered an alloy). It can contain anywhere from .15-.18 (1018) to about 1.2 (unusual, most common high is .9) percent carbon. Steels with a lot of carbon are referred to as high carbon steels, and in rounds are referred to as drill rod.

 

In general (this interpretation can vary)

 

Low carbon; .15-.18 to .4 percent carbon (1015,1018 to 1040)

 

Medium carbon; .41 to .65 percent carbon

 

High carbon; .66 to 1.2 percent carbon

 

Putters labelled as carbon steel would almost certainly be low carbon steel. They are softer, so larger cuts can be made (reducing machining time) and less tool wear occurs (reduced tooling costs). The softer material would also provide a softer feel than stainless, offering an alternative.

 

You're setting a bad example by knowing what you're talking about. Pretty soon everyone will want to make posts that pertain to the thread and add value, unlike this one. If that happens the number of posts on the site will be cut down by 3/4.

 

:)

 

Great, informative post.

 

Glad I could help buddy! Now I just have to stay out of threads about competitive and professional golf and I'll be batting 1000.

[vokey design]

 

I gotta go with Mac on this one. I keep looking at my JAT proto and keep thinking send it in for pro platinum and I am religious about taking care of my putters. I think the studio stainless line feels real good but did not get the love I thought they deserved.

 

 

 

I play a studio design and love it... would a pro plat finish change the way it feels at all? and how durable is the pro plat finish??

 

 

 

thanks, Joshua

[choeppner]

The PP finish is VERY Durable. It make make the putter feel a little crisper.

 

-CHRIS-

[simar]

how about a forged carbon steel putter?

[choeppner]

I've never heard of a forged CS putter before. Is there one?

 

-CHRIS-

[hayam]

Anybody tried silver, manganese, gold inserts?

 

should be really nice isnt it?

[lumbee1977]

What about Nickel? or solid Tugsten?

 

I would vote for solid Copper like the BBC Scotty's

[choeppner]

It would be great to see more milled copper putters. Ttte patina they get as they age is gorgeous.

 

-CHRIS-

[MiuraPro]

Okay Z-Man,

 

Talk to Byron, copper Napa style..... I will commit to buying all remainders of a Limited Edition Tour Type Copper Napa Style.... I am sure my lefty brothers will buy.... but lets see if we can make this happen...

r/MiuraPro

[choeppner]

God...A copper Napa Style would fit the bill perfectly. :):):):) Can you imagine how gorgeous that would look once the patina set in. DAMN!!!!

 

-CHRIS-

[rollingrock]

Milled copper blade....mmmmmm...

 

 

[lumbee1977]

This is not my putter, but one I always liked and talked to Tom about making one for me:

 

http://www.slightergolf.com/custom/c_detai...kent&id=247

[choeppner]

Holy Crap.. Now that is gorgeous. Anybody know if Tom will still do these?

 

-CHRIS-

[lumbee1977]

I know he does, I almost pulled the trigger on one the other day.

[choeppner]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to shoot Tom an e-mail. Is this the only model he will make in the copper? A tacoma or portland would look greatlike this as well IMHO.

 

-CHRIS-

[TracyS]

I've never heard of a forged CS putter before. Is there one?

 

-CHRIS-

 

 

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the TP Mills Mizunos might fit the bill. I know they're forged and I think they may have been carbon steel. Maybe Jay knows.

 

Tracy

[choeppner]

You might have a point there. I never thought of that. I will have to PM Jay and see. I know he is in ATL this week at the tournment with David.

 

-CHRIS-

[alcap26]

 

I gotta go with Mac on this one. I keep looking at my JAT proto and keep thinking send it in for pro platinum and I am religious about taking care of my putters. I think the studio stainless line feels real good but did not get the love I thought they deserved.

 

 

 

I play a studio design and love it... would a pro plat finish change the way it feels at all? and how durable is the pro plat finish??

 

 

 

thanks, Joshua

 

I have a Laguna 2 Pro Platinum also and it feels just slightly firmer than the JAT does. I have had the Laguna 2 since the first Pro Platinums came out and that finish is extremely durable.

[JKB]

German Stainless Steel

[ak108]

GSS, thats why i love my studio style newport 2 so much. Also love Stainless steel & carbon steel.

[primetimer006]

D.A.S.S.

[glenwayputters]

I would assume that when an OEM says carbon they mean, "high carbon."

 

 

not necessarily.

 

there are many grades of carbon

 

1025 is the probably an optimal version. 1030 is harder and a little more difficult to work with, as far as machining. most Mills carbon putters are made from 1025.

 

jay

[Double Rods]

I've been thinking of a putter made from A2 or S7 tool steel. Heat treated and drawn back to around 52 RC. It no doubt would be the hardest putter ever made but the shock resistant properties of the steel could make things interesting. For one thing, you would never have to worry about using a headcover + the heat treated patina is nice.

 

-Drew

[Double Rods]

Also, could someone please explain to me D.A.S.S.? I own a machine shop and cut parts for the oil industry every day out of different grades of stainless, nickel alloy, and carbon alloy steel. I have never in the last 15 years seen a D.A.S.S. in any technical paper or stocked by a mill. Enlightenment please.

 

-Drew

[matt411]

zman, I know it would be tough to mill, but I want a putter made out tungsten carbide.