Ended my day with a Twist, LOL

[moocherpix]

I got out of work a little early and knew that Karas Kustoms was on my way home, after a stop for the little woman. That is where a member here crafts his putters and does a lot of his custom work, for the time being.

Much to my pleasant surprise, he was doing some very cool work when I showed up. It turns out that one of his customers had requested a Twisted N Sick neck on a blade and the first one he put together was not quite what the guy was seeing when he pictured his putter. In typical LaMont fashion, he went a little extra and cut off the old neck, fired up mill and lathe and spun up a new piece of stock for a new neck.

Anyone who has attemped to do the twisted necks will tell you that it is more than just get it hot and start twisting. LaMont even sat down and designed a fixture that allows him to hold the neck, heat it from any point and start the twist. Deflection of the metal is virtually zero and the amount of heat, speed of the twist and customer's vision all play a huge part in the end results.

I came in as he was putting the finishing effort on this neck and snapped a few pics, as quickly as I could. They were a bit hurried, but I love to watch guys creating things I could never do and I figured it was worth a post here, just to share a talent that, from LaMont's own admission, had a large part of its development, right here on WRX.

Check out the pics and if I can figure out how to load a video somewhere, I'll share that link, as well.

Have a great week!

Nick

[golfluvzme]

Nick said he was going to post, so I thought I had better stop by and see just what made the cut.
This neck was one that I wished I had been able to record the entire process. As it was heated and the colors started to change, I started twisting. It moved so easily and evenly that it was killing me not to have a third hand to hold my phone to record it. Nick showed up at the tail end, but it was better than nothing.
Not sure if this neck will wind up on the putter that Nick mentioned, as the second neck got an "EXACTLY!" text from the customer. It has tighter twists and has a slightly narrower profile.
Well, thanks for the comments and thanks to Nick for snapping pictures worth sharing.
LaMont in AZ

[indyvai]

That's pretty great! I'd love to have a metal "workshop"... any photos of torching steel bring me back to my college days and sculpture classes. I do have a few memories of college... surprisingly!

Hey LaMont... there is this invention that holds cameras in place. I think it's called a tripod? I'd LOVE to see more video of sculpting in action!