First time on the mill...What else would I make?? (PUTTER PICS INSIDE!)

[TripleGrindSole]

Recently, I was left alone with a Bridgeport hand mill and my IMAGINATION. :happy:

 

Sans a brief 30-min training session, this was the first thing that I have ever milled and I am satisfied with how it turned out.

 

 

 

I started with a solid piece of aircraft grade aluminum (L-4" W-5" H-1") .

 

A few reasons for choosing aluminum...

 

-My desired putter size was fairly large and I was afraid that carbon steel might be a bit too heavy. (Those were my 2 available options)

 

-I liked the feel of aluminum putters that I have demoed in the past

 

-Aluminum is easy to mill!

 

 

 

I did a rough sketch of the putter on paper but most of the design was done on the fly. I wanted to be a heel/toe weighted, non-symmetrical mallet with plenty of strong lines for alignment. My plan was to throw a flow neck on this thing. But, I went with an offset center-shaft instead.

 

Here she is!

 

 

 

Originally, I was going to do your standard milling pattern on the face (ala scotty, cleveland classic, etc etc etc). But after some thought, I decided to go with something different.

 

 

 

 

 

I've also decided against an alignment aid on this putter. I usually rely heavily on my sightlines but this set-up really seems to suit my eye without one.

 

To finish, I did a light hand sanding (100, 150, 220) and hit it with some steel wool. I decided not to put too much into finishing because I think it gives the putter a bit of character.

 

Final Specs: Length 34" / Loft ~2* / Lie ~69*

 

 

Looking for honest opinions, initial reactions, and constructive criticism (I wont take anything personally and will appreciate any/all feedback)

[LansingMI]

Looks great and proffesional. How did you get access to a mill ?

[bNeill]

Looks like a Ping from the G2 line. Not bad.

[indyvai]

The design goes against my principle theory that less is more. However... from a pure artistic design standpoint... it's pretty friggin awesome! It's obvious that the design was driven by the milling process with a lot of steps and cut outs, and it looks like it was a blast and quite satisfying to make. And very impressive and clean for a first project.

A+

[Etiger83]

If that's the first thing you ever milled, that is very impressive.

[jlt73]

that looks real nice!

[Hi Im Joe]

You should stamp your name on that puppy so no one steals it! Nice Job.

[Dukefan1]

Very nice!

[dagoose383]

I am impressed! It looks finished enough to have an OEM logo on it and a claim of "less skid/more balance/blah blah blah". Even more impressive that it is your first milling project.

What did the final head weight come out to?

[Stu-Co]

[color=#006400]Very nice job! (Very envious also!) It looks like you're a natural on the mill! My first impression was that it looks very art deco with the simple lines and curves. Looks great as is, but a nice light bead blast frosting on the top would suit my eye.[/color]

[simple36]

Looks awesome!

[Timanator]

Thats really cool! What type of machine did you use?

[bruinsPATSirish]

Recently, I was left alone with a Bridgeport hand mill and my IMAGINATION. :happy:

 

Sans a brief 30-min training session, this was the first thing that I have ever milled and I am satisfied with how it turned out.

 

 

 

I started with a solid piece of aircraft grade aluminum (L-4" W-5" H-1") .

 

A few reasons for choosing aluminum...

 

-My desired putter size was fairly large and I was afraid that carbon steel might be a bit too heavy. (Those were my 2 available options)

 

-I liked the feel of aluminum putters that I have demoed in the past

 

-Aluminum is easy to mill!

 

 

 

I did a rough sketch of the putter on paper but most of the design was done on the fly. I wanted to be a heel/toe weighted, non-symmetrical mallet with plenty of strong lines for alignment. My plan was to throw a flow neck on this thing. But, I went with an offset center-shaft instead.

 

Here she is!

 

 

 

Originally, I was going to do your standard milling pattern on the face (ala scotty, cleveland classic, etc etc etc). But after some thought, I decided to go with something different.

 

 

 

 

 

I've also decided against an alignment aid on this putter. I usually rely heavily on my sightlines but this set-up really seems to suit my eye without one.

 

To finish, I did a light hand sanding (100, 150, 220) and hit it with some steel wool. I decided not to put too much into finishing because I think it gives the putter a bit of character.

 

Final Specs: Length 34" / Loft ~2* / Lie ~69*

 

 

Looking for honest opinions, initial reactions, and constructive criticism (I wont take anything personally and will appreciate any/all feedback)

 

Well done sir! That is too cool. I do like the raw type look there but I think some type of a gun blue finish would really set it off IMO. Also stamping something special to you would be the icing on the cake.

 

What did you go with for a grip?

[Apex93]

Just wanted to join in the "congrats" chorus. That is really really impressive.
It looks like Piet Mondrian's take on a Cameron Golo S.

[J13]

Very Cool

[TripleGrindSole]

Looks great and proffesional. How did you get access to a mill ?

 

I am lucky enough to have one in the same building that I work in. So, I am officially hooked.

 

The design goes against my principle theory that less is more. However... from a pure artistic design standpoint... it's pretty friggin awesome! It's obvious that the design was driven by the milling process with a lot of steps and cut outs, and it looks like it was a blast and quite satisfying to make. And very impressive and clean for a first project.

 

A+

 

I appreciate the honesty and kind words coming from someone who has seen a TON of amazing putters. Thank you.

 

 

I am impressed! It looks finished enough to have an OEM logo on it and a claim of "less skid/more balance/blah blah blah". Even more impressive that it is your first milling project.

 

What did the final head weight come out to?

 

Final headweight was a tad under 300g which worried me. The plan was to add some weight back to the head by porting out some holes through the sole and inserting a heavier metal. But once I shafted it up, it didn't feel that much lighter that my previous putter which was an (8802 style) Yes Sophia (Sophia was 33"/ This is 34" so I gained back a little SW). After hours of carpet rolling against 10 other solid contenders, this putter got an automatic bid into my 2014 bag. I am enjoying the lighter weight for now as it feels like I have more control. But, there is always time to reconsider and add weight if necessary.

 

 

Well done sir! That is too cool. I do like the raw type look there but I think some type of a gun blue finish would really set it off IMO. Also stamping something special to you would be the icing on the cake.

What did you go with for a grip?

 

I am definitely considering some type of bluing solution on the putter head, I think it would look very nice (In my mind's eye it has a similar finish to a brushed black ox Yururi wedge.)

 

About the grip-The whole time I was thinking Iomic Mid, but I blew on a Royal STS Cord (see pic below) that I had laying around and I feel in love with it instantly. So it stays.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

Thank you very much for all of the positive comments and feedback guys. This thing was a blast to make and I am sure she wont be my last.

[Fade]

Really nice. How does it putt?

[WVP]

Pretty impressive for your first time on a mill. Mind posting a pic from address, set up behind a ball?

[finchi5]

Amazing what can be made with access to a decent big mill. This would take forever on my mini mill

[RookieBlue7]

Looks great and proffesional. How did you get access to a mill ?

 

I am lucky enough to have one in the same building that I work in. So, I am officially hooked.

 

The design goes against my principle theory that less is more. However... from a pure artistic design standpoint... it's pretty friggin awesome! It's obvious that the design was driven by the milling process with a lot of steps and cut outs, and it looks like it was a blast and quite satisfying to make. And very impressive and clean for a first project.

 

A+

 

I appreciate the honesty and kind words coming from someone who has seen a TON of amazing putters. Thank you.

 

 

I am impressed! It looks finished enough to have an OEM logo on it and a claim of "less skid/more balance/blah blah blah". Even more impressive that it is your first milling project.

 

What did the final head weight come out to?

 

Final headweight was a tad under 300g which worried me. The plan was to add some weight back to the head by porting out some holes through the sole and inserting a heavier metal. But once I shafted it up, it didn't feel that much lighter that my previous putter which was an (8802 style) Yes Sophia (Sophia was 33"/ This is 34" so I gained back a little SW). After hours of carpet rolling against 10 other solid contenders, this putter got an automatic bid into my 2014 bag. I am enjoying the lighter weight for now as it feels like I have more control. But, there is always time to reconsider and add weight if necessary.

 

 

Well done sir! That is too cool. I do like the raw type look there but I think some type of a gun blue finish would really set it off IMO. Also stamping something special to you would be the icing on the cake.

What did you go with for a grip?

 

I am definitely considering some type of bluing solution on the putter head, I think it would look very nice (In my mind's eye it has a similar finish to a brushed black ox Yururi wedge.)

 

About the grip-The whole time I was thinking Iomic Mid, but I blew on a Royal STS Cord (see pic below) that I had laying around and I feel in love with it instantly. So it stays.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

Thank you very much for all of the positive comments and feedback guys. This thing was a blast to make and I am sure she wont be my last.

 

Those are my favorite grips of all time and if you have any spares lying around, I'd take them off your hands. LOL. I'm trying to PILE up these grips and I'm down on my count.

 

Putter looks good also. Milling on the face is very interesting.

[TripleGrindSole]

[quote name='Fade' timestamp='1390612002' post='8526725']
Really nice. How does it putt?
[/quote]
[b]She rolls the ball very well. I feel like the lower loft really helps get the ball rolling forward after impact.[/b]
[quote name='WVP' timestamp='1390657294' post='8528899']
Pretty impressive for your first time on a mill. Mind posting a pic from address, set up behind a ball?
[/quote]
[b]Sure thing. I will post a pic later tonight when I get home.[/b]
[quote name='finchi5' timestamp='1390693617' post='8532303']
Amazing what can be made with access to a decent big mill. This would take forever on my mini mill
[/quote]
[b]Yes. Having a big ol' Bridgeport was very helpful. Your putter making thread from 10/2012 played a big part on my decision to go forward with this project. So thank you for that! [/b]
[quote name='RookieBlue7' timestamp='1390744891' post='8535463']
Those are my favorite grips of all time and if you have any spares lying around, I'd take them off your hands. LOL. I'm trying to PILE up these grips and I'm down on my count.

Putter looks good also. Milling on the face is very interesting.
[/quote]
[b]Thanks! I might have a few of the grips. Let me check my stock pile and I will shoot you a PM if I have any extras[/b]

[TripleGrindSole]

Any ideas as to whether or not this putter would be legal for use in an official match/tournament?

[flip flappy]

Really nice looking putter! I like a mallet style putter and believe I could roll something like that. Is it face balanced?

[DavePelz4]

Is your Dad Scotty Cameron Sr. by any chance???

[Stu-Co]

[color=#008000]I'm [b]quite sure[/b] (not positive) that as long as it meets the requirements that it would be legal and does not need to be submitted to the USGA.[/color]

[TripleGrindSole]

Really nice looking putter! I like a mallet style putter and believe I could roll something like that. Is it face balanced?

 

Due to the non-symmetrical shape (a bit more mass out near the toe) and the slightly offset hosel bore, this putter has a tiny bit of toe hang.

 

 

 

Address pic with ball added below for those who asked:

 

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Hi Im Joe' timestamp='1390568671' post='8522541']
You should stamp your name on that puppy so no one steals it! Nice Job.
[/quote]

Like the thought here...but have you decided on a "name" for this? Amillie Baroo perhaps?

[Kevin_J]

Awesome first project!

[theboypinoy]

That's incredible! Next thing you should make? Something for us!

[BIG STU]

Excellent workmanship especially for the first time very impressive