Clubmaking

[907golfer12]

So I'm trying to get into club making, but just basic stuff like reshafting and regripping.

I don't know how to do it, or where to start! If anyone knows a good book or video on how to reshaft and regrip, that would be great. Also if someone could tell me what all I will need to do these things. I have looked on Golfsmith and stuff, and there's just so much different stuff, I don't know what to get!!!

Thanks for the help.

[JB]

If you have a Golfsmith in your area, I believe they still offer classes.

[907golfer12]

If you have a Golfsmith in your area, I believe they still offer classes.

Nope, no Golfsmith up north

[JB]

Then I would check out Amazon.com and see what they offer.

[Gummi Bear]

Tools:



workbench
bench vice
vice clamp - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8288/Golfsmith/Pro_Metal_Vise_Clamp
cutoff tool w/ abrasive wheels (for cutting shafts) http://www.golfsmith.com/products/245073/Golfsmith/7 (I use a die grinder, it's not for the faint of heart, you'd better be darn careful if you use one)
bench grinder
Rubbermaid or similar tub for catching solvent (mine's about 12x8x4"deep, it works perfect for catching the solvent you pour on the taped shaft)
grip solvent
grip tape - I use 2" wide tape
shafting epoxy
shafting beads (helps center the shaft in the hosel)
assorted drill bits - for drilling out broken shafts, you'd better have a steady hand, and know you're using the right size, or you've ruined an expensive head, not for use on tapered shaft heads
emery cloth - also known as plumbers cloth, it's waterproof sandpaper that looks like a screen. You'll use it for roughing up shafts, cleaning some parts, and other abrasive duties
rags (lint free) - I use Shop-Towels-On-A-Roll, they're pretty darned good, and they're disposable
'breaker' tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/412/Golfsmith/Leverage_Block - for breaking heads loose, to be used while applying heat
grip tape remover tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8228/Golfsmith/Manual_Grip_Tape_Remover - soak old tape in solvent, and this tool makes removal of the tape much easier, without damaging the shaft
scissors
torch - I use a MAPP gas torch, for plumbing
heat gun - useful for heating some parts gently, to remove adhesives, fitting tight pieces (remember, heat expands metal)
patience


My best advice, do some looking around and find a class, or get a gig as an apprentice to a local golfsmith (even better, they pay you to learn!) Books and videos will only get you so far, if you don't have someone show you the basics, and you're not a pretty accomplished tradesman, who's comfortable with tools, you can make a mess and ruin a lot of good equipment in a hurry.

[Craig Mac]

Tools:



workbench
bench vice
vice clamp - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8288/Golfsmith/Pro_Metal_Vise_Clamp
cutoff tool w/ abrasive wheels (for cutting shafts) http://www.golfsmith.com/products/245073/Golfsmith/7 (I use a die grinder, it's not for the faint of heart, you'd better be darn careful if you use one)
bench grinder
Rubbermaid or similar tub for catching solvent (mine's about 12x8x4"deep, it works perfect for catching the solvent you pour on the taped shaft)
grip solvent
grip tape - I use 2" wide tape
shafting epoxy
shafting beads (helps center the shaft in the hosel)
assorted drill bits - for drilling out broken shafts, you'd better have a steady hand, and know you're using the right size, or you've ruined an expensive head, not for use on tapered shaft heads
emery cloth - also known as plumbers cloth, it's waterproof sandpaper that looks like a screen. You'll use it for roughing up shafts, cleaning some parts, and other abrasive duties
rags (lint free) - I use Shop-Towels-On-A-Roll, they're pretty darned good, and they're disposable
'breaker' tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/412/Golfsmith/Leverage_Block - for breaking heads loose, to be used while applying heat
grip tape remover tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8228/Golfsmith/Manual_Grip_Tape_Remover - soak old tape in solvent, and this tool makes removal of the tape much easier, without damaging the shaft
scissors
torch - I use a MAPP gas torch, for plumbing
heat gun - useful for heating some parts gently, to remove adhesives, fitting tight pieces (remember, heat expands metal)
patience


My best advice, do some looking around and find a class, or get a gig as an apprentice to a local golfsmith (even better, they pay you to learn!) Books and videos will only get you so far, if you don't have someone show you the basics, and you're not a pretty accomplished tradesman, who's comfortable with tools, you can make a mess and ruin a lot of good equipment in a hurry.

There you have it!! All you would ever need there.

[907golfer12]

Tools:



workbench
bench vice
vice clamp - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8288/Golfsmith/Pro_Metal_Vise_Clamp
cutoff tool w/ abrasive wheels (for cutting shafts) http://www.golfsmith.com/products/245073/Golfsmith/7 (I use a die grinder, it's not for the faint of heart, you'd better be darn careful if you use one)
bench grinder
Rubbermaid or similar tub for catching solvent (mine's about 12x8x4"deep, it works perfect for catching the solvent you pour on the taped shaft)
grip solvent
grip tape - I use 2" wide tape
shafting epoxy
shafting beads (helps center the shaft in the hosel)
assorted drill bits - for drilling out broken shafts, you'd better have a steady hand, and know you're using the right size, or you've ruined an expensive head, not for use on tapered shaft heads
emery cloth - also known as plumbers cloth, it's waterproof sandpaper that looks like a screen. You'll use it for roughing up shafts, cleaning some parts, and other abrasive duties
rags (lint free) - I use Shop-Towels-On-A-Roll, they're pretty darned good, and they're disposable
'breaker' tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/412/Golfsmith/Leverage_Block - for breaking heads loose, to be used while applying heat
grip tape remover tool - http://www.golfsmith.com/products/8228/Golfsmith/Manual_Grip_Tape_Remover - soak old tape in solvent, and this tool makes removal of the tape much easier, without damaging the shaft
scissors
torch - I use a MAPP gas torch, for plumbing
heat gun - useful for heating some parts gently, to remove adhesives, fitting tight pieces (remember, heat expands metal)
patience


My best advice, do some looking around and find a class, or get a gig as an apprentice to a local golfsmith (even better, they pay you to learn!) Books and videos will only get you so far, if you don't have someone show you the basics, and you're not a pretty accomplished tradesman, who's comfortable with tools, you can make a mess and ruin a lot of good equipment in a hurry.

That was very, very helpful! Thanks!

And I do not have a Golfsmith here in Alaska, but I was going to see if the local shops clubbuilder would help me out with the basics and such, but I just want to learn there, and then be able to do it at my own house.

But that you again for all of your help!

[NorthVanMike]

my fitter uses this kind of sander.it uses a 1"x30" belt and has a disk sander too.

http://www3.telus.net/BrentBeach/Sharpen/beltsander00.jpg

i know, probably overkill for you, but you might see one at a swap meet or something.

[bogey_russ]

this weekend i will start my adventure in clubmaking

[h2ojon]

Youtube also has a bunch of great videos for the beginner.

[chilly]

It's not rocket science, as stated, search youtube and you'll find everything you need. I started with a propane torch, a hacksaw, and a Dremel as my only "clubmaking tools". The only specialized tool I do think is required is a good shaft puller, I never found a way to pull shafts consistently without ruining the tip until I got a Roberts puller from Ebay. Without the puller, you'll have to put too much heat in the tip to release the epoxy and it will melt the resin in the shaft.

Anyway, regripping is simple, just use a utility knife to cut off the old grip, scrape off old tape...retape...apply solvent and slip on the new grip. I've been using Simple Green as a solvent and have zero issues, takes a bit of time to dissolve but much less trouble then acetone or mineral spirits.

You can reshaft with a heat gun to remove the head, and a hacksaw to trim the shaft. Dremel or cutoff wheel is much better, but hacksaw will do.

Now, I'm getting ready to go a little more advanced with a swingweight scale, but I wouldn't call it necessary. Just helps tune the clubs.

[bulldog]

check Golfsmith out..years ago I bough an instruction book from them.. real helpfull. also check http://golfworks.com. Here are some componets sites.
http://www.clubmaker-online.com/manufacturersdirectory1295.html , http://csggolf.com/, http://componentsplus.com/ , http://golfsupply.com/ , http://monarkgolf.com/