Introduction: Putter Face With Zen Pattern

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About: Canadian Craftsman

For my entry in the Patterns Contest, I tackled a unique restoration project: bringing new life to a well-used putter. After meticulously removing surface imperfections, I introduced a fresh twist by laser-engraving a zen-inspired pattern onto the face. This intricate design not only adds visual interest but also reflects the calm and focus golf demands. This project highlights how a carefully chosen pattern can transform a functional tool into a piece of art, blending craftsmanship with design.

Supplies

Tools:

Belt Sander with Scotch-Brite belt

Sandpaper 600-800-1000-1200 grit

Dremel with mini abrasive wheels

Scotch-Brite Pad

AutoCAD

EZ Cad (laser software)

30W Fiber Laser

Sandblaster with glass bead media

Heat Gun

Mini level

Small container that will fit a putter head

Epoxy

Step 1: Remove Nicks and Dings

  1. Apply heat evenly to the hosel with a heat gun.
  2. Remove putter head from the shaft.
  3. Slowly work out the dings with a belt sander. Apply with even pressure and ensure you do not buff off too much material. Use a dremel to get in the hard to reach places.
  4. Finish with hand sanding. 600-800-1000-1200 grit.

Step 2: Sandblast

Blast putter with glass bead media in a sandblaster. This is to ensure all dings are removed. This will also allow a nice finish to be added.

Step 3: Apply Brushed Finish

With a Scotch-Brite pad, brush surface of putter in a consistent smooth pace direction.

Step 4: Draw Zen Pattern in AutoCAD

Trace Putter Face

  1. Insert a picture of the putter into AutoCAD
  2. Trace perimeter of putter face with the spline command.

Draw the First Circle

  1. Use the Circle command (C), and draw a circle with a radius that suits the scale of your desired pattern.
  2. Position it centrally or near where you'd like the pattern to start.

Create the Overlapping Effect with Offset Circles

  1. Offset the Circle by a specific distance that creates a pleasing overlap.
  2. Use the Offset command (OFFSET) and enter a small distance to create a new circle just outside the original. This should create a concentric circle slightly larger than the first.
  3. Repeat this step as needed to create several concentric circles (e.g., 4-5 circles).

Rectangular Array for Circular Repetition

  1. Select all the circles you've created.
  2. Use the Rectangular Array command (ARRAYRECT) to repeat the circles in a linear arrangement:
  3. Select the center of the initial circle as the array's center point.
  4. Specify the number of items you want in the array (e.g., 12, 16, or even more for dense overlap).

Adjust for Density and Overlap

  1. If needed, increase or decrease the number of items in the array until you achieve the desired overlapping effect.
  2. Experiment with the radius of the circles and the distance between them to create a more organic or complex appearance.

Trim Unwanted Lines

  1. If there are any unwanted overlaps or excess lines, you can use the Trim command to remove them.
  2. For a cleaner look, select certain sections to delete or fade out for more subtle overlaps.

This method creates an interlocking, overlapping circular design that captures the repeating, flowing feel of a Zen pattern.

Place Perimeter Spline Over the Repeating Zen Pattern

  1. Trim excess pattern outside of the traced perimeter boundary.
  2. Group all lines using the 'JOIN' command.

See attached vector file for your use!

Attachments

Step 5: Laser Pattern Onto Putter Face

  1. Insert newly created zen pattern vector file into EZcad.
  2. Apply hatch. See hatch settings in the picture provided.
  3. Place putter head into a container of rice. The rice allows you to level the workpiece.
  4. Ensure level with a mini level.
  5. Adjust scanner to correct focus point. Click here for instructions on how to do this.
  6. Hit 'Red' to show exactly where the laser will burn. Now position workpiece to the correct location. *Note: if the scale is not correct, adjust size in EZcad and repeat process.
  7. Click 'Mark' to laser the pattern. I would do one pass at a time. After 5 passes I was satisfied with the engraving depth.

Step 6: Assembly

  1. Mix up some 2-part epoxy.
  2. Coat hosel and putter shaft tip with epoxy.
  3. Insert putter head into hosel and align with grip.
  4. Wipe off excess epoxy.
  5. Let dry for 24 hours before use.

All done! Now go and enjoy your newly restored putter on the golf course.

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