One of the most frequently asked questions that one receives from Antique Golf Club Collectors is on the care and repair of Hickory golf clubs. Here we will discuss two forms of hickory golf restoration; the appropriate techniques for both straightening and for lengthening a Hickory shaft.
Many collectors have avoided a Vintage golf club if the hickory shaft has been warped more than an inch or so along its length. Even though the remainder of the club may be in good or even excellent condition, many die-hard collectors cannot overcome the effect of that imperfect shaft
If the club is in otherwise good condition, do not automatically give up on it; Heres what you need to do:
First, obtain a section of hollow metal tubing about 45 inches long that has an inner diameter just bigger than the shaft you wish to straighten.
Next, remove the grip from the club.
Using a hand-held gas blowtorch heat the hickory shaft. If the shaft has a local kink in it, heat it around that area. If the shaft is bowed over a longer section heat all of that section accordingly.
Youll need to pass the flame over the shaft at a moderate pace- too slow and you melt the varnish and burn the wood. To quick and youll not get enough heat into the wood- this is where practice on a less valued club is recommended You need to get the wood hot enough for it to bend easily. You should, of course, be wearing some safety goggles and some ( leather not rubber ) safety gloves. Once the shaft feels hot through the gloves apply some gentle pressure to it to straighten out the worst sections bending it over another separate block of wood works well. With the wood still hot ( reheat it if necessary ) place the shaft into the metal tube and leave it to cool naturally for at least 20 minutes.
When you remove the shaft, it will be straightened! Simply repeat the process as necessary. This is relatively simple and can really be done by anyone.
The other common repair which is often viewed as perhaps too tedious or too difficult is the lengthening of a Hickory shaft. The fact is that this can also
be accomplished quite simply if you follow our simple method. You can visit our site right now and get all of the details which you need to complete your hickory club restoration.
http://antiquegolfclubs.org/Hickory-Golf-Restoration.html
The most important thing, as with any tedious task involving fragile materials is practicing patience, and in this project, it will serve you well.