Introduction: Laser Engraved Wedges

By
About: Canadian Craftsman

In this project, I’ll walk you through how I laser-engraved a duck camo pattern onto a set of golf wedges. Whether you're customizing your own clubs or doing a one-off for a friend, this step-by-step guide will show you how to prep, engrave, and finish a clean, detailed design on metal. It’s a great way to give your gear some personal style—and maybe even a performance boost (if you believe in looking good to play good!).

Supplies

Supplies You'll Need

  1. Laser Engraver – I used a 30W fiber laser, capable of engraving on metal.
  2. EZCAD + AutoCAD – EZCAD runs the laser, and AutoCAD was used to prep the duck camo vector file.
  3. Epoxy – Used for re-installing the shafts after engraving or replacing ferrules.
  4. Torch – For heating the hosel area to remove shafts (if you’re taking them apart).
  5. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Gloves, eye protection, and a respirator are strongly recommended when using the laser or working with fumes/chemicals.
  6. Wire Brush Drill Bit – For cleaning oxidation or residue after engraving, or prepping the club surface.
  7. New Ferrules – Optional but a nice touch if you're removing and reinstalling shafts.
  8. Vise with Shaft Clamp – For safely holding the club during disassembly or engraving.


Step 1: Disassemble the Club

Before engraving, you'll want to remove the shaft and ferrule. Here's how:

Remove the Club Head:

  1. Secure the club in a vise using a shaft clamp to avoid damage.
  2. Use a torch to apply heat around the hosel area. This softens the epoxy inside.
  3. Once heated, twist and pull the head free from the shaft. Take your time—rushing this can crack the hosel or bend the shaft.

Remove the Ferrule:

  1. Carefully cut the old ferrule off using a utility knife or rotary tool.
  2. Clean off any remaining residue or glue.

Clean the Shaft & Hosel:

  1. Use a wire brush drill bit to clean old epoxy from the shaft tip and hosel bore.
  2. Blow out the hosel and shaft interior with compressed air to remove debris and dust.


Step 2: Clean Up the Wedges

Before engraving, it’s a good idea to clean up any dings, scratches, or imperfections on the surface. A smoother face not only looks better but also helps the laser produce a cleaner, more even engraving.

Use a Belt Sander to Smooth the Surface:

  1. Lightly run each wedge face across a belt sander using a fine grit (e.g., 120–220).
  2. Focus on removing small dings, bag chatter, or casting marks from the back cavity or toe area.
  3. Keep the wedge moving to avoid creating flat spots or overheating the surface.
  4. If needed, follow up with Scotch-Brite or hand sanding to blend in sanding lines and create a consistent finish.
Tip: You’re not trying to grind away material—just smooth the surface enough for clean laser results.

Inspect Before Engraving:

  1. Wipe down each wedge with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, oils, or sanding residue.
  2. At this point, the wedge should feel smooth to the touch and be free from major imperfections.


Step 3: Laser

Since wedge shapes vary slightly from club to club—even within the same set—you’ll want to trace each one individually to get an accurate design fit.

1. Photograph Each Wedge:

  1. Take a clear, top-down photo of each wedge.
  2. Make sure the photo is as square to the face as possible to avoid distortion.
  3. Import the image into AutoCAD and scale it to actual size using known dimensions (like face height or sole width).

2. Trace the Club Head:

  1. Use AutoCAD’s polyline or spline tool to trace the perimeter of each wedge.
  2. Save the outline as a separate file — this will serve as your engraving boundary in EZCAD.

3. Create the Duck Camo Pattern:

  1. Find or scan a duck camo pattern you like.
  2. In AutoCAD, use the image as a guide to replicate the pattern using simple shapes or polylines.
  3. Vary the pattern slightly between wedges if you want each one to be unique, or use the same layout for a clean matching set.
  4. Position the pattern inside each traced wedge outline.
Tip: Keep in mind that too much fine detail may get lost during engraving—bold, high-contrast shapes work best.

4. Import into EZCAD & Hatch:

  1. Export your final design from AutoCAD as a DXF.
  2. Open EZCAD and import the file.
  3. Use the hatch tool to fill the camo pattern with engraving lines. Adjust your spacing and angle based on your laser’s performance.
  4. Set a boundary box if needed to align everything precisely on the club head.

5. Align & Position the Wedges:

  1. Place the wedge into the laser machine (rotary or jig, depending on your setup).
  2. Use the outline or bounding box in EZCAD to position the artwork exactly where you want it engraved on the head.
  3. Double-check focus and alignment before running the laser.



Step 4: Assembly

Once engraving is complete and the club head is cleaned up, it's time to reassemble everything.

1. Prep the Ferrule:

  1. Apply a small amount of epoxy inside the ferrule.
  2. Slide the ferrule onto the shaft tip.
  3. Use a gauge block, club assembly jig, or even a hard surface to press it flush and straight.
  4. Let it set for a few minutes before installing the head.

2. Epoxy the Shaft Into the Club Head:

  1. Mix a fresh batch of golf-specific epoxy.
  2. Apply epoxy inside the hosel and around the shaft tip.
  3. Insert the shaft fully into the club head, rotating slightly to spread the epoxy evenly.

3. Seat Everything Properly:

  1. To make sure everything is fully seated, gently tap the butt end of the shaft on the ground a few times. This helps the shaft settle into the bottom of the hosel.
  2. Wipe away any excess epoxy that squeezes out.

4. Clean Up:

  1. Use a rag and solvent to clean off the ferrule and hosel area.
  2. Ensure the ferrule is flush and aligned before the epoxy cures.
Tip: Let the club cure vertically for at least 12–24 hours before use. Don’t rush it—curing time matters for long-term bond strength.


That’s it! You’ve now got a custom set of laser-engraved wedges with a duck camo pattern that stands out on the course and reflects your personal style. From teardown to engraving to reassembly, every step adds a bit of craftsmanship to something most golfers take for granted. Whether you’re doing this as a one-off project or offering custom work for others, it’s a great way to combine design, tools, and love of the game.

If you found this guide helpful, drop a comment below or share your own wedge designs—I’d love to see what you come up with.