Tim Schroeder

Some finished pictures. I've been wearing them for a few days and they feel great not to mention some of the comments and looks I get. Some finished pictures. I've been wearing them for a few days and they feel great not to mention some of the comments and looks I get.

I've been wanting to build this pair of boots for 2 yrs. I almost have them done, just need to get them to the shoe man so he can stitch the welt. It will take some time to make the edges look good after putting the soles on so I have still have some work to do. They are embossed cowhide I found on Ebay. The insides are lined with Boot Lining Leather from Sheridan Leather. On these I am using a super lite weight sole that won't last a long time but they are only $2.50 and I will learn how to resole boots. These boots will weigh 3 lbs. 6 oz. when finished. The last pair were thin Kangaroo but the thick heavy sole I used got them up to 3 lbs. 10 ozs. A little heavier than the kind of Cabela's boots I have been wearing for 15 yrs. I have about 65 hrs in these boots. They will be my new work boots. The really nice Kangaroo boots will be my back up boots and going out boots. I use the flat soles because I work on white rock roads and they are easy to clean off when I go in the office. The MULE I ride has a gas pedal, no stirrups so I don't really need a sole with a heel. Thanks for looking. Tim

Well all I can say is awesome. The first day on the job and the boots feel like I have been wearing them for months. It's incredible the difference in custom made boots and off the shelf boots. I have wide feet with skinny heels so my heels always slid in my boots and the front always hurt my feet. I started on these on a Wed. and finished them on Sunday. I had 42 hrs. in these. I did spend a lot more time getting the last correct than I did actually building the boots. I built a practice pair all the way thru sewing the welt on and quit on them because I used some leather off a chair I found at work. The top layer looked like it was going to separate and crack every where they would wrinkle. It was good practice. I watched a bunch of Lisa Sorrells You Tube videos and bought Tim Skyrme's Bespoke Shoemaking book. I think most people could build shoes or boots if they put their mind to it and didn't give up. Thanks for all the comments. I have to thank Bob Park for tool rack. I used his tool rack as a starting point. His tool rack inspired me to build it just as his work inspires me to get better at tooling and the construction aspect of leather.. Wish I could draw patterns like him. I included a full picture of the tool rack. Thanks again to Bob Park. My shop is our Formal Dining Room. Thanks Tim

Your tooling patterns are buy far the best looking patterns I've seen. If I buy your book will I be able to draw patterns like that. Incredible work. Thanks Tim

I finally had enough of my feet hurting because of my boots. This is my first pair of boots and am looking forward to making many more. I learned a lot on these and made a lot of mistakes. I can't stitch the welt to the mid sole so I had the local shoe repair guy stitch them up for me. These were really practice for the ones I am building now. They will have Alligator embossed cowhide with tooled uppers. These boots are out of a Kangaroo hide from making a bunch of wallets.

Thanks Tree Reaper, I have bought a lot of stuff from Hardware Elf which they told me was their retail sight. They had the d ring type eyelets too which is the kind I really wanted. (I have the d ring type eyelets on my Kangaroo Boots) Thanks again, Tim

Hi, I am building my own boots and need some eyelets that boot laces will slide thru easily. Tandy's eyelets are to short, I need some for thicker material. Anybody know where I might find these. I have been to all the fabric stores, Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Thanks Tim

Hi, That is not what that hide should look like. I use those to make my wallets and that is not the way they come. Maybe you should send a picture to Tandy and have them explain why this pig was shaped so funny. Good Luck. Tim

HI, I'm looking for somebody who can silver plate a wallet strap end. It is U shaped to wrap around the back and then two set screws secure it to the strap. I would like a L engraved in it too. Thanks Tim

Finally got around to making a phone case to match my new belt.

I cut my clear piece the same size as the pocket so it is glued and sewn and I only sew around the inside if the customer request it.

Hi Tony, I use ID Holders like the ones you where around your neck on a lanyard from Staples. Good Luck Tim

Hi Tree Reaper, This machine has always done this. Every project I have done has one or two knots showing at the top, usually right before a corner when I almost stop. Anytime I try to just handwheeel the machine it will leave the knots at the top almost every stitch but will sew fine if you sew that slow with the motor. Just a consistent motion seems to make a difference. #138 with 135X16 #18 needle. I know this needle is a little small but I like the way it looks. #20 needles the holes look to big for the thread. Thanks Tim

I have the same machine as a Cobra Class 18. When I slow down to a crawl or try to handwheel the machine it wants to pull the knots to the top. If I stop in the middle of something it will always pull the knot to top. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tim