I had a leather shop for about four years after I left the military in 1968. I made hundreds of pairs and loved it. I was a poor businessman, though, and I went on to other things. After a career in remodel contracting I have returned to sandal making. The past 12 months I have spent ten grand buying what I need for another sandal shop. I should launch production in one month.
The shop is in my apartment and there is someone living under me and someone across the hall. When I glue the soles together, I don't want to hammer them when the glue is sticky, like I used to do, out of consideration for my neighbors. I can't find a manual press for helping the glue bond. I need something that can press between straps, along the edge of the sandals. It will need a longish handle. I won't something that can press every spot on a sandal quickly, thus handle- operated is a must. I also wonder if I'm using the right kind of leather for the soles and straps. I can't find anyone who's making leather sandals and who might be willing to share information. My name is Patrick, my product will be custom leather sandals of my design, machine stitched, no strap between the toes, straps are fully adjustable, and there's a gum rubber bottom. I haven't made a pair yet but I have a sketch. I have to build my website in the next month with ecommerce store. I'm starting with just one design of sandals, which I developed over this past 12 months. I made about 15 designs my first time around. I'll probably make others, especially if requested. I'm using shoulder for top sole.
This might work using the selfie camera.
