Cobbler tools and lasts

[Plumejason]

I wad wondering if someone could. Point me. In the right direction to get some tools, last and such. I have a clsp machine waiting to be put together. So next is getting tools and lasts. Was. Almost thinking of making my own last out of scrap lumber

Edited May 21, 2023 by Plumejason

[kgg]

1 hour ago, Plumejason said:

I have a clsp machine waiting to be put together.

I can't help with the cobber tools but I would suggest first getting the Chinese patcher also fondly known as the Tinkers Delight up and running properly first. Then getting use to it's quirks on some simpler items.

kgg

[Plumejason]

43 minutes ago, kgg said:

I can't help with the cobber tools but I would suggest first getting the Chinese patcher also fondly known as the Tinkers Delight up and running properly first. Then getting use to it's quirks on some simpler items.

kgg

Thats what I have. Clsp-chinese leather sewing patcher. I believe. But first get out of the hospital 

[kgg]

1 minute ago, Plumejason said:

But first get out of the hospital 

I wish you a speedy recovery.

kgg

[fredk]

@Plumejason you don't say where in the world you are thus its hard for us to direct you to places where you might get fixed asset supplies. If you are in the UK or Europe, go to antique or jumble shops. Not antique dealers though. Try the wee back-street 'antique' shops just about every tourist orientated town has numerous of

[Aven]

As Fred said, knowing where you are helps.

Last making is an art form itself.  You can purchase ready made lasts and modify them to fit your feet.  You can purchase files to 3D print them if you have a printer.  You will have to modify them as well.  There are several youtube videos on making bespoke shoes that go through the process of modifying lasts.  But for books on making lasts, Walrus Shoes carries a book on last making as well as other books that might interest you.   http://walrusshoe.com/books_pages/lasts.htm 

Also check out Lisa Sorrell's Notions  https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/  She carries books, tools and supplies.  I also recommend going through her youtube videos, especially the one on skiving.

 

[Northmount]

19 hours ago, Plumejason said:

I wad wondering if someone could. Point me. In the right direction to get some tools, last and such.

As others have said, need to know where you are to provide the most help.  According to your IP address, you appear to be in the Calgary, Alberta, Canada area.  You might consider adding your location to your profile, after all this is a world wide forum.

[fredk]

@Aven you need to do it as well,   

[Northmount]

@Aven Add your location to your profile.  According to your IP address you are in the Chicago, Illinois, 60666 area.

[tozafoot]

I’ve not ordered anything from them yet, but recently came across this site https://podohub.com/ that sells foot-shaped lasts (I.e. without strongly tapered toes and high heel lifts) and a few other shoemaking things. I believe they ship internationally.

For hand tools, there are many options. If you don’t plan to make shoes for a living, for basic cutting, skiving, punching, gluing you might find much of what you need from Tandy Leather or Etsy. For higher quality tools (e.g. skiving knives) and more specialist shoemaking stuff (e.g. Hirschkleber glue) try Sorrell Notions and Findings ; she also sells more conventionally-shaped lasts.

Note, you don’t need to have lasts to start making shoes, boots or sandals. Some of the most comfortable ones I’ve made have been unlasted. The key thing is to get the pattern absolutely right — which is much, much harder than it might seem. In fact, for me, pattern-making is hands down the most difficult part of shoemaking.