Absolutely, buy a pair of commercial lasts made by a company like Springline. Then use these as a guide in making your own lasts. 1. Try making a pair of prototypes on the commercial lasts just to check the fit. 2. If the commercial lasts are off, start making your own lasts using the alignments of the commercial lasts. The alignments are the relative positioning of extreme points, e.g. heel centre, cone-tip, joint extremities, toe extremities, etc. *Under no circumstances* should you start adding or cutting off pieces of the commercial lasts as this will affect the alignments which you have to play with to understand.
Fantastic series Harry! It has immeasurably helped my own shoe making journey! I would be very interested to see another series (perhaps abridged) with shoes made to the bespoke level, but with your new lasts... Keep up the fantastic work!
I'd have to make my own lasts. Commercials are based on averages, and my feet are far from it. Closest I've found is the Altberg W fit, which are a blend between the two other more standard last shapes. I'm even thinking about building my orthotic into the lasts, though it may make matching the pair more difficult 🤔
Wood glue and heavy leather.. can make any changes to a last desired ... I am building my boot last..all from scrap wood boards.. over laid with leather as needed.. 22 inches tall.. . Our new commercial plastic last needed to be modified just as much as the vintage wood last I found.
Thanks for video. I have been debating to make boots prior to your video series. The info provided in your videos are very good. They are enjoyable to watch. Merry CHRISTmas and have a great New Year!!!
'Beware of second hand lasts' you are correct about the variation in last sizes.When I was making shoes in the 1970's Italian and Japanese lasts were a narrower foot than the English last.
Hi Harry just like that cordwainer top very cool piece very hard to find I am a cordwainer I don't have anything like that think I'm going to make one thank you for showing that top if you need any advice to get stuff just let me know 4th generation Shoemaker thank you
Really nice set of videos! May I ask how long the last bottom pattern is in mm from heel to toe and how much longer that is in comparison to your foot?
I see the difference in toe lift but, when wearing, do you notice any difference between the room in the toe of commercial shoes and the ones you made?
@@harryrogers No worries Harry all good. I've been trying to narrow it down for a while now. I suppose it is PU. But I could be wrong. It's just a guess.
Those should “last” a good long while. It should be around 3am there as it’s 9:00 pm here in the southern US. I felt I could safely leave that punny comment.
Really enjoyed the last shoe making series and very glad you decided to do another pair.
Absolutely, buy a pair of commercial lasts made by a company like Springline.
Then use these as a guide in making your own lasts.
1. Try making a pair of prototypes on the commercial lasts just to check the fit.
2. If the commercial lasts are off, start making your own lasts using the alignments of the commercial lasts.
The alignments are the relative positioning of extreme points, e.g. heel centre, cone-tip, joint extremities, toe extremities, etc.
*Under no circumstances* should you start adding or cutting off pieces of the commercial lasts as this will affect the alignments which you have to play with to understand.
Fantastic series Harry! It has immeasurably helped my own shoe making journey! I would be very interested to see another series (perhaps abridged) with shoes made to the bespoke level, but with your new lasts... Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks Alexander
Im with the others that enjoyed the first series of shoe making. Glad your doing another.
Thanks James
Hi Harry,
I am looking forward to this series. I enjoyed the first shoe series.
Regards, Chris.
I'd have to make my own lasts. Commercials are based on averages, and my feet are far from it. Closest I've found is the Altberg W fit, which are a blend between the two other more standard last shapes. I'm even thinking about building my orthotic into the lasts, though it may make matching the pair more difficult 🤔
I’ve been wanting to make that exact shoe for a long time! I can’t wait to work along with you, I already have the shoe last ready to go!
Thanks that's great.
Great Harry, I’m looking forward to watching your next shoe project, all the best 👍
Wood glue and heavy leather.. can make any changes to a last desired ... I am building my boot last..all from scrap wood boards.. over laid with leather as needed.. 22 inches tall..
.
Our new commercial plastic last needed to be modified just as much as the vintage wood last I found.
Thank you for the tips and manufacturer details
Very much looking forward to this next project. Thank you!
Thanks Oxnate
cool intro to shoemaking, Mr. Henry Rogers!
Thanks for video. I have been debating to make boots prior to your video series. The info provided in your videos are very good. They are enjoyable to watch. Merry CHRISTmas and have a great New Year!!!
Merry Christmas to you as well.
That wooden last is awesome!
'Beware of second hand lasts' you are correct about the variation in last sizes.When I was making shoes in the 1970's Italian and Japanese lasts were a narrower foot than the English last.
Ah thanks Paul...that's interesting. Happy New Year.
Hi Harry, I have really enjoyed watching this series. Can you tell me the name of the blue-handled tool you used to trim the leather heel pieces?
Hi Rob...sounds like the circular welt cutter by George Barnsley of Sheffield.
@@harryrogers Thank you!
i was hoping you would do more diy shoe videos i didnt have long to wait
Hello, really enjoyed the video, where did you buy this commercial last from..? Please let me know... Thanks a lot..!
Hello from Springline UK
Hi Harry just like that cordwainer top very cool piece very hard to find I am a cordwainer I don't have anything like that think I'm going to make one thank you for showing that top if you need any advice to get stuff just let me know 4th generation Shoemaker thank you
Thanks very much Bobby that's very much appreciated.
Really nice set of videos!
May I ask how long the last bottom pattern is in mm from heel to toe and how much longer that is in comparison to your foot?
For mens shoes like this the last is usually about 12mm to 15mm longer than the foot. If you need to know for this particular last I can dig it out.
I see the difference in toe lift but, when wearing, do you notice any difference between the room in the toe of commercial shoes and the ones you made?
My lasts were a bit extra roomy in the toe box area!
If not for scarcity and high cost of plastic lasts,wooden last won't be an option.
Good explanation anyway👍
Hi Harry, would you consider making a pair of wooden clogs?
Perhaps some clogs with leather uppers one day!
@@harryrogers that’s an even better idea, much more comfortable 💡
G'day Harry! Do you know what plastic to cast a last with? Especially if one is using the molding method with alginate or cement gauze?
Sorry I do not know the type of plastic.
@@harryrogers No worries Harry all good. I've been trying to narrow it down for a while now. I suppose it is PU. But I could be wrong. It's just a guess.
Really enjoying your video
Thanks Mario
Please make moccasin shoe pattern
Those should “last” a good long while.
It should be around 3am there as it’s 9:00 pm here in the southern US. I felt I could safely leave that punny comment.
That last looks way too slim (height) on the pinky toe side, otherwise looks good.
How much did the last cost?
Hi Don...take a look at Springline Lasts UK ...student last section.
That video wil last and last.
Haha...very good!
Imma stick to flip flops