Lasts

Got any great sources for leather? Tools? Machinery? Looking for sources?
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danfreeman
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Re: Lasts

#526 Post by danfreeman »

Craig,

Sorry, I don't. Bill "sent it out," and it has "Hecho en Mexico" stamped on the bottom.

DW,

Of course you're correct on all theoretical counts, especially drying. This particulsr client has read "Alles uber Herrenschuhe" and "Handmade Shoes for Men," and seen that custom, full trees can be, and have been, made; and he wants a pair for his shoes. I have sanded them all over to ensure they're not tight.
I prefer to shape a pair of stock trees (light wood, hollowed out, R & L ones, mostly from England and Germany--I get them from the thrift stores) to a custom fit.
jpsboots

Re: Lasts

#527 Post by jpsboots »

Wood Lasts:
If anyone is interested, I am selling my complete last making operation. Lathe,models,maple blocks and all tools needed. Every thing you need to make wooden (maple) lasts for shoes or boots. Approx 100 boot models and 350 shoe models from the 1800's and up. Call or email if seriously interested.

Jp 573-346-7711
jp@jpsboots.com
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dearbone
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Re: Lasts

#528 Post by dearbone »

I just finished speaking to Mr J Patrickus, What a gentleman,I hate to see this beautiful working last making lathe goes to nowhere,there is a picture of the lathe under "last making" in their web site.
jpsboots.com

Al, what saith thou?
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Re: Lasts

#529 Post by dw »

Nasser, All,

That lastmaking lathe looks tempting. But at any price, I don't know where I'd put it.

What we need is to create a Buyer's Consortium and find someone who not only has a place for it but could (had the expertise) and would use it to turn lasts for the Guild. It would all have to be non-profit, of course, but it wouldn't have to be a losing proposition.

On another note, after talking with my lastmaker, I am wondering how many folks would be interested in having rough turned lasts, from wood, turned from their models. Might cost a little more than a finished plastic last. But it might also lead to, if not finished, then rough cut lasted trees, too.

I'm just now sounding folks out and exploring the idea. There has to be a market for the lastmaker to consider doing this.

Tight Stitches
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jpsboots

Re: Lasts

#530 Post by jpsboots »

ALL:
Some of the models I have are from Krentler Bros, JV, Western Last, and some other famous model makers.
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Re: Lasts

#531 Post by dearbone »

DW,

Good thinking,I was wondering in that direction too in my head,"Buyer's consortium" sounds good,I wasn't thinking non-profit,but someone with some background or good at mechanical machines who is willing to learn how to turn last for some living,which i think Mr JP will provide some training and the consortium help the right candidate with payment in exchange for future lasts in return,but which ever way works to keep this machine producing lasts rather than going to the smelter is good news to me.

Nasser
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Re: Lasts

#532 Post by jesselee »

DW

I have the space and know how to make lasts, albeit, the cone off type...

Cheers,
JesseLee
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Re: Lasts

#533 Post by lancepryor »

I spoke with Joe last year; if I had the space I would seriously consider buying this stuff.

I think a challenge with an HCC consortium deal is how one defines 'not for profit', in that whoever operates the machine would, I presume, expect to be compensated for his time. I would think, in the eyes of the tax code, this would no longer qualify as 'not for profit.' Perhaps a way around this would be for the HCC to buy the thing and pay a pre-arranged compensation to the operator, then to sell the lasts 'at cost' to members. Even then, the relative valuation of the blanks vs. the capitalized equipment could be a sticky point. To the extent one was concerned about the HCC's tax-exempt status, I imagine a tax lawyer would be needed to vet the program. Of course, a consortium could also be arranged outside of the HCC, but lots of issues might arise there as well (since 'possession is 9/10ths of the law').

Longer term, there is also the question of sourcing last blanks.

Still, an interesting idea....

Lance
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Re: Lasts

#534 Post by luckyduck »

The consortium idea is intriguing. Maybe do coop of the interested peole where you sell some shares and use the money to cover the equipment, moving and start up repairs. Then the person who physically has the machine can run it as a business with profit sharing or cheap lasts to the members.

While interested in this I do have some concerns.

1. How would you set up the business model. Co-op, partnership, or S-corp or whatnot? This is not a big hurdle once the decision to do it is made. Just call a tax lawyer or accountant.

2. Source of last blanks and machine cutters for the long term? This is more of a concern. Maybe you would end up making slip lasts after the hinged blanks are gone. Or get a machine shop to make the hinges and then make the blanks. You wouldn't need a concrete plan at the beginning, but at least a contingency outline.

3. Would there be enough business to justify doing this for money, or is it just a historical preservation thing for a retired guy? If you want someone to really keep up on this and deliver product consistently they need to be able to make enough money to be worth while.

I guess that is it. Overall it really sounds like a fun thing to do, but a well thought out plan would make it less likely to end up a money pit with no return.

Paul
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Re: Lasts

#535 Post by dw »

This is going to be impossible to do as an HCC project.

It's my fault...when I suggested a Buyers Consortium and associated it with the Guild. I accept the blame for an over-enthusiastic, albeit hair-brained idea.

As a practical matter, the Guild cannot afford the legal fees that might come with trying to set up a Buyer's Consortium and one that stipulates fair ownership and operating guidelines.

What's more, as it has been pointed out, the machine will inevitably end up as someone's "private property" and will just as inevitably be used for profit. Then too there are liability concerns.

If a group of forum members were to purchase the lathe and then create a business that sold lasts to one and all (perhaps at a discount to HCC members...perhaps at a greater discount to the original investors) for profit, that would be one thing.

But as a Guild project it's not going to work.

BTW, I would advise those who are seriously interested to contact JP about the price. From what I've been told it would take either a substantial number of investor or a substantial investment by each party to pull this off.

I have to admit that my initial comments were more by way of wistful musings--I have always wanted to own a lastmaking lathe--I didn't think it would really be taken seriously. But to the extent that there is serious interest, the focus must shift to doing it as a private enterprise and better it be understood at the outset.



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Re: Lasts

#536 Post by noonan »

Dear Crispinites,

I have available for the taking, first come first serve:

Full size runs, whole and half sizes, mens and womens slip hinge last for handsewn construction, (but not limited to)
I bought these about 12 years ago when Ansewn went out of business.
Wo's 5-10.5 in B,C, AA width
Mens 5-15 in D,E,EE width
There are about 110 pair, sorted and in burlap bags, on a pallet and shrink wrapped. Ready to come and take away, or get shipped. They are in the warehouse down at my old shop. If nobody takes by Friday, I will send to recycle man.
Contact me if you want them, and I give you info for the take away.
Thanks,
Tim
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noonan
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Re: Lasts

#537 Post by noonan »

Crispin Folk,
The free last offer is over. They are gone, No more inquiries please.
Thanks,
Tim
PS: That was the world's quickest yard sale ever.
twheatley
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Re: Lasts

#538 Post by twheatley »

So... where does a newbie go to get a reasonably priced pair of lasts for making his first pair of cowboy boots?

I am a men's 9D and want to make your basic middle of the road cowboy boot (not too pointy but not too round) and this being my first attempt with no idea if I will ever make another pair I want to keep the price reasonable.

Recommendations?


------

Update: Thanks to the excellent posts in this forum I was able to locate Panhandle Leather Co. (1-800-537-3945). They are setting me up with a pair of used lasts for $20.

Can't wait to get started on my first pair of boots!

(Message edited by twheatley on June 29, 2010)
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Re: Lasts

#539 Post by fishball »

Just received my first pair of last duplicate from JV China, great service and price.

Thanks a lot from you guys.
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Re: Lasts

#540 Post by romango »

Tim Noonan's lasts.

If these lasts could talk!
11621.jpg

11622.jpg
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last_maker

Re: Lasts

#541 Post by last_maker »

has any one used birch for last making??? I recently had a tree guy give me a boat load of birch. It was natural drain. Which means that it cured standing up dead for three years. I usually use plastic. but want to shape with wood.

Any comments would be nice.

Marlietta
http://lastmakingschool.com
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Re: Lasts

#542 Post by kemosabi »

Does anyone know where I can buy a pair of Munson-style lasts like the kind used for US military boots? I've searched the forum, but didn't find any info on sources.

Regards,
-Nat
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Re: Lasts

#543 Post by paul »

Nat,

I'm sure you could get them from JV, sited earlier in this thread.

Paul
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Re: Lasts

#544 Post by kemosabi »

Sorry, I should have been more specific;

I'm looking for used lasts. Does JV offer used?
I thought they only made new.

-Nat
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Re: Lasts

#545 Post by paul »

Yeah I don't think so.

But then I don't think they sell hen's teeth either.

Have you check with Larry Waller? I'd call him if it were me.

Good Luck,
POaul
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Re: Lasts

#546 Post by kemosabi »

Thanks Paul.
"hen's teeth?". Are you saying these lasts are hard to find?

I'll try Larry Waller.

-Nat
bluecarpenter
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Re: Lasts

#547 Post by bluecarpenter »

How hard is it to modify the toe of a dress shoe last so that its not so darn pointed. Its the plastic kind. I'm having a hard time finding a size 13D in mens size. And I don't want to make a pair of cowboy boots.

I've seen where the last has had leather glued on the sides to build it out. Whats the process? thanks mark
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Re: Lasts

#548 Post by dw »

Mark,

Not hard at all. Rough the last up in the area that you wish to build , apply all-purpose cement to the last and to an oversize piece of insole shoulder or outsole split and let dry. Mount the leather piece, hammer firmly to the last, trim carefully to the feather edge, and skive or grind build-up so that it blends into the contours of the last. If hammering or stress is anticipated along the edge of the build-up, tacking or bradding it to the last for extra stability can be beneficial. Coat the build-up with several coats of celluloid cement or varnish, sanding in-between.

That's it.

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bluecarpenter
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Re: Lasts

#549 Post by bluecarpenter »

can you do several layers to build it out? And where do I get the celluloid cement?? I've been reading about it and will need some for the toe box I believe.
Does celluloid cement have a strong odor to it and is it flameable? thanks
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Re: Lasts

#550 Post by dw »

Yes.

Midwest Chemical (1-314-781-5831)

Yes.

Yes.

Tight Stitches
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