DIY Network

Making Shoes, Part 2: Cut the Soles Turn your templates into basic shoe soles. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-413

You're on your way to cool new shoes.

With the shoe templates done, it's time to actually start making shoes! In this part of Michele Beschen's shoe-building adventure, the B. Original host shows how to use the templates from Part 1 to cut out a basic pair of sturdy shoe soles. In later steps, she'll demonstrate how to shape, sand and finish these couture cuties.

Scroll down for the next steps in making shoes with Michele Beschen.

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Cut Out the Shoe Soles

Materials:

For this part: shoe templates from Part 1 band saw, scroll saw or hand saw 4x4 piece of wood or assorted wood boards

For later steps: contact cement one piece of rubber stair tread power sanders mineral spirits polyurethane pieces of leather decorative upholstery tacks nails or plain tacks hammer or air nailer double-sided tape uppers from dismantled shoes heavy-duty scissors fabric or leather trim (optional)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

• Select the wood to use for the shoe's sole. You can use a piece of 4x4 wood, or glue together pieces of various woods to create a stacked-wood sole (figure A). You can find a selection of woods at any home improvement store and can purchase pieces of more exotic woods at a woodworking store (figure B). Michele Beschen stacked and glued pieces of burr oak, pine, oak and cherry. The different woods created a beautiful striping effect through the soles.

• To determine the dimensions of the wood block you need, measure the length, width and height of the shoes you
  are duplicating. Michele Beschen's block measured 4" tall, 3-1/2" wide and 12" long.

• If you are gluing together different woods, use a heavy-duty contact cement and let the block cure according to the package instructions.

• Place the block on its side and position the wood template on it. Make sure the length of the template goes with the grain of the wood.

• Trace around the template, then use a band saw to cut out the shape (figure C). Take your time: This is a very thick block of wood, and it will take a few passes to get it down to the right shape. Don't try to make cuts close to the line on the first pass, and be careful not to remove too much material.

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and use caution when using a power saw or other power tools. Follow all of the manufacturer's safety instructions.

• Repeat the process to cut out the other block of wood. Be careful to orient the wood stripes the same was as for the first shoe.

  Note: The shoes will still look very rough at this point. Don't worry: There are more cuts to come, as well as sanding and finishing.

• Place a paper template of the top of the shoe on top of each block and trace it (figure D). Make sure to use the correct template for each shoe – right with right, left with left.

• Remove the templates and make the cuts using a band saw (figure E). Michele Beschen used a 3/8" blade that had six teeth per inch. If you need to make finer cuts, be sure to use the appropriate blade.

Your shoe is starting to look like a shoe. Go to Part 3 to continue shaping your sole.