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DIY Holder

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tearapin

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Jun 5, 2016
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229
So I suspect inmates here have obsessions as do I. Tools, workbenches, cars, bikes etc. One of my garage time obsessions is maintaining my shoes and boots. I now do it on the garage workbench and just hold the shoe. Not optimal.

I have been racking my brain in an attempt to figure out how I can DIY a shoe shine butler like the one pictured. They original product has become an antique and commands big $$. I am hoping the brain trust here has either done this or can tell me how to. Thank you.
 

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matt_i

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Mar 14, 2008
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SE Michigan
The harder details are the curved pieces. Thinking originally cast and then finished. You can beat sheetmetal into a form with an anvil, hot or cold, or start with solid, bandsaw, angle grind, flap wheel, file and sandpaper, etc. Weld or braze if you have the capability.

It would be interesting to integrate the parts into a quick-acting ratcheting bar-clamp for a more modern touch.

Its one of those jobs where you can save $100 on the original purchase by outfitting yourself with $10,000 in shop equipment and then providing free labor. I know the path well ;)
 
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tearapin

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Jun 5, 2016
Messages
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Matt,
Yes I was hoping to avoid the ten grand in tools. I just think there is a simple way to do this that i am missing. But the light bulb has not gone on yet :)
 
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signcrafter

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May 9, 2012
Messages
12,635
tearapin said:
That was out of stock yesterday. But I still think a DIY cheaper than $88 is possible
Click to expand...

All depends on what you are capable of. I would take a 12" clamp like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Jorgensen-12-in-Heavy-Duty-Bar-Clamp-3712-HD/100146660. Then weld a plate on the end that you can screw to the wall. Then make some wood blocks shaped like the ones in your picture using a band saw and spindle sander. But like I said, all depends on what you're capable of doing in your shop.

If you can't weld you will have to figure out a way to make it so you can fasten it to the wall. Then you will have to figure out how you can make some pieces to go in your shoe like the ones in that link.
 
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carnutdallas

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Joined
Nov 6, 2013
Messages
141
They are all over ebay and can be cheaper. Some are missing bracket, but that is easier to fab. Here is a screen shot. Just search by the words in search box below and they will pop up. Lots of choices.

93d73faa8678d854cb52e38b9c9b7095.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

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metalmagpie

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Nov 1, 2011
Messages
801
Location
Seattle
Helped a neighbor clean out her basement some time back. I found a lot of that shoe hardware. Couldn't find anyone who wanted, all went for scrap.

metalmagpie
 
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