making some boot Jacks

[old243]

I don't know how many of you swampers , have trouble getting your muddy, rubber boots, off then you come into the house. A lot of houses and farms had a boot jack , just outside the back door. You got yelled at if you tracked mud in. We had a plastic , one that broke a while ago so I went to the shop and built a new one. This time out of hard maple so it won't break. I gave several out as Christmas presents, to my family. Am making several more I will donate to various places, where I might want to use it. Anyone that has never used one, I used a 5 inch wide board about 14 inches long, hardwood preferred, cut a tapered hole in one end, the shape of a rubber boot heel, about 3 1/2 inches deep . On the underside about an inch behind the hole, mount a block cross ways,  to hold the jack up. about 2 inch by the width of the block, the block should be tapered on the bottom, so it rests flat on the floor and doesn't rock around. Screw it to the board. Smooth everything up, and finish to your liking. Next thing to having a pocket in your shirt, they are very handy. old243

[farmertrappe]

When I bought boots before Christmas I got a pair that is loose so I can pull them off with out pulling a muscle in my legs. Need one myself, getting ole bites.

[old243]

Another tip, when making the tapered hole. I used a 2 inch, forstner bit, or hole saw, to make a nice hole . Then cut out the wedge.  When making these , also make a long handled shoe horn to get your boots back on. especially if you have felt liners that shove down as you put them on. I made some of these last year, you can find the post if you look back. Good cold day , shop project old243

[old243]

An interesting thing, I was talking to a farmer friend the other day. I had given him one of my boot jacks that I had made earlier. He had never seen one before. He wears rubber boots to the barn all the time. He says he uses it all the time. He also said his wife is happy , now. He has no mud and $hit on the toe of his socks now , when he comes in the house old243

[old243]

I have just completed , some more long handled shoe horns. I had made some last year and they were all gone. Have given them to friends , also to several folks that were having hip replacements, or just generally not able to reach their feet. For anyone looking for an easy shop project, and a gift that costs you next to nothing to make, except your time. In my case it is more for something to do.. I make them about 26 inches long and out of a 2 inch wide board , 3/4 inch thick. Shape the horn end , so it fits neatly in a shoe or boot, do most of the shaping , with a band saw, then a belt sander to get the final shape. shape a hand grip on the other end. taper the area , in between, so it is lighter and thinner. You can put different shapes here if you are creative. No two of mine are exactly the same. I have lots of scrap hardwood lumber, my last bunch , were made from cherry, maple and birch. I don't paint or finish mine but you can fancy them up if you want. Finally drill a hole in the handle and make a loop , of leather lace or shoe lace to hang them up. Something ,to give you shop time, have fun old243