For the last few years I’ve been making boot jacks - mostly for graduation presents and Christmas gifts. I’ve also donated a few as auction items for church and school fundraisers. They are relatively easy to make and you can customize them to fit the recipient and their interests. Just about any kind of wood will do – I’ve used oak, cedar, poplar and pine. (I want to try mesquite at some point). The ones in the following pics are pine - cut out of a 1x6. I made a template out of plexiglass for easy and consistent tracing.
Next step is to drill a 1 ½” hole to form the bottom of the boot slot. (easier than using a saw for that tight curve) I complete the cut-out on a bandsaw but a jigsaw will work as well.
A small drum sander in the drill press is handy for knocking off the edges. I then hand-sand with 220 or finer grit.
Here’s several I recently completed. The support block is attached with wood glue and two countersunk screws. I buy the leather off the scrap table at a leathercraft store. (easily dyed - like I did on the red one) If I’m feeling ambitious and have the time I will tool the leather pad with initials or other designs. You can also attach conchos or college emblems for decoration. (BTW, a 13/16" bit drills a perfect hole for inserting the brass from a 12 gauge shotgun shell) As far as finishing - some are stained, some are painted - but I tried something different with the one on the right. I lightly scorched the bare wood with a torch then rubbed it down with linseed oil. I carved the arrowhead from a thin piece of basswood.
Next step is to drill a 1 ½” hole to form the bottom of the boot slot. (easier than using a saw for that tight curve) I complete the cut-out on a bandsaw but a jigsaw will work as well.
A small drum sander in the drill press is handy for knocking off the edges. I then hand-sand with 220 or finer grit.
Here’s several I recently completed. The support block is attached with wood glue and two countersunk screws. I buy the leather off the scrap table at a leathercraft store. (easily dyed - like I did on the red one) If I’m feeling ambitious and have the time I will tool the leather pad with initials or other designs. You can also attach conchos or college emblems for decoration. (BTW, a 13/16" bit drills a perfect hole for inserting the brass from a 12 gauge shotgun shell) As far as finishing - some are stained, some are painted - but I tried something different with the one on the right. I lightly scorched the bare wood with a torch then rubbed it down with linseed oil. I carved the arrowhead from a thin piece of basswood.
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