- 1). Set your shoe onto the UHMPWE plastic sheet, making sure the plastic is surrounding the shoe on all sides, but keeping it as close to the edge as possible. Trace the outline of your shoe with a pencil. After successfully tracing the outline, go over it with permanent marker. Choose the area where you want your plate to go. Try starting with the entire arch of the sole if you're not sure of your preference yet. Draw two vertical lines within the shoe's outline to make your plate shape.
- 2). Using the hacksaw, cut out the plate you've shaped. Begin by cutting somewhat outside of the lines, making a perfect square, rather than the exact shape. Use the belt sander to grind the plate down into its proper shape.
- 3). Use the belt sander to create a concave arc in the center of the plate. This will allow the shoe to better fit the rails and curbs while you're grinding. The arc should be almost as long as the plate, leaving just about an inch on each side, while the depth shouldn't go down more than half an inch.
- 4). Cut the proper space in the soles of the shoes for the plates to fit. Make the space just a tiny bit too short for the plates to fit, thus ensuring a secure insert. Cut the soles down to the edge of the shoes, but making sure not to break the bottom of the sole. There should still be a couple centimeters of shoe sole between your foot and the plate.
- 5). Duct tape the plates to their appropriate spots on the bottom of your shoes. Try your shoes on and see how they feel. Walk around for a bit, and try stepping around some rails. Make sure the arc in the plate is deep enough to grind with.
- 6). Remove the duct tape, and glue the plates into the soles. Clamp the plates in the vise, and leave it overnight. Try them out the next day to make sure they're sturdy and usable.
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