This is a tutorial on how to make your own pair of Geta. (this is the real way of making them. these are made from one piece of oak instead of 3 glued together.)
It is fairly easy but you do need some moderate wood working skills.
I have made longbows and other stuff from wood before so I know how it will behave
This pair of geta's will be made from Oak.
Step 1: Choosing the wood
The choise of wood is important.
You dont want it too be full of cracks and holes.
I have already mesured and cut out for each foot on the picture below.
Cut about 1 cm from your foot because then you will be able to shape your geta later.
You dont want it too be full of cracks and holes.
I have already mesured and cut out for each foot on the picture below.
Cut about 1 cm from your foot because then you will be able to shape your geta later.
Step 2: Start Sanding and Sanding
What you need to do now is sand down the rough surface with a sandpaper (I used grit 120)
And when you are done with the first one then its on too the next one.
(this took me about 5 hours to complete because I wanted it too look really nice)
And when you are done with the first one then its on too the next one.
(this took me about 5 hours to complete because I wanted it too look really nice)
Step 3: The all important teeth
When you are about to make the teeth I have one very important scentence for you.
TAKE IT SLOOOOOW.
First mark out were you want your teeth
there are really no standards to where and how high but a minimum of 4 cm high is recommended. (I have seen some that are as high as 17 cm !!!)
Use a chisel (i think that its the right name) and a hammer to slowly remove the wood.
Make sure you dont hurt the teeths.
Do this on both shoes :P
OBS the front shall be a bit longer than the back. for more easy walking
TAKE IT SLOOOOOW.
First mark out were you want your teeth
there are really no standards to where and how high but a minimum of 4 cm high is recommended. (I have seen some that are as high as 17 cm !!!)
Use a chisel (i think that its the right name) and a hammer to slowly remove the wood.
Make sure you dont hurt the teeths.
Do this on both shoes :P
OBS the front shall be a bit longer than the back. for more easy walking
Step 4: Start sanding and Sanding again
Start sanding with a wood rasp on the bottom and make it look good
Step 5: Round the edges and strengthening the teeth
Now its time to round the edges you do this best with a rasp .
then sand it down again so it look nice.
then oil it with treeoil.
after this is done you need too strengthen the teeths.
First drill two holes in each teeth then fill it with glue and the hammer in a plug and chop it off.
Leave it to dry for a while
Now you can also decide were the holes for the Hanao (thong) should be. and drill them ( you can use a powerdrill here but I used a Handdrill)
then sand it down again so it look nice.
then oil it with treeoil.
after this is done you need too strengthen the teeths.
First drill two holes in each teeth then fill it with glue and the hammer in a plug and chop it off.
Leave it to dry for a while
Now you can also decide were the holes for the Hanao (thong) should be. and drill them ( you can use a powerdrill here but I used a Handdrill)
Step 6: Sew the Hanao
I used strong wool fabric on the outside of the Hanao and inside its a "rope" of hemp.
I did forget to take picture while sewing but it shouldnt be a problem. Just sew it to your foot size and it should be fine.
(drill larger holes if you need to I needed to re drill 3 times xD )
I did forget to take picture while sewing but it shouldnt be a problem. Just sew it to your foot size and it should be fine.
(drill larger holes if you need to I needed to re drill 3 times xD )
Step 7: Finishing the Geta
When you have tweaked all the little problems and have attached the Hanao securly then go out and let the world know that you have a pair of geta's (atleast let them hear it)
(About a week later I did put rubber soles on the teeths too protect them and make the noise lower, it also makes them look fancy)
がんばってね :D
This was my first instructable
I hope you enjoyed it :P
またね！
(About a week later I did put rubber soles on the teeths too protect them and make the noise lower, it also makes them look fancy)
がんばってね :D
This was my first instructable
I hope you enjoyed it :P
またね！
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My dad has a pair from when he was stationed in Japan in the early '70s and they are heavy and take time to get used to walking in, in the same way I would imagine high heels would, so I don't see how anyone could wear these often unless it was their only option or they were super dedicated.
I also like to walk barefoot which is healthier and like getting a foot massage all the time. Geta are hard, but if made from Paulownia not too bad, and still less hard than concrete and without small stones and grit to damage the feet.
One advantage is that they do not throw water up the back of the legs in the wet like flip-flops do.
These are also quite heavy. I have put rubber soles on the teeths and that makes them much more comfortable to walk on sidwalks with =) :P
Many people think that adding rubber soles make then less slippery but actually if made from Paulownia which is a soft wood they give more grip without rubber soles.
It is not that hard to make, it would be much eaiser if you made them out of softer wood :)
Well then get on and make them ! :D
He was over six feet tall and wearing a rucksack at the time - I was so impressed, I took a sneaky photo of his feet, just in case I ever decided to make a pair.
>K<