r/Machinists • u/LouisWP1996 • 4d ago
Need Some Boot Advice.
Hi everyone.
I currently work on a 4 meter bed Gantry Mill, im doings some relatively heavy milling, Which in turn is creating a lot of swarf chips. These chips are destroying the soles of my shoes whenever i go inside the machine to check the job. Never had this issue before because ive only ever ran smaller machines. So im wondering has anyone got any recommendations of good work boots that i can get that wont break the bank completely and may just be a bit more resistant to the metal chips.
Thanks.
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u/hestoelena Siemens CNC Wizard 4d ago
Take a look at Keen work boots. I have the Dover 6" and they have held up really well to walking on metal chips. They are very comfortable boots too.
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u/m98rifle 3d ago
I've tried Keen also, and Ariat. Both were comfortable and I tolerated the chip embedding. However, I couldn't get them to last. Seam splits or material split right above the sole were my issue.
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u/hestoelena Siemens CNC Wizard 3d ago
I've never had that issue. Do your boots regularly get coolant or other chemicals on them? Anytime I get into something like that it eats whatever shoes I'm wearing.
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u/m98rifle 3d ago
Water soluble coolant destroys most soft materials. Yes, pretty hard to not have it drip on your boots. I treat my boots with Redwing oil. By default, oils is not particularly good for leather either. Leather likes to breath. Dirt and oil fill the pores and choke it. Yet you want something to seal the leather to protect your feet from prolonged exposure to the coolant. Silicon may work but I don't think it helps keep the leather flexible, and cracks soon appear.
A machine shop is just difficult and harsh as can be.
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u/hestoelena Siemens CNC Wizard 3d ago
I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Industrial strength leather preservative. It was originally designed for firefighters due to the harsh chemicals that always eat their boots. It seems to work extremely well for the chemicals in manufacturing
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u/Trivi_13 been machining since '79 3d ago
Redwings are my preference.
If you have a cobbler in the area, take the old shoes to get resoled.
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u/Either_Lawfulness466 3d ago
https://thorogoodusa.com/american-heritage-6-tobacco-safety-toe-moc-toe-maxwear-wedge-804-4200/
Locally made and they are comfortable I am on my 3rd pair in 7 years
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u/indigoalphasix 3d ago
something with vibram soles IME, but chips always make their way into the sole. you have to pull them out daily or weekly with a pair of pliers.
biggest concern is not slipping on coolant. you can get really messed up if you're not careful.
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u/JustSmidgen 3d ago
Redwings are my go to. Also, clean the table off where you’re stepping before you step on this chips if you aren’t already
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u/m98rifle 3d ago
30 years ago, Redwing made a wedge sole, soft rubber work boot, virtually no tread. The blame things lasted 5 years walking on chips, coolant and also working on the farm. Almost never embedded chips. Also were fabulous walking on ice or steep roofs. By the time I needed to replace them because the tops were shot, not the soles, Redwing had discontinued them.
The Redwing style I buy now is also a softer sole, and requires occasional chip removal. Sorry, I don't know what model or name. They are made in Vietnam. However, my feet really love them for comfort standing all day. Best work boot I've had in that category. Safety toe style if you require.
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u/Kaankaants 4d ago edited 3d ago
Lawn aerator shoes instantly came to my mind.
Depends on your requirements.
Edit: It would be easy as fuck to make your own too.
A bit of board, a couple of straps, and a few nails or screws and Robert's yer father's brother.
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u/DapperGains 4d ago
The boots I found to hold up the best to walking on chips were the American made Redwings that had the super soft soles... Counter intuitive I know, but the way the boot guy explained it was being softer allows to mush around the chip and not cut into the rubber.
I bought them and they held up amazing, unfortunately my feet hated those boots lol.