This is done with another drill referred to as the chasing drill which is shown in fig. 14. At first this one is positioned exactly in the middle of the wooden shoe. As such, sufficient space for the rest of the foot is created and the hole is made the right depth.


The fitting is made such that it follows the model of the foot (space for the big toe, etc. see photo 32). A proper fitting is of utmost importance because a man should be able to walk in these wooden shoes conveniently and without trouble.

To create this proper fitting, regular measures need to be taken with the measuring staff. This measuring staff can not only be used to measure the length, but on this measuring staff also notches are visible for measuring the thickness of the edge of the heel and the thickness of the nose (usually in cm).

For the pair of wooden shoes shown on photo 33 the measures are 0.8 inch for the edge of the heel and 1.2 inches for the thickness of the nose. The latter is determined by measuring the outside length first and then measuring the inside by sticking the measuring staff inside the freshly drilled hole (photo 34). Both measures are subtracted to determine the thickness of the nose.

After the wooden shoe maker has created holes with the right and usually equal length in each wooden shoe, he continues with further drilling.

Photo 35 shows how he wields the chasing drill. He has clenched one hand around the shaft of the drill and with the other hand he holds the handle. By making rotating moves so to say, he scoops a bigger hole in the wooden shoe. It is exactly this activity which in Holland is called 'schrooien', parbuckling. He now needs to take care that nothing changes anymore in the length of the hole. This has already be determined. The chasing drill is also used to scoop out loose chips.


During this drilling a lot of strength is required. Photo 36 again shows again that the fore-arm is used to optimally apply force.

Photo 37 shows how the pair of wooden shoes is fastened in the boring bench and how the hole looks before and after scooping.

One can see at the left wooden shoe how well the shape of the instep has been made. Also the slopes for the toes and toe joints are already visible.