Dale R. Hamilton
08-17-2004, 12:58 PM
So my buddy wears orthotics, and he was complaining that they developed fractures over the years and would need replacing for upwards of $300. Also, he says his doc said he needed higher heels to shift his weight forward. hmmmm, "let me see one" I says. Yup I can fix it. First I cleaned the outside (bottom) with lacquar thinner and applied a thick coat of epoxy thickened with silica. While still wet I laid carbon graphite fibers into the epoxy running lengthwise. Finally, I saturated 9 ounce E glass with epoxy abd covered the whole bottom of the insert. Allowed to dry. Next I cut out a new heel outta 3/8" hard rubber and bonded that to the heel of the device. After drying, sand to smooth fair finish. BTW, mixed carbon graphite dust into my epoxy so it would have a proper subdued black finish (he's in law enforcement- might be tactical anytime). Great job- better than when new- I may have descovered a sideline.