Ep 15. Custom Shoe Trees, Clay Targets, Squeeze Chutes, Composite Boat Propellers

How It's Made is an informative and fascinating documentary-style television show that explores the intricate process of manufacturing various everyday objects. The 15th episode of the show's 23rd season takes a closer look at the making of custom shoe trees, clay targets, squeeze chutes, and composite boat propellers - four very different products with entirely unique production methods.

The episode begins with a fascinating look at the creation of custom shoe trees. These specialized shoe inserts are designed to help maintain the shape and structure of luxury footwear, preventing it from becoming creased or misshapen over time. Viewers will get to see how artisans craft these shoe trees by hand using a combination of high-quality cedar wood and skilled hand tooling. The process involves carving, sanding, and finishing each shoe tree to ensure a perfect fit for each individual shoe. The end result is a unique product that helps to preserve some of the most valuable and stylish footwear on the market.

Next, the episode delves into the world of clay targets - the small, circular disks that serve as targets for shotgun shooting. Viewers will get to learn about the intricate manufacturing process that goes into creating these targets, which involves a combination of specialized machines and skilled personnel. The process starts with a mix of chemicals and ingredients that are molded together to create the targets, followed by a series of drying and baking steps. The result is a set of high-quality clay targets that are designed to provide a consistent and challenging experience for shooting enthusiasts.

Moving on from clay targets, the episode then explores the production of squeeze chutes - livestock handling equipment that is designed to safely restrain and handle farm animals. The show provides an in-depth look at how engineers and fabricators design and manufacture these chutes, combining sturdy metal frames with advanced hydraulic systems to create a highly effective and efficient product. Viewers will see how manufacturers use a combination of welding, cutting, and painting techniques to produce these heavy-duty products that are used by farmers and ranchers all over the world.

Finally, the episode concludes with a fascinating look at the manufacturing process behind composite boat propellers. These high-tech boat components are designed to provide maximum thrust and speed while reducing noise and vibrations. Viewers will get to see how engineers use advanced computer modeling software to design these propellers, followed by a series of steps involving precision machining, sanding, and polishing. The end result is a beautifully crafted and highly effective boat propeller that is designed to provide countless hours of enjoyment on the water.

Overall, the 15th episode of How It's Made Season 23 offers an intriguing look into a diverse range of manufacturing processes, showcasing the hard work and skill that goes into creating a variety of useful and interesting products. From custom shoe trees to composite boat propellers, viewers will gain a greater appreciation for the intricate and complex production methods that underlie so many of the things we use and rely on every day.