The next operation is that of leveling, which is performed on the
Automatic Sole Levelling Machine--one of the most interesting used
in the shoemaking process. This is a double machine provided with
two spindles, on one of which the operator places a shoe to be
levelled. It is securely held by the spindle and a toe rest, and on
the operator’s pressing a foot lever, the shoe passes automatically
beneath a vibrating roll under heavy pressure. This roll moves forward
with a vibrating motion over the sole of the shoe down into the shank,
passes back again to the toe, then cants to the right, and repeats the
operation on that side of the shoe, returning to the toe and canting to
the left, repeating the operation on that side; after which the shoe
automatically drops forward and is relieved from pressure. This rolling
motion removes every possibility of there being any unevenness in the
bottom of the shoe, and while one shoe is under pressure the operator
is preparing a second one for the operation.
[Illustration: AUTOMATIC LEVELLING MACHINE.