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The Conversion Corral
The question seemed like a reasonable inquiry to me, and didn't appear to have any animus intended. This is a discussion forum, after all, and the photo was posted for comment. For what it's worth, I see what Olė is asking about, and note that from the photo at least, the rear of the reeded... -
Photos of hatters tools
Oh yes, these ones are mine ;-) I bought a bunch from a fellow a while back whose father & grandfather had been hatters, and who had apprenticed in their shop. Before that, I bought some blocks from a fellow who had attended the Langenberg auction. I've needed to clean them, and am just doing... -
Photos of hatters tools
Never thanked you for this, but THANKS! I will probably use a pressure system in a box for economy of space, and some setup as described, but it is good to know how these things are done properly... -
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Photos of hatters tools
I have many more flanges in various sizes & styles. Still missing a couple of the larger sizes of crown blocks... -
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Photos of hatters tools
Crown blocks, various brands, many are Langenberg or George Brothers. A couple are very old. Back row: 6 5/8 No 70 George Bros 6 (height) 6 3/4 No 173 GB (I believe) 6 6 3/4 Unknown # 6 Unknown maker This as an old one 6 7/8 No 70 6 6 7/8 No 59 GB 6 6 7/8 No 107 GB 5 3/4 Next row: 7... -
Photos of hatters tools
More brim flanges. These are all 7 1/8. Same source for most of these. From top to bottom: 835 2 inch MHSCO (Milliner & Hatter's Supply Co.?) No block # 2 1/4 (I believe - no width #) No maker's mark This one has a very rounded brim, like a giant turban roll 1929 2 1/2 Diamond 201 2 3/8... -
Photos of hatters tools
Vintage brim flanges, no newer than 1952, all size 7 1/4, freshly cleaned & ready for use. From top to bottom: 901 R 2 inches No maker's mark 29 2 1/4 Hatter's Supply House Chicago 1929 2 1/2 Diamond 1933 2 3/8 Hoffman 201 2 5/8 George Brothers -
Did I ruin my hat?
Tonyb, I have not had this problem with vintage hats (I know, maybe they bled years ago) but have had some modern black and blue hats bleed a lot with re-blocking and wear. I had thought it was due to the use of powder "dye" to even out the color. Am I off base? -
Did I ruin my hat?
I have had modern hats (Resistol) lose felt (and bleed dye) just with moisture & handling. -
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Did I ruin my hat?
I agree that the nature & history of fur felt hats is such that you should expect to be able to steam & reshape one unless the seller advises otherwise. If the seller won't credit for an exchange (Christy's should accept it from their vendor, you would think), then I'd try to re-block it. -
Photos of hatters tools
Maybe a hinge & rest on the lid of my box would help - then I could still mount the thing & heat it right side up before rotating it into the box for flanging. I'm pretty sure I'm going to put a hydraulic jack in the bottom, and some sort of pressure gauge would probably be warranted. -
Photos of hatters tools
Olė, they range in size from 12" to 18 1/2, generally. The big ones ought to work well, and they aren't that expensive. I'm going to look in thrift stores - I know I've seen them there before. -
Photos of hatters tools
I'm seriously thinking about building one with an electric wok as the bowl & heat generator. Many have an actual temperature control, ranging from warm to 400+ degrees, and are made of stainless steel. I know the heat would still be at the top, but I think it might be worth a try. It... -
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The Conversion Corral
Terry, if you throw it in the box with the others, I'll flange a fedora curl in it... -
Photos of hatters tools
Thanks! I'm going to be working on some design improvements as discussed, including a heating methodology. I'll keep you all posted. -
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The Conversion Corral
Joao, Thank you for your comment on the renovation. Getting the sweat wet might work, but if it's very dry it may cause it to wrinkle into a "slinky." If you try that, make sure to condition the leather well first. Scrap booking stores sell a product that dissolves glue - that might be worth... -
The Conversion Corral
Sounds like fun! I love doing this stuff. It charges me up to make beautiful things.
