Can't say I've ever heard of Appalachian Blues Hat Company before today, but after perusing the site I noticed there was a notice on his "2022 Custom Hat Ordering" page that says, "*Customs currently delayed as I recover from a broken hand - thanks for understanding*", so he might have taken some time off.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style. I got it too, Mark, but it was soon remedied.Is everyone getting this this morning? "The Upload failed failed because the file could not be written to the server. The site administrator will need to resolve this.................."
First time that happened to me.....computers and servers are above my pay grade.....by a LONG way.
I didn't get that one, but when I tried to access the site earlier this morning I got an error message that said something about all the resources being used (or some such) so I had to find an alternate source of entertainment. Good thing I had some laundry to do or I would have really been bored.Is everyone getting this this morning? "The Upload failed failed because the file could not be written to the server. The site administrator will need to resolve this.................."
First time that happened to me.....computers and servers are above my pay grade.....by a LONG way.
Good to have you back Mark.Good to see it back and going again!
Well....I had been gone a while...I thought my arrival back may have broke the site.....
Glad that does not seem to be the case....
My string settles into the string groove (which is narrower than my block) so it creates an indent in my felt. It makes it more difficult to take the blocked felt off the block and also doesn’t allow for a crisp 90% angle between block and brim. I hope that makes sense. It’s difficult for me to describe!
I’m just wondering if I’m missing something., that’s all. Plus, I feel that altering or messing with a vintage hat block may be considered a mortal sin by some more experiences hatters
But you’re right—to get what I want, I should modify it. Thanks!
I would love to hear the details of your apprenticeship. Is it a formal training or is an established hatter informally mentoring you? I think the details would be great to hear about. Perhaps tell us in the "Hat Making/Leanring Millinery thread.
I have restored a number of vintage blocks that were in bad shape. Lots of cracking/separating of the wood. I use a liquid/light paste wood filler. It sands easily and finishes nicely so you could use that to fill in the groove. I then use a Varathane Diamond coat to finish it.
That’s a great idea. I only wonder if it would just roll off the end. The string groove is as the base of the block, which I should have mentioned. I’ll try it out anyway and see how it goes! Thanks so much!
