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[belfastboy]

Belfast, I considered coming directly to you, but you've been such a help recently I thought I'd give you a break. Thank you, once again! Your advice is always so well detailed. That explains the angles. Ok, here I go! Thanks again!

It is easier making a hat for yourself as you can tape the sweat together and try it on for size. I always end up cutting it twice as I err on the side of caution and get it a bit big so have to cut again. Take it slow.

 

[Adam L]

It is easier making a hat for yourself as you can tape the sweat together and try it on for size. I always end up cutting it twice as I err on the side of caution and get it a bit big so have to cut again. Take it slow.

Will do. I plan on making a few cuts and taking it in increments. Ha ha. Thanks so much!

 

[Gobi]

Does this look like Long Oval dimensions to you? It doesn't to me but maybe my eyes are lying. I have a larger sized block that IS long oval and even though it's larger, it's more narrow than this one which leads me to believe this is not a long oval. It looks regular to me. Thoughts?

 

[belfastboy]

Does this look like Long Oval dimensions to you? It doesn't to me but maybe my eyes are lying. I have a larger sized block that IS long oval and even though it's larger, it's more narrow than this one which leads me to believe this is not a long oval. It looks regular to me. Thoughts?
View attachment 308578

It does look Reg Oval....post the north/south and east/west dimension and i can tell you for certain. Also the measure all way around.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

^^^General question:
Is there a standard ratio length to width for a long oval??
Regular oval??
B

 

[belfastboy]

^^^General question:
Is there a standard ratio length to width for a long oval??
Regular oval??
B

I first purchased a full set of vintage Long Oval flanges and had my blocks made to fit. 60cm block is 21cm long, 16cm wide. 58cm block is 20.5cm long, 15.3 wide. Now this might not be the standard as the vintage flanges had some wear and the opening may be slightly larger than the standard. I have blocks from 56cm up to 62cm, all LO

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I first purchased a full set of vintage Long Oval flanges and had my blocks made to fit. 60cm block is 21cm long, 16cm wide. 58cm block is 20.5cm long, 15.3 wide. Now this might not be the standard as the vintage flanges had some wear and the opening may be slightly larger than the standard. I have blocks from 56cm up to 62cm, all LO

Maybe one of our resident engineers will work out a ratio for us.

 

[Frunobulax]

Maybe one of our resident engineers will work out a ratio for us.

Sorry, I was a fluids major.

 

[BobHufford]

Sorry, I was a fluids major.

Weren't we all fluids majors in college?

 

[Frunobulax]

The ratio of a regular oval appears to be about 1.23-1.24.

Based on the measurements given by Rob (@belfastboy), the ratio of a LO is between 1.30 and 1.339. Somewhat inconsistent, but as Rob mentioned, his vintage flanges could have worn away or, if they are different manufacturers, may have a different RO to LO ratio at the outset.

Need more data.

 

[Frunobulax]

Weren't we all fluids majors in college?

Not to mention the post-grad independent studies.

 

[Adam L]

I had the same question a while ago, and while researching I stumbled across a top hat maker in the UK that listed dimensions of their hat blocks. While there is no regulated system, they provided these guidelines for classifying hat blocks:

Round Oval - Approx. 5/8 inch longer than it is wide
Regular Oval - Approx. 1 3/8 inches longer than it is wide
Long Oval - Approx. 2 1/8 inches longer than it is wide

I only have one block, so I can’t verify, and I imagine regular ovals have slightly different specs depending on the block maker. This may also be the only reference I’ve ever seen to round oval, too.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I had the same question a while ago, and while researching I stumbled across a top hat maker in the UK that listed dimensions of their hat blocks. While there is no regulated system, they provided these guidelines for classifying hat blocks:

Round Oval - Approx. 5/8 inch longer than it is wide
Regular Oval - Approx. 1 3/8 inches longer than it is wide
Long Oval - Approx. 2 1/8 inches longer than it is wide

I only have one block, so I can’t verify, and I imagine regular ovals have slightly different specs depending on the block maker. This may also be the only reference I’ve ever seen to round oval, too.

It seems to me that it would need to be a ratio as a fixed number would mean the smaller the hat hat size the longer the oval and vice versa.

 

[belfastboy]

I had the same question a while ago, and while researching I stumbled across a top hat maker in the UK that listed dimensions of their hat blocks. While there is no regulated system, they provided these guidelines for classifying hat blocks:

Round Oval - Approx. 5/8 inch longer than it is wide
Regular Oval - Approx. 1 3/8 inches longer than it is wide
Long Oval - Approx. 2 1/8 inches longer than it is wide

I only have one block, so I can’t verify, and I imagine regular ovals have slightly different specs depending on the block maker. This may also be the only reference I’ve ever seen to round oval, too.

That roughly fits for my LO's. It seems the ratio is plus/minus 2" longer than width across the range.

 

[Frunobulax]

I had the same question a while ago, and while researching I stumbled across a top hat maker in the UK that listed dimensions of their hat blocks. While there is no regulated system, they provided these guidelines for classifying hat blocks:

Round Oval - Approx. 5/8 inch longer than it is wide
Regular Oval - Approx. 1 3/8 inches longer than it is wide
Long Oval - Approx. 2 1/8 inches longer than it is wide

I only have one block, so I can’t verify, and I imagine regular ovals have slightly different specs depending on the block maker. This may also be the only reference I’ve ever seen to round oval, too.

I suppose that would work in a limited range, but specific numbers aren't scalable.

Makes me all twitchy as an engineer.

 

[Dotneck]

I believe this is mold. How would I get rid of it? Is scraping it away sufficient or should the hat be treated in some way?

 

[Blare]

View attachment 308804 I believe this is mold. How would I get rid of it? Is scraping it away sufficient or should the hat be treated in some way?

View attachment 308804

I believe it is verdigris from the copper wire used as part of the reeding material. Think of like the Statue of Liberty turning green

I realize that doesn’t help you on the cleaning advice. LOL. I’m sure others have more experience with it. I’ve generally left it on the few hats I have with similar stains... I kinda liked the character.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

View attachment 308804 I believe this is mold. How would I get rid of it? Is scraping it away sufficient or should the hat be treated in some way?

View attachment 308804

Verdigris. It’s from the copper in the ferrule that connects the ends of the reed.

Edit: Joe beat me.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

View attachment 308804 I believe this is mold. How would I get rid of it? Is scraping it away sufficient or should the hat be treated in some way?

View attachment 308804

Try cleaning it with white vinegar.

 

[Dotneck]

Verdigris. It’s from the copper in the ferrule that connects the ends of the reed.

Edit: Joe beat me.

Well I feel better knowing it’s not fifty year old mold...