Home re-flanging of a western??

[suitedcboy]

I have this Bailey 100% beaver that has developed a snap brim. Snap brim on a 4 inch brim western isn't really what I want nor what looks good on a western.
Has anyone re-flanged their western successfully at home with readily available tools?
I'm thinking a hat stretcher inserted and then wet and iron in radial and circular motions to flatten the brim.

 

[High Pockets]

I'd have to take that one to Shorty's here in Oklahoma city.

The only re-flanging I've done is with a steam iron and an ironing board.
I think you're on the right track. Like gtdean48 says, use something inbetween the felt and the bottom of the iron or you'll get shiny spots on the felt.

 

[gtdean48]

I have ironed out some wonky brims a time or 2. I wet with distilled water then used a dish cloth or even a hankerchief between the steam iron & the felt. Got good results...

 

[tonyb]

Having no flanges, I converted one using nothing more than steam and my fingers.

From this:

To this:

OK, I'm impressed. Did you do the edge binding as well?

As to suitedcboy's question ...

If the felt is quite stiff (as Westerns often are, although if the brim went limp on you, perhaps this one isn't) denatured alcohol will soften it temporarily, at least long enough to work the brim into the desired shape. Seeing how you're working without a flange, the trick is to find a way to hold the brim in that desired shape until the denatured alcohol evaporates and the felt stiffens up again. You may wish to use food cans and such to hold whatever upsweep you wish the sides to have. Eyeball it from every angle while you make your tweaks and then leave it be.

 

[High Pockets]

I posted those pics after mis-understanding the question.

Sorry.

tonyb, I'll PM you.

 

[suitedcboy]

Thanks guys. I have two other black 100% beaver Baileys (remember folks, hats are like potato chips...) and they have the same problem but to a lesser degree. I love the baileys for being colorfast and holding shape when soaked and handled rough but the brim shrinkage seems to be a bit of an issue. I'll pick one and try it and if the result isn't great I'll turn over the others to the pros.

 

[msm007]

How did it work out for you?