offer to hatters

[jpdesign]

Fellow Hatters, with flanges so hard to find, especially in large brims, large sizes, or both, I have started the process to have some made.

The flanges will be approx 1 7/8 inches thick, poplar, three sections biscuited together.
here are pictures of the piece I have recieved to check the layout.

The first set I am going to have made will be for a 5 inch brim. The person making them can only make flats. soon I will have them made at 4 1/2 and 3 1/2.

THe 5 inchers are going to start at $125 each. the more I can order at once, the lower the cost. If I get enough people I may get it down to $100 per flange.

I am going to have my set made for sizes 6 5/8 through hopefully 8 1/4.
If anyone else is interested let me know.

Jimmy

 

[Andykev]

This can stay a while.

This post should be in CLASSIFIEDS, however I will leave it here, as the picture and item may pique the interest and curiosity of those who may not know what this is for. After a while, I will move this to the appropriate forum. JP maybe you can post some pics showing what this is for. I have two at home, which I use to set my brims. I encourage members to think about getting one. What about the stand? Can't use the flange without the stand.

 

[jimmy the lid]

I have two at home, which I use to set my brims. I encourage members to think about getting one. What about the stand? Can't use the flange without the stand.

I've always been curious about this. How does one "set a brim" using a flange? I assume there are different types of flanges, yes? How does one choose the correct type?

Also, AndyKev -- how often do you use a flange? In other words, how handy would it be to have one (or more) of these?

Cheers,
JtL

 

[jpdesign]

Flanging in the process of pressing a brim. When a brim is out of shape, you can shape it with your hands, or press the brim back into its original shape. Pressing removes spots that have been stretched form handling, creased, or generally pushed out of shape.

first you must find the proper flange for the hat, the one with the right amout of curve and right width. Along with that you need a flange stand.

the flange is placed on the stand, and the hat is put into the flange.

The hat is then covered with a cloth that is held in place by a spring or rope.

Then the hat is steamed.

Then the hat is put under the press.

Now, some hatters will say you must use the heating element in the press or you will not get as good result. Some hatters just use the heating element and so not steam the hats. To me it depends on the hat. the process above works best for me when pressing soft brimmed hats to get the brims back into shape.

Now, the flanges I am having made will be flat on top, no curve. These will be more for making hats. Not to say they won't be used for pressing, but it would be more comon in the case of western hats, spanish boleros, and straw boaters.

Jimmy

 

[besdor]

Any chance of getting curved flanges in the future. Thats what most hatters need. I have complete sets from 1 1/2" until 4 " but when we have to flange a few hats at one time its better to have a few dulpicate sets .





Steven
www.bencraft.com

 

[jimmy the lid]

JP -- many thanks for taking the time to put together such a detailed and informative post!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[jpdesign]

Ok guys,

I am going to have some made next week. They will have a 5 inch brim, stainless steel washers around the registration holes, be 1 7/8 inches thick, and have the spring groove around the outside. the cost is $115 per flange, with a full set being 14 flanges from a 6 5/8 to an 8 1/4. I can have them made bigger and smaller than this, but this will cover 99.999% of hats that need to be made.

Jimmy

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Nice job Jimmy. I've managed to obtain a flange and stand. I have just the one flange as all my hats are of Open Road dimensions. Thanks for the pictures. I now know I'm doing it properly - except for the fancy-dancy steamer of course.

 

[Mark G]

Great information. Thanks

 

[Andykev]

Great info

I want to thank you for the follow up info.

This is how you flange or set the brim of hats. Both straw and felt incidentally.

I use my flange on the stand, with the cloth and a spring to hold it taunt. Then kettle steam, and sometimes an iron with a press cloth. It really spruces up the snap of the brim. Or rather, "Resets" the brim.

This post will stay in hats. It is very educational.

 

[jpdesign]

Actually, Hoffman used to make that type of steamer out of cast aluminium. It is no longer available. I designed this one and had my families metal shop build it out of stainless, along with my other steam heads.

made this one flat on top to heat irons.

for steaming on a block

for steaming on a flange.

Jimmy

 

[Panamabob]

I'd like some info on the flange. Also, can you send the hat back that I've sent it too? Thanks.