Wow... someone once said making hats isn't rocket science, but I knew they were wrong.
Well, not that kind of slide rule ;-)
Wow... someone once said making hats isn't rocket science, but I knew they were wrong.
Good question John!
I haven't done much research yet, but the address corresponds to the Pontiac Building, built in 1891. If the "5" in the address is the 5th floor of this old high rise as it appears to be, that would be the earliest possible date. I've come up empty on the phone number thus far, and haven't found operating years for the company yet.
The slide type hatter's rule I have is probably older.
Does anyone have any experience with these plastic hat forms? http://www.hatshapers.com/. I am having trouble finding another wood block in my size and though I would give one of these a try. Thanks.
Does anyone have any experience with these plastic hat forms? http://www.hatshapers.com/. I am having trouble finding another wood block in my size and though I would give one of these a try. Thanks.
. Hat block direct makes an excellent product.Thanks Honey Doll and RBH for the information. I also just found a company in the UK called Hat Blocks Direct, which has some reasonably priced wood blocks. Anyone have any experience with this company? I guess I am looking for a block similar to the classic # 52 block, Hat Blocks Direct has a couple of blocks HB003 and HB009 that look like they would be similar to the 52 block. Any information would be greatly appreciated, finding information about hat making and hatters tools is proving to be quite challenging.
Thanks for the information. I am going to order one from Hat Blocks Direct, but I am now wondering what size to order. I wear a size 7 1/2, should I order a 60cm or 23 1/2" block or should I get one slightly larger that way when the sweat band is installed the hat will fit, I am afraid if I get a block that is exactly the same size as the circumference of my head 23 1/2" when I put a sweat band in it will be too tight. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.
You need to go larger or it will fit too tight once the leather hand band is in. I just measured my vintage 7 1/2 block and it actually measures 23 3/4.
If you need a nice source for leather hat bands, JW Hats makes a beautiful quality one... I think he charges me about $4 for it.
I'm thinking of buying a plastic block from hat shapers. I wear a 7 1/8 Long Oval and my head size measures out at 22 5/8. I'll need a larger hat block to compensate for the sweat band. So what circumference block do I need if I order one from hat shapers?
The sweat bands from JW are really nice. John Galt sent me a few and I like them a lot. Those are the sweats John G uses too.