The Conversion Corral

[Redwoodjedi]

Thank you, again, very much, Mr. Manfred. I do believe that is the nicest thing that anybody has said about any of my hats. I shall now officially call this crease and shape combo, "The Eagle" in honor of your wonderful observation. There will be more Eagles soaring in the future!

~Erik

 

[Chepstow]

Erik, my sincere thanks for this great honor. I am obviously deeply moved.
I look forward and I hope I can see, much more creations of eagles in future.

 

[Joshbru3]

Erik, EXCELLENT JOB on that conversion. That brim edge looks absolutely perfect! I'm so glad that you saw the need to sand the bevel on the brim round again after the cut. The diamond crease and brim swoop are wonderful as well. I hope to see more conversions from you. You really seem to have a talent for them! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[Redwoodjedi]

Thank you very much, Gentlemen! I am humbled.

 

[Mario]

Oh yes, I rememeber that one, Josh. That's a fine kite there!

What can I say? Terrific conversion job and a gorgeous crease! :eusa_clap

 

[MikePotts]

sorry I'm a little late to this conversion party Redwoodjedi, but terrific work, well done.

MP

 

[ShrunkinCowboy]

Well, I'm trying my hand at my first Western-to-Fedora conversion.
I found an old Missouri-made Pedigreed Thoroughbred 10X off-white western hat.
It has a 4" brim and the THICKEST felt that I have ever seen?
I first cut the brim down to 2 3/4", then soaked the hat in warm water.
After shaping the hat, I'm letting it dry.
Jeez.....the felt is so heavy, it's been drying now for TWO days?
I'll post some pics of the finished product, whenever it finally dries out.....2013, maybe?

Steve

 

[randooch]

Steve, I had one of those Thoroughbred westerns for awhile, and I do remember the exceptionally heavy felt. You could prop it up near (but not on!) a heater vent in your house; that might speed up the drying.

 

[Harry Jones]

Akubra Cattleman to fedora

Well, attempted my first conversion. Got an Akubra Cattleman on Ebay as a project hat. I was surprised by how soft it was. My only other Akubra is a Coober Pedy I got from David Morgan, primarily as part of a Rough Rider (1st United States Volunteer Cavalry) outfit I wore for Cowboy Action Shooting. It was very stiff. For the conversion I cut the brim to 2 3/4 in., adjusted for long oval, rebashed as a center dent fedora, and replaced the leather hatband with an 1 1/2 in. dark brown ribbon I got from Todd's. It looks good against the fawn hat color. I'll try to post some pictures. You folks with more Akubra experience than I, are the Cattleman hats for the Aussie market different (softer) than those for the American Market? Mine is unlined and I notice that the ones sold by DM are lined, so I wonder if there are other differences as well.

 

[DJH]

sorry I'm a little late to this conversion party Redwoodjedi, but terrific work, well done.

MP

I'm even more late, but that is a fantastic job Redwoodjedi.

 

[Harry Jones]

Have no idea is this works, but thought I would try. FYI, the open crown was 5 3/4, with very little taper. He current crown is a bit under 5 in. Working on making a flange, and if it comes out OK, may try it on the brim.

 

[Harry Jones]

Sorry, looks like my attempts at posting pics didn't work. I reread instructions and try again later.

 

[Harry Jones]

 

[MikePotts]

Oh well done Harry! you've just turned a hat that I would consider 'Aussie Costume' into a perfectly acceptable everyday wearer. Good job,

MP

 

[Harry Jones]

Thanks. Although it was a nice hat in it's original form, I know that I would almost never wear it. Now, I suspect it will get a lot of use.

 

[hatophile]

Nice job, Harry, I like it with the vents, too.

 

[Redwoodjedi]

Nice job, Harry, I like it with the vents, too.

Kinda gives it a bit of an Akubra Bushman look. If the ribbon treatment were thin, it would be spot on for an Akubra...

 

[Redwoodjedi]

What can I say? Terrific conversion job and a gorgeous crease! :eusa_clap [/QUOTE]

Thank you Mr. Mario! You're half the inspiration for "The Eagle". I can no longer wear a hat proper without a Diamond Crease. Period.........unless, of course, it's one of my Cowboy Lids.......

 

[Redwoodjedi]

sorry I'm a little late to this conversion party Redwoodjedi, but terrific work, well done.

MP

Thank you kindly, Mr. Potts.

 

[Redwoodjedi]

I'm even more late, but that is a fantastic job Redwoodjedi.

Better late than never! Thanks a bunch, DJH!