The Conversion Corral

[bond]

Yes David , carefully iron brim use ironing cloth steam . Set with kahl stiffener then shape with steam is how I do it.

 

[bond]

Here's a venerable older Wormser homburg I just completed . Was t sure if this one was going to make it or not as it needed a lot of help. Started by flipping felt inside out, trimmed brim back as that was tore 1/4. It's at 23/8 now. Added new ribbons of course . Re sized up from 73/8- to 71/2
Before and after pics

 

[Geldoc]

Thanks JG and Bond. I've got a flange, which works great for felts. I'm trying for a flatter brim on straws. I use a gelatin solution for stiffening straws; I brush it on. I'll try the iron - add stiffener - steam - flatten sequence. I know there is art to this, which I simply haven't (yet, I hope) mastered.

 

[Geldoc]

That's a handsome Wormser, Bond.

 

[ManofKent]

That's a handsome Wormser, Bond.

Great felt colour.

 

[bond]

Thanks guys , I like this color a lot too it's more of a reddish warm medium brown here's a better pic that's more accurate.

 

[1mach1]

Scott, that is a beautiful conversion. Very nice work.

 

[John Galt]

Thanks JG and Bond. I've got a flange, which works great for felts. I'm trying for a flatter brim on straws. I use a gelatin solution for stiffening straws; I brush it on. I'll try the iron - add stiffener - steam - flatten sequence. I know there is art to this, which I simply haven't (yet, I hope) mastered.

For flat brims, probably something like Hatter4's finishing bench:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=1750937

 

[John Galt]

I like that conversion Bond. I've not turned one inside out yet, but keep threatening. I did once re-block a Ritch Rand OR clone with a hole in the crown that I picked up for $25 and put a grommet in the hole and another on the other side (actually, I put a total three on each side) as suggested in the Ermatinger book. It worked well - kind of like magic.




"Faint hat never won fair lady"

 

[bond]

Thanks guys. This is the narrowest brim binding I've attempted to date and not sure if I can go less than a 1/2 with my current set up , but I am pretty happy with how this one turned out overall. As far as flipping felt inside out JG its a crap shoot sometimes it works sometimes not, this one was un finished inside so I had to do a fair amount of sanding to get it to match the brim. The felt was so faded on original side out that I was seriously thinking of pitching it in the trash and when I tore the brim while pulling off the old binding I thought I ruined the hat completely but fortunately trimming the brim back worked out ok.

 

[DOGMAN]

Looks good,Bond.I like that size brim binding with the 2 3/8" brim.

 

[bond]

Thanks DMan. Here's a Borso that I just finished up . It was in pretty rough shape with a busted up sweatband and a torn ribbon. Came as a 7 1/4 so I re sized it with my recently acquired 7 1/2 block.
Added a blue /grey ribbon with matching wind cord. Color on sticker calls this one Palladio

 

[Geldoc]

Another nice resurrection, Bond.

 

[ManofKent]

Another nice resurrection, Bond.

+1

 

[Mr.Astor]

I agree, you did a very nice job on an orphan hat!!

 

[Mr.Astor]

I agree, you did a very nice job on an orphan hat!!

What does the liner and sweat look like? Reeded unreeded? Thanks.

 

[bond]

Thanks for the positive feedback guys. I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Mr Astor , the sweat is a standard reeded sweat . Here's pics per your request

 

[DOGMAN]

Bond,you sure find some beat up hats.This one now looks dang good.Another hat saved!

 

[RBH]

Looks good.
But you do know that in 10- 15- 20 years [with that original liner] someone here on the Lounge will be wondering what model Borsalino that is!

 

[bond]

Thanks again DMan. I think its your turn to post one sooner or later . Have any in the works?
Rusty you have a point there, I might have to make up a label and stick it under the sweatband so when I am long gone others will have an idea of what all of these freak hats are .