The Stratoliner Society {VINTAGE}

[T Jones]

It's interesting how two 7 1/8 blocks can measure so differently. Tough to find the correct measurements for what a person needs.

I learned something from Art Fawcett regarding blocks a while back and it has proven to be a useful bit of good advice. Don't go by the size that's stamped on the block. As you see, we both have blocks that are stamped 7 1/8 but with different measurements. Per Art, you want to find a block that measures 1/4 inch larger than what your head measures to make up for the sweat installation. For example, my head measures out at 22 3/4, (7 1/4). Therefore, I need a block that measures 23 inches in circumference. So when you're searching for a block go by the circumference measurement rather than going by the size stamped on the block.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

I learned something from Art Fawcett regarding blocks a while back and it has proven to be a useful bit of good advice. Don't go by the size that's stamped on the block. As you see, we both have blocks that are stamped 7 1/8 but with different measurements. Per Art, you want to find a block that measures 1/4 inch larger than what your head measures to make up for the sweat installation. For example, my head measures out at 22 3/4, (7 1/4). Therefore, I need a block that measures 23 inches in circumference. So when you're searching for a block go by the circumference measurement rather than going by the size stamped on the block.

Grettings All:
Good points all. Thanks TJ.
Concerning differences in same size and form blocks excluding variances during manufacture.
I’m thinking these 2 “tapered” blocks are different heights. That would account for the difference.
Also, if you need @ a size larger block but don’t have a block, Tim at Alley Kat Hat had a post where he “sacrificed” a felt blank (or hat) over the block, tied it off, trimmed it and there you have a size up. Smart, slick, cheap. Smart guy!!
Just a thought.
Be well. Bowen

 

[T Jones]

Grettings All:
Good points all. Thanks TJ.
Concerning differences in same size and form blocks excluding variances during manufacture.
I’m thinking these 2 “tapered” blocks are different heights. That would account for the difference.
Also, if you need @ a size larger block but don’t have a block, Tim at Alley Kat Hat had a post where he “sacrificed” a felt blank (or hat) over the block, tied it off, trimmed it and there you have a size up. Smart, slick, cheap. Smart guy!!
Just a thought.
Be well. Bowen

Yup. Old hatter's trick. I've done that too. I got about an 1/8 more that way.

I think the two tapered blocks you mentioned are different from the two blocks that CS and I were discussing. The tapered block I have that's like yours is 23 1/4 in diameter by 5 3/4 tall.

 

[Cornshucker77]

I learned something from Art Fawcett regarding blocks a while back and it has proven to be a useful bit of good advice. Don't go by the size that's stamped on the block. As you see, we both have blocks that are stamped 7 1/8 but with different measurements. Per Art, you want to find a block that measures 1/4 inch larger than what your head measures to make up for the sweat installation. For example, my head measures out at 22 3/4, (7 1/4). Therefore, I need a block that measures 23 inches in circumference. So when you're searching for a block go by the circumference measurement rather than going by the size stamped on the block.

Good advice. How do you care for your blocks? Any tips?

 

[Cornshucker77]

Grettings All:
Good points all. Thanks TJ.
Concerning differences in same size and form blocks excluding variances during manufacture.
I’m thinking these 2 “tapered” blocks are different heights. That would account for the difference.
Also, if you need @ a size larger block but don’t have a block, Tim at Alley Kat Hat had a post where he “sacrificed” a felt blank (or hat) over the block, tied it off, trimmed it and there you have a size up. Smart, slick, cheap. Smart guy!!
Just a thought.
Be well. Bowen

I bought some old blocks that have the felt on them for that very purpose, I suppose. I was thinking about doing that with the 52 block that I have to get over the 22 5/8 inch base size. Like Terry said I could get it up 1/8" to 22 3/4 which is what I need.

 

[T Jones]

Good advice. How do you care for your blocks? Any tips?

To be honest, I haven't really thought about doing anything special by way of care. I do however, store my blocks in plastic bags and then put them in boxes, if that helps. Another thing I do is put plastic wrap around my blocks when I'm blocking a hat to keep them from getting wet in the process. It will also help to keep the old varnish from sticking to the hat.

 

[Cornshucker77]

To be honest, I haven't really thought about doing anything special by way of care. I do however, store my blocks in plastic bags and then put them in boxes, if that helps. Another thing I do is put plastic wrap around my blocks when I'm blocking a hat to keep them from getting wet in the process. It will also help to keep the old varnish from sticking to the hat.

Thanks Terry. I was just curious as I don't do anything, but store them in a dry place. Dang things are expensive even used,so I wanted to make sure I can preserve them for as long as I can.

 

[T Jones]

Thanks Terry. I was just curious as I don't do anything, but store them in a dry place. Dang things are expensive even used,so I wanted to make sure I can preserve them for as long as I can.

You're welcome buddy. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Oh yeah, they're definitely expensive. A person can run up a lot of expense collecting them. I have a few but not nearly as many as I'd like to have. I've got an idea on how to make my own, though. I'll probably go out this weekend to get what I need and give it a try.

 

[Cornshucker77]

You're welcome buddy. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Oh yeah, they're definitely expensive. A person can run up a lot of expense collecting them. I have a few but not nearly as many as I'd like to have. I've got an idea on how to make my own, though. I'll probably go out this weekend to get what I need and give it a try.

Cool. Hope it works out well. Would love to see them when you're finished..

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Good advice. How do you care for your blocks? Any tips?

Hreetings All:
77, for what its worth, i use several coats of Johnsons floor paste wax on mine. I coat/shine them until it looks like all the grain is sealed. This really helps when removing hats. They slide on and off so much easier. I figure if it worked on floors for ages it probably would on blocks. Not sure if that’s kosher but no problems so far.
Be well. Bowen

 

[Cornshucker77]

Hreetings All:
77, for what its worth, i use several coats of Johnsons floor paste wax on mine. I coat/shine them until it looks like all the grain is sealed. This really helps when removing hats. They slide on and off so much easier. I figure if it worked on floors for ages it probably would on blocks. Not sure if that’s kosher but no problems so far.
Be well. Bowen

Thanks for the tip.

 

[40Cal]

late 1940's to early 1950's Stratoliner in Gray.

 

[LuvMyMan]

late 1940's to early 1950's Stratoliner in Gray.
View attachment 112336 View attachment 112337 View attachment 112338

Oh Lord have Mercy! Those are some real lookers....

 

[LuvMyMan]

You're welcome buddy. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Oh yeah, they're definitely expensive. A person can run up a lot of expense collecting them. I have a few but not nearly as many as I'd like to have. I've got an idea on how to make my own, though. I'll probably go out this weekend to get what I need and give it a try.

A good tip about making your own wood block....take it slow.....real slow....get a good wood rasp and some files and lots of heavy grit sand paper and a few shots of some whiskey....for you not the wood! LOL!

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

late 1940's to early 1950's Stratoliner in Gray.
View attachment 112336 View attachment 112337 View attachment 112338

Greetings Robert:
Total love right there!
The perfect hat...a gray Strat! Congrats
Be well. Bowen

 

[Tukwila]

late 1940's to early 1950's Stratoliner in Gray.
View attachment 112336 View attachment 112337 View attachment 112338

I'm always on the lookout for one like this. What a gem!

 

[40Cal]

Greetings Robert:
Total love right there!
The perfect hat...a gray Strat! Congrats
Be well. Bowen

Thanks, Bowen. Are you a poet and didn't even know it? Or did you do that on purpose? haha

 

[40Cal]

I'm always on the lookout for one like this. What a gem!

Thank you. I've been looking for one for quite some time. They do turn up occasionally.... You have to be ready with fistfuls of cash when they do! Unfortunately.

 

[Just Daniel]

For your Strat folks with larger heads... A 7 5/8 Premier with stars. Looks like a nice one. I'm guessing most of you are already prowling

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Stets...500192?hash=item2aa813dbe0:g:eJgAAOSwfo9a6yxX



PS I'm not selling; I assume it's ok to post?

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

For your Strat folks with larger heads... A 7 5/8 Premier with stars. Looks like a nice one. I'm guessing most of you are already prowling

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Stets...500192?hash=item2aa813dbe0:g:eJgAAOSwfo9a6yxX



PS I'm not selling; I assume it's ok to post?

There will be prowlers now. Especially a 7 5/8!! One fine Premier Strat.
B