Sourcing Hat Blocks

T Jones · May 12, 2017

Michael R. said:
What Art was saying doesn't mean your correct size Block isn't 1/4" larger , Blocks may or may not be 1/4" larger to accommodate the sweat , you should just ask them to measure . What I was thinking about was the size Block to use to smooth out creases , so I think I need a Block one or two sizes smaller , but a 7 1/4 would probably do it . I know a Garve' Hat Stretcher or something similar would be a better choice for what I need . Plus I would like a Block for Westerns , more domed and taller 6 1/2-7" , fuller , also . I think Art said something about that , but I'd have to look back . I think the # ended in a 9 as I recall , but I would recognize one I believe when I saw it . Thanks , and Thanks @T Jones TJ .

You're welcome, Michael.

This should be of more help... Art's advice on hat blocks

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buying-hat-blocks-what-does-one-need-to-know.74078/page-2

Michael R. · May 12, 2017

Thanks @T Jones TJ , I remember now . the #52 Block I have is a 7 3/8 and it is 1/4" Larger than a 7 3/8 Hat . I need a Garve' , or one of those Bulgarian Hat Stretchers off of Ebay $$$ for my needs . You're doing a Super Job on your conversions and restorations ... .

Frunobulax · May 13, 2017

Michael R. said:
Thanks @T Jones TJ , I remember now . the #52 Block I have is a 7 3/8 and it is 1/4" Larger than a 7 3/8 Hat . I need a Garve' , or one of those Bulgarian Hat Stretchers off of Ebay $$$ for my needs . You're doing a Super Job on your conversions and restorations ... .

Bulgarian Hat Stretchers would be a great band name.

Michael R. · May 13, 2017

Frunobulax said:
Bulgarian Hat Stretchers would be a great band name.

haha , yeah it would Jim . Its a Hutform Holtz Hat Stretcher Wood Made of Poplar Millinery Hat Block - Hutform Holz ...

ChicagoWayVito · May 13, 2017

Cane Rod Maker said:
Mark is a good guy, he had taken the time to have some very nice stuff made. I did get band blocks. I'd like to get more items. But I don't have the funds at this time. I'd just love all new blocks and flanges.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I purchased a whole set of band blocks from Mark (hatterssupplyhouse.com) and they are very nice. He just completed a flange for me and I expect that to be nice as well. I will update the first post to list his website.

Michael R. · May 13, 2017

@ChicagoWayVito Kevin , How are you doing ? Long time no hear . Hope you're doing well . Sounds like you've got it under control . Mark's stuff looks good .

ChicagoWayVito · May 13, 2017

@Michael R. I am well thanks for asking. Been busy with work and also had a new baby boy back in October and he was preemie so I have not been able to keep up with some things. How are you doing?

Marks stuff is working out nicely. Excited for the flange and hoping to get a couple more in the next couple of months. The Scientific Hat book says I can get away with 3 flange sizes per style and brim width that would cover most people. So hopefully will get a few 3 flange set for a couple different styles.

Michael R. · May 13, 2017

ChicagoWayVito said:
@Michael R. I am well thanks for asking. Been busy with work and also had a new baby boy back in October and he was preemie so I have not been able to keep up with some things. How are you doing?

Marks stuff is working out nicely. Excited for the flange and hoping to get a couple more in the next couple of months. The Scientific Hat book says I can get away with 3 flange sizes per style and brim width that would cover most people. So hopefully will get a few 3 flange set for a couple different styles.

Congratulations on the New Baby Boy ! My #3 Grand Daughter was born in October as well . I hope your Son is doing much better , and Mom , too . Even under normal circumstances it can be trying , but a premie sometimes will come with their nervous system not developed enough , and its tough , among other things .
I'm doing well . I know you are super busy .

Thats great , I can see how using certain sizes and width Flanges would cover more than one Hat size , and save money and space . That Hat you made was AWESOME . Looking forward to seeing more . Have a Blessed Mothers Day ! Your Wife and your family . Congratulations again Kevin !

johnnycanuck · May 13, 2017

Great thread. I am going to have to pick up one of thoes plastic ones when I have the extra money. Last night I took my 11 year old Akubra federation (after a walk in the rain) and gave it a quick stretch over a Lincoln Logs tube. Helped square it up. I think the plastic block would do a better job though.

Johnny

RJR · May 14, 2017

johnnycanuck said:
Great thread. I am going to have to pick up one of thoes plastic ones when I have the extra money. Last night I took my 11 year old Akubra federation (after a walk in the rain) and gave it a quick stretch over a Lincoln Logs tube. Helped square it up. I think the plastic block would do a better job though.
Johnny

The Hat Shaper would do nicely for this purpose.

Windsock8e · May 15, 2017

UK / Europe people, there is a Guy Morse-Brown CB23 model, 6 inch high, 23.5 inch circumference (7 1/2 US) block on ebay uk.

I am a 7 1/8, so need a 7 1/4 so it is too big

. I was on the morse-brown website last night and thought xmas had come early, but maybe it is your early xmas instead.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=272650294977&globalID=EBAY-GB

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Michael R. · May 15, 2017

Nice Block though . Keep looking , you'll find one .

ChicagoWayVito · May 18, 2017

Windsock8e said:
Anyone used www.hatterssupplyhouse.com? Looks interesting with #52, 51 and 81 blocks. Is this the one you were referring to @cane-rod-maker?

As mentioned in a previous post I have purchased a set of band blocks for Hatters Supply House (Mark Havens) which are great. Last night I received my first flange from Mr. Havens. I can not be happier with it. The finish on it is great and it fits on my Decou flange stand nicely. I will be a repeat customer and Mark Havens is a nice person to work with. I would recommend their products to anyone looking to get new tools. Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Hatters Supply House

Spec:
Style: #19
Size: 7 1/2
Brim: 2 7/8
Oval: Regular Oval

You can get them in unfinished or finished which is something like a lacquer on them. The one I purchased is finished.

Up close profile view

Side view with blocking string channel

Ribbon pocket

Michael R. · May 18, 2017

Boy Mark DeCou does some classic work . His wife passed away from cancer last year (I think . The years a running together) . He took a break for a few months to catch up on orders , but he's back . Sweet Flange from Mark Havens at Hat Supply House . Congratulations Kevin @ChicagoWayVito !

ChicagoWayVito · May 19, 2017

Windsock8e said:
UK / Europe people, there is a Guy Morse-Brown CB23 model, 6 inch high, 23.5 inch circumference (7 1/2 US) block on ebay uk.

I am a 7 1/8, so need a 7 1/4 so it is too big . I was on the morse-brown website last night and thought xmas had come early, but maybe it is your early xmas instead.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=272650294977&globalID=EBAY-GB

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

@Windsock8e don't rule out the that block just yet. I would have purchased it myself if shipping to the US would have been cheaper. I had some conversation will the seller on this. Anyway, that block is about 1 inch larger than the 7 1/8 size but you can still put a sweat sized for 7 1/8 in it and get a reverse taper in the crown. That is if you care for that look. Also the seller is willing to move on the price, I made an offer of 45 GBP and they countered with 65 GBP and I probably could have gone back and forth a bit but then I checked the Royal Mail shipping costs to the US and it would have cost doubled the cost of the item. Kind of bummed out because I really would like a Guy Morse-Brown block. Oh well.

Windsock8e · May 19, 2017

ChicagoWayVito said:
@Windsock8e don't rule out the that block just yet. I would have purchased it myself if shipping to the US would have been cheaper. I had some conversation will the seller on this. Anyway, that block is about 1 inch larger than the 7 1/8 size but you can still put a sweat sized for 7 1/8 in it and get a reverse taper in the crown. That is if you care for that look. Also the seller is willing to move on the price, I made an offer of 45 GBP and they countered with 65 GBP and I probably could have gone back and forth a bit but then I checked the Royal Mail shipping costs to the US and it would have cost doubled the cost of the item. Kind of bummed out because I really would like a Guy Morse-Brown block. Oh well.

The shipping prices - and import duties make a big difference - probably the main thing that has stopped me emptying my wallet.

I would prefer to buy one block which I can use repeatedly, to start the learning. I would be ok with the reverse taper, but perhaps not for every hat. But now you've got me thinking - what if I need a bigger block one day - I will think about this morse-brown... first world problems...!

Fedoras4Life · Jun 11, 2017

Hello everyone, I have a question about blocking in general. I read somewhere that is you are blocking you should use the next size up from what you want your finished product to be, for instance, for a size 7 hat you should use a 7 1/8 flange to set your brim shape. Is this true?

ChicagoWayVito · Jun 11, 2017

Fedoras4Life said:
Hello everyone, I have a question about blocking in general. I read somewhere that is you are blocking you should use the next size up from what you want your finished product to be, for instance, for a size 7 hat you should use a 7 1/8 flange to set your brim shape. Is this true?

Because hat blocks widely vary in their actual measured circumferences from block to block and manufacturer to manufacturer you should pay no attention to the size listed on the block. Use the block size only as a guide, but you need to know the actual circumference of the block and the circumference of the persons head that the hat is for. You want the block to be 1/4 inch larger than the customers head circumference, this will allow for room to install the sweatband.

This thread will reiterate what was said above.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buying-hat-blocks-what-does-one-need-to-know.74078/page-2

When I first started out I was doing exactly what you had said, for 7 1/8 hat I blocked on 7 1/4 block and yes this will get you close but it may be completely wrong depending on the actual circumferences. I keep a digital journal for all my hat blocks that includes the style number, block size, crown height, and the measured circumference. I also measure the circumference again right before blocking to ensure I am using the correct block.

I hope you find this useful.

Fedoras4Life · Jun 11, 2017

ChicagoWayVito said:
Because hat blocks widely vary in their actual measured circumferences from block to block and manufacturer to manufacturer you should pay no attention to the size listed on the block. Use the block size only as a guide, but you need to know the actual circumference of the block and the circumference of the persons head that the hat is for. You want the block to be 1/4 inch larger than the customers head circumference, this will allow for room to install the sweatband.

This thread will reiterate what was said above.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buying-hat-blocks-what-does-one-need-to-know.74078/page-2

When I first started out I was doing exactly what you had said, for 7 1/8 hat I blocked on 7 1/4 block and yes this will get you close but it may be completely wrong depending on the actual circumferences. I keep a digital journal for all my hat blocks that includes the style number, block size, crown height, and the measured circumference. I also measure the circumference again right before blocking to ensure I am using the correct block.

I hope you find this useful.

Thank you very much Chicago, this was very helpful.

ChicagoWayVito · Jun 18, 2017

Just received my third order from Mark Havens (hatterssupplyhouse.com)
My order consists of two flanges, a #17 & #19, pictures below.

By the way, Mark is a stand up guy. Very easy to work with and accommodating. I highly recommend ordering from them if you need blocks, band blocks, flanges, flange stand, puller downer, runner downer, etc. His prices are well below other's that I have seen. For blocks the website lists styles 51, 52, & 81 but he can produce more than that. He has done a run of custom blocks and western blocks for a hatter. In addition he is working on sculpted panama blocks. I am on his wait list for notification for when I can start ordering those as I would like to branch out beyond felt. The #81 block is a nice block with gentle sloping sides, I may put one of those on order.

My next order from Mark is going to be fantastic. A #52 block with a 6 inch crown but I am also getting a 1 inch riser. So I will be able to do either a 6 inch or 7 inch crown with that. I have that in the queue for July 31st, so expect some pictures early August.

Style #17, Size 7 1/2 Regular oval, Brim 2 5/8 inch

Ribbon pocket

Style #19, Size 7 3/4 Regular Oval, Brim 2 7/8 inch

Ribbon pocket

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