Assistance Please- So Cal Crown Bashing Expertise

[John in Covina]

Hi Friends!

Well, I just got an Akubra Campdraft from Hats Direct in that cream in the coffee brown they call Taupe Fawn. I fiddled with it but just can't seem to get it the way I want it, so I wanted to ask from those 'at home' bashing experts for a little help. I'd love to see it done the right way so I can watch and learn. I have a decent tea kettle for steam production.

Actually I would not mind having a little get together if you'd care to demonstrate and have a group of us watch. Then maybe BBQ and some brews to celebrate?

I am located in Covina as my name suggests.

Let me know.

Thanks,

John

 

[kaosharper1]

John:

I'd love to help, but I'm not sure when. What type of bash do you want to give it? I use water myself rather than steam.

 

[John in Covina]

Maybe after New Years.

I'd like to get a modified diamond bash but where the center section comes back up to make room for my noggin.

Plus a tight pinch in the front.

 

[kaosharper1]

That's what I did to mine. You can see it here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34737&page=4

I also did something similar to my Camptown, which you may remember from the get together at the Ritz.

 

[RBH]

John the way I get the little bump in the center is like Kao I use water and after I get the diamond ion I put it on ...down low so that the bump is pushed
up. I try and wear it as it dries.

 

[PabloElFlamenco]

Hey guys, don't y'all think John, in Covina, is circumventing the actual reason behind his request: a get togetha' wiff friends (anna cuppa, ya' reckon?).
If I were you, I'd encourage him: it's a good idea.
Bash, bash, bash that hat.
Yeah.

 

[John in Covina]

Read, hear, see, do!

For myself, I can read about it and have one level of knowledge,
I can hear some one speak about it and get another level of knowledge.
But when I see it done then I am more comfortable with doing it myself.

I figure there are a number of folks that might like a demonstration so they'll know better and be willing to go on to do it themselves.

I'll host a demonstration and see that we have some fun too.

 

[John in Covina]

That's what I did to mine. You can see it here:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34737&page=4
I also did something similar to my Camptown, which you may remember from the get together at the Ritz.

***********

That's really close to what I want to do. I like it as a 5 point with 2 in the back but the 4 point is pretty sharp.

 

[kaosharper1]

I'll be glad to share what I've learned. I'm not an expert, but I actually enjoy bashing hats and I've gotten nice comments on the ones I've done. The Campdraft is easier to start with since it is softer than other Akubras, or my Camptown which was the stiffest hat I've had so far, though it softened up nicely after wetting it several times. The Fed III was pretty stiff too.

 

[Woodfluter]

Hey there John -

I was born in Covina! In a real hospital - my folks lived in the desert at the time. But I digress...

If you pull off this get-together, may I suggest that you video some of the techniques and post that on YouTube? I haven't even searched there for any instructional matter, but I doubt anything of that sort exists so this could be a start. Compare water vs steam methods, etc. I'd post something, only I don't have a videocam.

In a nutshell, I just beat up on the hat (if it is new) to soften it, then dry shape it to get an idea where I'm headed and what the hat likes and doesn't, then steam it and start to set it right. I use a mirror a lot, keep putting it on and messing with it while it is damp, then take it off and re-steam portions and fix things that aren't symmetrical, etc. It really isn't a terribly big deal now, but I was surely a lot more tentative the first time, myself.

- Bill

 

[John in Covina]

Perhaps we can talk Seth into applying his video magic to the Demo.

 

[John in Covina]

If anyone else has bashing expertise and would like to join us and demonstrate, let me know. It could be fun to see some different approaches.

Thanks!

 

[portolan]

I'm in San Diego Much of the Time....

Let me know when this is gonna happen.....I will try and come up! I'd love to see it. Phil

 

[John in Covina]

I'd like to do it on the weekend in January sometime.
I'll post here and in the events section when we get the logistics squared away.

 

[John in Covina]

Possible Video Probable Video

I was able to PM Seth, our own Happyfilmluvguy, who is an execellent videographer and editor along with everything else video making needs. He wrote that there is a good chance he can come and do a video of the bashing.

Seth most recently worked with Marc Chevalier to produce a DVD of the History of the Oviatt Building (PBS grade show) and also a really fun romp Adventures Aboard the Queen Mary which chronicals some of the doings for the amazing 2006 Queen Mary Event and debut of Classic Style Magazine.

He has superb skills and will be able to put something together for You-tube which should increase the public awareness of Fedora Hats and the Fedora Lounge.

We'll keep our fingers crossed.

 

[Colby Jack]

I was born in Santa Monica...does that help?...and I wish I was out there still to join in this bashing BBQ...