Hat block brim forms

[BigSleep]

How does one use those brim-ring-wood-thingys (that's the technical term I'm sure.) I see for sale with hat blocks?

 

[Brad Bowers]

Hi Big Sleep,

It's called a flange, and here's a photo of one in action:

The hat sits upside down inside the hole, and the brim rests on top of the flange. In this photo, I've covered the hat with a cotton cloth and cinched it down tight. Then, I've sprayed water on the cloth to keep it wet. A hot iron is run over the brim, with particular attention paid to the very edge, as the edge has to shrink to conform to the curl of the flange. If the edge of the hat is wrinkled, it's not finished flanging! Keep the cloth wet so a good steam comes off of it to let you know you're doing it correctly.

There are flange stands to hold the flange and protect the hat, but I've just got the flange resting on two indentical sized blocks that are taller than the hat.

Brad

 

[BigSleep]

Cool!
Thanks for the lesson.
I just bought a couple off ebay to experiment with.

 

[ledsled]

great explanation

The first time I loaded this thread the picture did not show. I read the description of how to use the flange and tried my best to envision it. I reloaded the page and the picture showed up that time... and THEN I understood your explanation! Yep, a picture is worth ### of words!

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Thanks so much for the picture and explanation.

I'd love to obtain a flange of my own as well as a block. I see them made of hardwood. I know about the Hat Shaper for crowns. They also have the Add-a-Brim that supposedly shapes brims. For both it's either $33 or 35 (depending on size) + shipping.

Does any one have any experience with the Hat Shaper system?

 

[Wolfmanjack]

It's called a flange, and here's a photo of one in action:

Brad

Brad, Thank you VERY much for the photo and explanation about the use of a brim flange. I recently won one of these, together with a block, on eBay. NOW I have a clear understanding of how to put it to use!

Many thanks,