plastic blocks

[Canadave]

Anyone have experience with these or other plastic blocks?

Before you advise that I should just get a wooden one, if you can find a 7 7/8, I'll take as many as you got.

Thanks,

David

 

[BellyTank]

I wouldn't mind getting a block in my size and playing around with some of these European hats. Do they make a plain 'block' without the dents that I could use to straighten out and maybe stretch a crown with? I know you can probably get rid of some of the taper...

B
T

 

[Richard]

what is "taper"

plastic blocks would probably be lighter. but less pretty. sounds like fun though...

 

[BellyTank]

Taper is the tendency toward a conical shape that the crowns of some felt hats have, or develop with use, age, shrinking. A felt hat that is 'straight', like in profile, the front and back are vertically parallel, maybe the sides too depending on how much of the aspect has been dented in. Straight crowned hats are probably more typical of vintage American hats, up to later 40's/'50s- then they seem to get a little lower and less straight, narrower brims too.

B
T

 

[SHARPETOYS]

No,No,No

I bought one and sent it right back. Wood block is the only way to go.

Sharpey

 

[BellyTank]

Problem?

Please explain the problem Mr. Sharpestoys-
-not useable?
Perhaps they're more for forming wet-felted hats- home craft style?

B
T

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Please explain the problem Mr. Sharpestoys-
-not useable?
Perhaps they're more for forming wet-felted hats- home craft style?

B
T

You hit the nail on the heas. I could not use it for any hat I had now. The size was wrong also. It was a 7 3/8 without the sweat band. As you know the block is larger than the size till you install the sweat band.

Sharpey

 

[BellyTank]

So...

...if you want to use it for a 7 3/8 hat with the sweatband removed, you need what size block? And with the sweat?
A clarification would be very helpful Mr. S.

Thanks,
B
T