Buying hat blocks--what does one need to know?

[T Jones]

Hi Terry,

I have a 7 1/4 "52" block that comes in at 23 9/16"

I'm looking for a 7 1/4 #52 block, actually. Seems to me that the circumferences on blocks for the same hat sizes must've varied from one manufacturer to another. Moon gave me a 7 3/8 Stetson which I re blocked on the 7 1/4 hat block I have. I reused the original 7 3/8 sweat and it fit perfectly.

 

[Art Fawcett]

It's been my experience that the markings on the blocks are often wrong, as you are experiencing. Best rule of thumb, use a block 1/4" bigger than you need for the hat. Pay no attention to the sizing on the block itself. As you can see, Beaver brands liked more room in their 7 1/8 , what appears to be 23 1/2 but should be 22 3/4 for an 7 1/8th. ( sweat measurement ID 22 1/2). Same with flanges also but aren't quite as critical. I have a block marked 7 5/8 but measures 23 3/8, clearly a 7 3/8.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Some makers go by inches or size of the block, and others go by the size of what the finished hat is supposed to be... or so I was told.

So, if I want my hat to finish out with, sweat band installed, to 23-3/8" then I need a block about an inch larger, or 24-3/8" Does that sound right to anyone?

If you use one 1" bigger than you need Doug, you'll end up with a reverse taper. 23 3/8 sweat = at most, 23 3/4. The sweat should take about 1/4-3/8" more OD to sit right

 

[T Jones]

It's been my experience that the markings on the blocks are often wrong, as you are experiencing. Best rule of thumb, use a block 1/4" bigger than you need for the hat. Pay no attention to the sizing on the block itself. As you can see, Beaver brands liked more room in their 7 1/8 , what appears to be 23 1/2 but should be 22 3/4 for an 7 1/8th. ( sweat measurement ID 22 1/2). Same with flanges also but aren't quite as critical. I have a block marked 7 5/8 but measures 23 3/8, clearly a 7 3/8.

The Beaver Brand blocks are the ones I believe I have. So for a 7 1/4 hat size the block should actually be 23 inches?

 

[Art Fawcett]

Should be 23 to 23 1/8 for correct fit. There can always be slight overages and still make it work but in an ideal situation it should be no more than 3/8 " bigger than the ID of the sweat

 

[T Jones]

Should be 23 to 23 1/8 for correct fit. There can always be slight overages and still make it work but in an ideal situation it should be no more than 3/8 " bigger than the ID of the sweat

Thanks, Art. I wear a 22 3/4 which equates to a 7 1/4. I looked up what that would equate to in centimeters and the sizing chart read out to 57.8, nearly 58 centimeters. I have a 23 inch block that's pretty straight sided. After measuring, the block read out to 58.50 in centimeters, 23 inches. According to the online chart, and from what you're saying, using a 23 inch block would give me ever so slightly more than a 1/4 inch above my actual hat size of 7 1/4. Does that seem about right? I decided to sacrifice a modern production 7 1/4 whippet for this experiment...(just a side note: anyone thinking of investing better than $225 into a modern premier whippet, save your money. They're not worth it, imo).

Here's the Premier Whippet again on a 23 inch block. I'll see how this one comes out.

 

[Michael R.]

TJ , I just measured my 7 3/8 #52 Block , its 23 5/8" . Best wishes on the project .

 

[T Jones]

TJ , I just measured my 7 3/8 #52 Block , its 23 5/8" . Best wishes on the project .

Thanks, Michael. I should know tomorrow morning. Hopefully it comes out alright.

 

[FedOregon]

TJ , I just measured my 7 3/8 #52 Block , its 23 5/8" . Best wishes on the project .

That looks about right for me, too. Is the #52 block considered the best one for fedoras and such?

More importantly, where are you fine gents buying your blocks?

 

[Michael R.]

That looks about right for me, too. Is the #52 block considered the best one for fedoras and such?

More importantly, where are you fine gents buying your blocks?

I bought this Block from Bob , but I've gotten several Flanges from a guy on Etsy , and some + a Flange Stand from a woman (I think) on Ebay . I caught them as soon as she put them up , and jumped . Michael Gannon uses 52 Blocks , the Crown height can be varied by how deep the Block is set inside the Felt Cape or whatever they call it . I scored BIG on those Flanges . You and I Doug are the same size I believe , 7 3/8 LO or 7 1/2 (padded) .

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks, Art. I wear a 22 3/4 which equates to a 7 1/4. I looked up what that would equate to in centimeters and the sizing chart read out to 57.8, nearly 58 centimeters. I have a 23 inch block that's pretty straight sided. After measuring, the block read out to 58.50 in centimeters, 23 inches. According to the online chart, and from what you're saying, using a 23 inch block would give me ever so slightly more than a 1/4 inch above my actual hat size of 7 1/4. Does that seem about right? I decided to sacrifice a modern production 7 1/4 whippet for this experiment...(just a side note: anyone thinking of investing better than $225 into a modern premier whippet, save your money. They're not worth it, imo).

Here's the Premier Whippet again on a 23 inch block. I'll see how this one comes out.

Your project should work out perfectly Terry

 

[Art Fawcett]

That looks about right for me, too. Is the #52 block considered the best one for fedoras and such?

More importantly, where are you fine gents buying your blocks?

The # 52 was most common back in the day but don't be fooled, anything ending in 52 is the same block ( 952, 852, etc.). Don't pass one up if it works for you but I sincerely doubt that they were built long oval. Those carried other numbers I believe

 

[Michael R.]

The # 52 was most common back in the day but don't be fooled, anything ending in 52 is the same block ( 952, 852, etc.). Don't pass one up if it works for you but I sincerely doubt that they were built long oval. Those carried other numbers I believe

Hey Art , I've wondered , what Block is used for Tall Crown Western Hats ? Blown out the Hats Crown looks way different to me .

Just thought too , Do Hatters normally just pad up reg oval Blocks for LO , or just buy one , or have them made ?

 

[Art Fawcett]

Tall westerns are often made custom Michael, domed much more that 52s. I never liked the tapered crown so never persued them but do have a few with 962 on them. No, as far as I know you can't pad out a reg oval to long oval. I've just taken the time to collect them over the years. What is equally rare are the long oval flanges, which I have paid through the nose for when finding them. I have fairly complete sets finally but do have holes in the sizes. This really is a biz of equipment availablity. The more equipment you can get your hands on, the better hat you can make.

 

[Michael R.]

Tall westerns are often made custom Michael, domed much more that 52s. I never liked the tapered crown so never persued them but do have a few with 962 on them. No, as far as I know you can't pad out a reg oval to long oval. I've just taken the time to collect them over the years. What is equally rare are the long oval flanges, which I have paid through the nose for when finding them. I have fairly complete sets finally but do have holes in the sizes. This really is a biz of equipment availablity. The more equipment you can get your hands on, the better hat you can make.

Thanks Art .

 

[T Jones]

Your project should work out perfectly Terry

Thanks, Art. I appreciate the help.

 

[T Jones]

I took the hat off the block this morning and it looks like Art was right. The 23 inch, so called, 7 1/8 LO block I have works for a 7 1/4. I reused the original 7 1/4 Stetson sweat band and it's a perfect fit.

Thanks again for the help, Art.

 

[Michael R.]

Congratulations Terry ! Have a Blessed Resurrection Day !

 

[RJR]

Lookin' good,Terry.

 

[T Jones]

Congratulations Terry ! Have a Blessed Resurrection Day !

Thanks, Michael. I already put the crease in it and flanged the brim. All I have left to do is put the ribbon back on it. When I have it put back together I'll be posting some pics....It fits like a glove, btw.

And a very blessed Ressurection Day to you and your family as well.