Is it possible to modify the shape of a vintage block?

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 10:56 pm

I recently acquired a vintage block that I thought was darn near perfect in regards to shape. Unfortunately it has a slight taper on the sides that I couldn't see in the photos before I bought it. Would it be possible to cut it down or sand it down to make the sides untapered? I have a woodworking acquaintance who might be willing to try it for me, but I was wondering if it will weaken the block?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:01 am

Everything I know about modifying blocks I've read here so take this as you may.

It seems easy enough to modify the block by either sanding or adding wood filler-type material. Probably your best bet is to PM Local Land Surveyor or John Penman directly. Both of them have worked with modifying blocks over long periods to get just the shape they want.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 8:09 am

Thanks Jeff. I'll pm the masters and see what they say.

Post by **Dalexs** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:08 pm

Keep in mind, sanding is going to change the size of the block, so be careful there.
A bunch of us were using bondo to modify blocks. It finishes out better and holds up better.

If you have a woodworking aquaintence, why not have him make you a block based off the one you have?

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:18 pm

Thanks Dalexs. The block is actually too big for me, so the loss of size is not a problem. I might go ahead and see how much it would cost to have a new block made based off of this one.

Indiana Bugs · Post by **Indiana Bugs** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:14 pm

It seems like a no-brainer to carefully sand the lower portion of the block. The two-fold result would include reducing the hat size of this too-big-for-you block, and decreasing the amount of taper top to bottom.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:27 pm

But one side effect of this would be the alteration of a vintage block!

I'm with Dalexs here, why not have a block made?
They ain't making vintage no more...Its left up to us to save it!

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:57 pm

Indiana Bugs, I am in almost complete agreement with you,however, I have also been wondering if I should leave the block as it is as Hollowpond suggests. Of course, which is better an unaltered vintage block, sitting on a shelf and not being used, or a slightly modified one in active use making hats?

To be honest, if I do decide to have it duplicated, it will have to wait as I just don't have the funds to spare for it at the moment.

Post by **Dalexs** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 10:19 pm

Don't get me wrong. All I said was sanding might affect the size. You said it wasn't an issue based on the size.

Basically, any block you buy now, unless it's brand new, is going to be vintage.
I don't call that untouchable. If a bit of modication makes it totally usable, go for it.

I got a really nice vintage block off the bay that was just a bit big.
I bought it specifically in mind of making/reblocking my own hats.
It was a bit bigger then my size. I didn't think twice about sanding an 1/8" off around the base.

If you don't like the size/shape and have the means to repro it to correct dimensions, go for it.
Or, look around, Fedora posted the name of the guy who will make his raider block for us, and it'll cost about $100 bucks.

Lets face it boys... It's just a hunk of wood.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 11:17 pm

While I'm all for leaving the vintage be, and to be fair, the fact is that Fedora himself experimented by altering vintage blocks and even sanding them down in spots in order to perfect the Adventurebilt. He even sent me one of his altered blocks years ago (which I use to reblock any hats I have). If it's easy to have a woodworker make a block for you, then that would be my personal preference.

Oildale Jones · Post by **Oildale Jones** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:07 am

Speaking of blocks, here's some interesting video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7SMUaA8mtU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jump to 7:37.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:52 pm

Interesting video, thanks for posting it, Oildale. I did find it funny when the narrator claimed that the block maker was "one of only four in the world"!

Post by **Dalexs** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:56 pm

Hmmm, maybe I will take that bandsaw off my friends hands...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:24 pm

He sure made it easy looking didn't he?

Ohio Jones · Post by **Ohio Jones** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 8:13 pm

If you are dead set on altering that one I could shave it down..... Or I could make you a new block just the way you want!!

Indiana Bugs · Post by **Indiana Bugs** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:26 pm

Yes, I did think twice about the whole vintage desecration thing, but then thought, if I can kill two birds with one stone, then I'd probably do it, but to each his own, I guess.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:13 pm

Dalexs wrote:Keep in mind, sanding is going to change the size of the block, so be careful there.
A bunch of us were using bondo to modify blocks. It finishes out better and holds up better.

If you have a woodworking aquaintence, why not have him make you a block based off the one you have?

Yes, use bondo.

Wood filler dissolves when you add the heat and steam...just an FYI.

Post by **Dalexs** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 10:19 am

I took the liberty...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2557&hilit=bondo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And feel free to check out any of these...
search.php?keywords=bondo&terms=all&aut ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:33 pm

Ohio Jones,
I'll pm you when I get a chance.

RaidersBash,
Thanks for the FYI. I have some wood filler around here that I was going to use to fill in some cracks before I tried using the block. Oops! Thanks for saving me from making that mistake.

Dalexs,
Thanks for the links. I should have checked some of Fedora's old threads to start with. I've tried searching for the thread where he posted the info about his block maker, but haven't been able to find it. Do you know where it is?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:56 pm

I would suggest sending it to Matt and let him make you a block using it as a base and changing it to what you want. This way you preserve the vintage block and have the block you want. Matt can make anything from wood, metal or plastic. He is just amazing craftsmen.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 9:32 pm

Thanks John. I am planning on getting in touch with him, but it may have to be put on hold until after Christmas as things are just too busy at the moment.