Club Obi Wan

I have a wooden hat block which I am using to shape, not build, a hat. I need to temporarily build up the block, but in only certain places. I am looking for suggestions; I do not wish to permanently change the block, but only increase the hat's shape/size in certain areas. Duct tape?

Sincerely,

I think Fedora and a few others used Bondo to build up some blocks a few years ago.

I suppose wood putty would do the same thing as well. Both easily sanded to conform to the shape you want.

I am a firm believer in Bondo. Especially if you are gonna wet block, or steam block hats on it. Just seal it off with many coats of a sealer. I never tried wood putty, so I have no clue if it would work as well.

What I like about Bondo, is it will not crack, even with the temp changes seen in hatmaking. You can iron a hat on it too.

I have used the stuff to repair old vintage blocks that were nicked with great results. This was not my idea by the way. An old western hatter is who told me to use it. Fedora

This is the Lamode block. I do not want to change the basic shape. I simply want to "experiment" with placing a bulge or swell higher on the block to see what the result will be on my older Peters Bros.

Bondo or wood putty for that application seems a bit too permanent for this trial run. The duct tape comment was half in jest. I cannot imagine that some minimal steam and H20 would cause any noteworthy duct tape/felt staining.

Sincerely,

Dr.Seuss wrote:Bondo or wood putty for that application seems a bit too permanent for this trial run. The duct tape comment was half in jest. I cannot imagine that some minimal steam and H20 would cause any noteworthy duct tape/felt staining.

hmm...if you want temporary...quick spackle? should sand off REALLY easily...and if you can paint over it, you should be able to get it wet.

Steve & Steve, would that damage the block at all?

Steve & Steve, would that damage the block at all?

Gosh, I honestly don't know. I have never tried it. I did try a product called Hard Rock once, at the insistence of my nephew who maintained it would work as well as bondo and was mixed with water, hence no fumes in the curing process. He was wrong. It was inferiour to the bondo. It would flake off, even when sealed with polyurethane. Spackle may do the same thing. Fedora

I forgot about the heat, good point. I know I can get spackle wet, and if it's already set, it would remain. It might come FREE of the block, but once it's in place under the stretched body that might not be so bad.

But I hadn't considered HOT water...hmm...

Another entry for my amateur hatter's, "Frankenstein" notebook. Duct tape, although causing some gluey smears, is holding onto the block, despite steam and H2o. The tape, unless carefully matched, does leave faint lines in the felt. (Nothing that sitting on the hat, ala Aeris Canon, does not cure). Bondo or spackle, next?

Sincerely,

I would definately go the bono route. Spackle I think I'd avoid.
Jerry doesn't know what the heck he is talking about...

Steve, How well does the bondo sand off, if necessary, and does it leave any residue?

Here's an idea. Cover your block with saran wrap. Build up the areas you like with water clay and let it dry. No sanding should be required. Cover that with saran to protect your hat. when you're done you can just pop it off.

Here's an idea. Cover your block with saran wrap. Build up the areas you like with water clay and let it dry. No sanding should be required. Cover that with saran to protect your hat. when you're done you can just pop it off.

Wow, one of the best ideas ever posted!!! I bet that is some good prop replicator techniques involved there. Great stuff, and good idea. Fedora

Fedora wrote:

Here's an idea. Cover your block with saran wrap. Build up the areas you like with water clay and let it dry. No sanding should be required. Cover that with saran to protect your hat. when you're done you can just pop it off.

Wow, one of the best ideas ever posted!!! I bet that is some good prop replicator techniques involved there. Great stuff, and good idea. Fedora

Water clay, and a ringing endorsement. Well done, Gentlemen! It's off to the craft store I go.

Sincerely,

Dalexs wrote:Jerry doesn't know what the heck he is talking about...

You figured out my tells, didn't you? I'm only lying when my lips are moving.