This month we had the pleasure of speaking to John Davies, who has been a valued client since July 2007. Felt Warehouses of Australia is the oldest and largest family run felt supplier in Australasia. Started in his grandfather’s garage in 1929, the company is now owned and managed by his son Michael, the 4th generation of Davies in the business. This is a truly successful Australian small business and we are proud to partner with them.
Did you know there is 101 ways to use felt? From medical to transport, the list is endless! Below are just a sample and some closing thoughts from John.
- Where can you find felt?
Decorative Felt – various colours and 1mm thick.
- Window dressing in shops
- Live stage show costumes and decorations
- Decorating showrooms
- Notice boards
- Pennants and show ribbons
- Headlining in cars
- Toy making
- Under coasters and trophies (even under the TV week Logies)
- Lining violin & instrument cases, trinket boxes, glasses cases
Self adhesive Felts – various thickness and types.
- Protection on trophy bases and the like
- Under furniture to stop scratching
- Sound deadening
Engineering Felts – off white 1.6mm to 25mm thick.
- Oil seals & gaskets
- Wipers on machines
- Cleaning sheet metal
- Seals & sound deadening on washing machines & clothes dryers
- Wicking fluids for coating or perfume
- Etching press felts
- Friction clutches
- Munition box linings
Saddle Felt – a few colours 3.2mm to 19mm thick.
- Horse and even camel saddles
- Protection on assembly tables in factories
- Lining of sports belts, weight lifting belts
- Sound deadening
Medical Felt – soft white 2mm to 10mm thick, sometimes self adhesive.
- Podiatry uses
- In hospitals to alleviate pressure on patient’s limbs
Hard felts.
- Percussion mallets
- Piano hammers
- Polishing bobs and mounted points
- Polishing metal components
- Polishing granite bench tops etc.
Needled felts.
- PET felt, made from recycled plastic bottles.
- Used for vertical gardens in which plants are held
- Protection packing
- Polyester used for filtration & filter elements.
- Wiping sheet metal
Miscellaneous felts.
- Slippers
- Backing of dog & cat collars
- Table place mats, coasters & runners
Filters.
- Window channel lining
- Case for electronic screens
Packing felt & quilted blankets.
- Removalists
- Protection of metal products
- In lounges and chairs
- What makes a business like yours so successful?
Having stock of quality products at reasonable prices & quick deliveries.
- Best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Give the customer what they want.
- What advice would you give to someone who was thinking of starting a business [any industry]?
Make sure one has enough money to run for a year while you get established.
Make sure your product is what is needed & the price is reasonable.
- What three words would you use to describe McPhail and Partners?
Accessible, understanding & knowledgeable.
Thank you John. For more information please check out their website.