Woodworking Attire

[Rich Riddle]

What do you folks wear in the shop when working? I usually wear sweats in the shop. In the past, overalls were in fashion, but the fashion police seemed to have culled them out. Do any of you really wear an apron?

[Chris Padilla]

My Festool apron (yeah, I've totally IMMERSED myself in the green kool aid) is something I wear occasionally but it just hangs on the wall holding the various articles I used all the time (6" rule, tape measure, pencil, eraser, etc.). Otherwise it is sweats and shirt that will become encrusted with glue as I seem to prefer wiping my hands on my shirt/sweats instead of a paper towel. I am trying to stop that! LOL

[Jebediah Eckert]

Gym shorts, t shirt, white socks pulled up to me knees and sneakers. On occasion I will wear an apron, you know to keep dust off my dirty t shirt.

[Kevin Bourque]

I wear the same outfit for woodworking that I wear when I'm yachting.
White deck shoes and pants, blue Polo shirt, captains hat, and a red ascot.
I cut a rather dashing figure if I say so myself.

[David B. Morris]

I like wearing an apron, although I know many prefer not to. Jason at Texas Heritage makes the best out there, in my opinion, and you can add custom touches

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I wear the same outfit for woodworking that I wear when I'm yachting.
White deck shoes and pants, blue Polo shirt, captains hat, and a red ascot.
I cut a rather dashing figure if I say so myself.

Lmao! Perhaps you should share your secret to getting glue stains out of the whites with Chris!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I wear jeans, pocketed t-shirt, tennis shoes and safety glasses. I have to wear glasses so I choose to wear nothing but safety glasses.

[Chris Padilla]

Lmao! Perhaps you should share your secret to getting glue stains out of the whites with Chris!I wait with bated breath...and gooey hands!! :D

[Judson Green]

Sightly ripped jeans, a few shirts, a hooded sweatshirt (its cold in the basement now), a hat (sort of baseball style) and a pair of old dress shoes.

Never got into the apron thing.

[John Sanford]

I usually wear my Red Wings on my feet, any casual shirt and jeans/ratty khakis and whatever may be necessary to deal with the cold. I try to remember to wear an apron when I'm doing glue ups and/or finishing. I have a second apron that I will wear if I want to have my tape measure, square, pencils, etc on me, but that one's hit or miss.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Overalls are out of fashion? I missed that memo. I wear my "Choo Choo Charlies" (my friend called em that and it stuck) and a leather apron if using power tools. For hand tool work maybe the overalls but usually linen knee length pants, a linen shirt, and usually bare feet or maybe sandals.

The hat and pipe were added for effect.

307700

[Judson Green]

Overalls are out of fashion? I missed that memo. I wear my "Choo Choo Charlies" (my friend called em that and it stuck) and a leather apron if using power tools. For hand tool work maybe the overalls but usually linen knee length pants, a linen shirt, and usually bare feet or maybe sandals.

The hat and pipe were added for effect.

307700

Do you puff Malcolm?

[Kent A Bathurst]

Ooops.....wrong thread.

You are not talking about woodworking a tire like this............

My mistake............carry on.



http://www.angelfire.com/biz/classwoodcar/100_0051.JPG

[ken masoumi]

Longjohns,sweat pants ,thick socks,sweat shirts,hoodie,steel toe boots,run to the shop,shake like a leaf until warm up.that's the way we roll up here in Canada,.

[Raymond Fries]

The ever popular Veritas apron over the usual jeans and other casual attire. Not to forget. The necessary PPE.

[Mel Fulks]

Every time I wear my VERITAS apron somebody asks me if I teach at Harvard....I guess they're real popular there

[Shawn Pixley]

Cargo shorts and a t-shirt that can get ruined. Old converse on my feet or barefoot. Barefoot is probably not the best, but I hate shoes.

When I need to work with hot steel / metal or lots of flying chips / steel - my welding chaps, leather apron, leather boots, and a jacket (hair tied back and safety goggles).

[Keith Westfall]

A pair of Bib Overalls (much to the distain of my whole family!?!) Especially when I choose to go to the 'store' like that as well...

But I'm old enough that I don't care! They are roomy, never fall down (a problem with regular pants) and I can wipe what ever I want on them.

I hate sweats so that is not an option for me. If I'm turning, I wear my Lee Valley smock as well - hate wooden curlies heading down to my curlies :D

[Brian Elfert]

I help out at a Boy Scout camp and most of the maintenance staff setting up for camp in early summer wear bib overalls. One of the camp rangers and his wife both wear bib overalls when working. They don't care if they are in or out of fashion. The ranger will wear his if he has to go into town for supplies. I saw the ranger once at a local watering hole near camp and didn't hardly recognize him without his overalls.

I think bib overalls would be too hot during the summer when it is humid so I don't wear them.

[Rich Riddle]

A pair of Bib Overalls (much to the distain of my whole family!?!) Especially when I choose to go to the 'store' like that as well...

But I'm old enough that I don't care! They are roomy, never fall down (a problem with regular pants) and I can wipe what ever I want on them.


I am pondering ordering a pair of bib overalls much to the disdain of the family. Wife won't go anywhere with me wearing them.

[mike mcilroy]

I have two pairs of jeans and four t-shirts that are designated shop wear. The years of glue, stain, caulking and blood make them easy to sort out of the laundry. These go along with running shoes with mesh sides and orthotic inserts. I had two others t-shirts that were shop and basket ball wear. One of the people I played with used to say it looked like I was sweating dirt.

[Chris Padilla]

I think I could go for bibs.... :D

307744

[Jamie Buxton]

My shop is not heated or air conditioned, so what I wear depends on the season. Summer is teeshirt, shorts, and sandals. Winter is lined jeans, teeshirt, heavy sweatshirt, shoes, and a jacket in the early morning. Maybe a knit cap on cold days.

Aprons and tool belts are mostly sawdust catchers.

[Dennis Aspö]

Winter boots and old clothes this time of year, a cap and ear protection is always worn too, helps keep my ears warm and my tinnitus from worsening.

[Brian Henderson]

Sightly ripped jeans, a few shirts, a hooded sweatshirt (its cold in the basement now), a hat (sort of baseball style) and a pair of old dress shoes.

Never got into the apron thing.

Same here. I'm always within reach of any of my tools, I might have to take a step or two, but carrying things around with me seems pointless. I wear whatever I'm wearing that day in the shop, I don't have shop-only attire.

[Rich Riddle]

I don't have shop-only attire.
I own "banned" attire from the shop. Yes indeed. More than once the words, "you aren't wearing THAT outfit to work in the shop have been said by a nameless individual.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I think bib overalls would be too hot during the summer when it is humid so I don't wear them.

Nope. I wear them in the tropics. They breathe better than pants. It's just like cowboy boots. You would think they would be hot but every step is a breath of fresh air.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Do you puff Malcolm?

No, that was my grandfather's. I love the smell of pipe smoke but not the taste. I just thought it would be a funny picture with the pipe. I tried it and it was okay but that night I dreamed I was licking an ashtray. True story. I woke up with soot taste in my mouth.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I think I could go for bibs.... :D

307744

No kidding, but it would work out more like this in my shop...

http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/swamp_people-300x300.jpg

[Rod Sheridan]

What do you folks wear in the shop when working? I usually wear sweats in the shop. In the past, overalls were in fashion, but the fashion police seemed to have culled them out. Do any of you really wear an apron?

Rich, I wear safety footwear (normally steel toe shoes), short sleeve shirt, pants and a Lee Valley apron.

If I'm turning I wear a set of coverals that keep the shavings out..............Rod.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Summer in the shop it's shorts T-shirt, sneakers and socks. All of the oldest and rattiest available.

Winter it's ratty old jeans, T-shirt, shop shoes (oldies and grungies), and when turning my Veritas smock to keep the chips from going down my neck.

[terry mccammon]

I have a so called turner's apron which is long enough that it reaches my calf. But they sized it for an elephant, I have a 17 inch neck and the smallest the neck will go is around 20 inches and the largest is 30 inches. Snugged up as tight as I can it is still at least 10 inches too large and at full extension the waist is 55 inches. Who on earth did they think was wearing this. If you are that big around you can't reach the lathe. But I do wear it and it does dust and curlies off my clothes. I wear crocs unless I am doing something heavy in which case steel toes. For wet wood I wear a welder's smock that does a great job and at about 1/2 the cost of an official turner's smock.

[Bill Orbine]

I'm sneakers, cheap jeans always. Summer a T shirt. In cooler weather, a cheap sweatshirt with tight sleeves around my wrists for safety. No Aprons......My barn door is closed!

[Brian Henderson]

I own "banned" attire from the shop. Yes indeed. More than once the words, "you aren't wearing THAT outfit to work in the shop have been said by a nameless individual.

Well, I wouldn't go out there in a suit and tie, but otherwise, outside of the office, I dress comfortably and that's what I wear anywhere I go.

[glenn bradley]

Pants, lined pants or shorts as the weather dictates. Same for thermal, tee, tank or no shirt. generally boots on the feet since as I age I find I can work longer with better support; sometimes tennies, sometimes sandals if I am not doing anyhting where unprotected feet is an issue. No apron, not hat. No loose anything or long sleeves (other than rolled up).

[Andrew Joiner]

I wear work pants with built in knee pads and LOVE them. I won't go in the shop to work without them. Even if I'm on my knees for a minute (as I am many times a day) I'm comfortable.

I had Skillers brand pants with the deluxe thick pads for for many years. Then I switched to Carhartts. The thin pads that Carhartt sells don't work.I make EVA foam pads for the Carhartts and it's almost as good as the Skillers.

I also make foam insoles for my work shoes.

[Bill McNiel]

Sneakers, jeans, long sleave tee shirt and sweat shirts that are covered with glue. I too tend to wipe my hands on the the shirt, its easier than finding a towel. Wife isn't too pleased when I take the dog for a neighborhood walk in this attire but I'm sure not going to change clothes just to exercise the pup.

[mike mcilroy]

Bet the dog doesn't care!

[Keith Westfall]

I am pondering ordering a pair of bib overalls much to the disdain of the family. Wife won't go anywhere with me wearing them.

Well, that would make for easier tool shopping trips... :eek:

[Rich Riddle]

Well, that would make for easier tool shopping trips... :eek:

Well she won't go on tool shopping endeavors. To quote her, "It saps the life out of me." She sits in the parking lot of Borg stores and tool stores and reads.....unless she wants gardening equipment. I did order the bibs by the way.

[Patrick McCarthy]

Well she won't go on tool shopping endeavors. To quote her, "It saps the life out of me." She sits in the parking lot of Borg stores and tool stores and reads.....unless she wants gardening equipment. I did order the bibs by the way.

Rich, I think I married her sister! And . . .. when she goes into the gardening section I think she plays hide-and-seek; damn if I can ever find her when it is time to go.

[Peter Kelly]

I wear the same outfit for woodworking that I wear when I'm yachting.
White deck shoes and pants, blue Polo shirt, captains hat, and a red ascot.
I cut a rather dashing figure if I say so myself.Phillistine. I'd have you escorted from Piping Rock for wearing an ascot with a polo shirt and no blazer.

Also, white after Labor Day?

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Just don't wear bib overalls and an orange shirt to Home Depot. I helped six people before making it out of the store. Testament to how frequently I am there- I knew what aisle every item I was asked about was on.

[Kent A Bathurst]

I knew what aisle every item I was asked about was on.

Employee of the month stuff - out in front of 75% of the store associates I come across.

[Larry Edgerton]

You guys wear clothes?

[Jim Becker]

Jeans and a top appropriate for the season. Never wear an apron unless I'm turning. (which I haven't done in a long time)

[mike mcilroy]

Just don't wear bib overalls and an orange shirt to Home Depot. I helped six people before making it out of the store. Testament to how frequently I am there- I knew what aisle every item I was asked about was on.

They must have realized you didn't work there if you didn't run away when they approached you.

[Clay Foreman]

I like to wear flannels and jeans. Comfortable and practical. Occasionally a black or grey roadster style hat too. Boots all the time

[Frederick Skelly]

I like to wear flannels and jeans. Comfortable and practical. Occasionally a black or grey roadster style hat too. Boots all the time

Welcome to SMC Clay! Glad to have you join us.
Fred

[Ole Anderson]

Old thread. I do have a rough leather apron which seldom gets used. But I have a long vinyl lab apron which I first purchased for washing the dog. I find it works very well when staining or applying other finishes. If you saw the front of it, you would see why. It has saved many tee shirts and pants. I have a drawer in my dresser reserved for "grubs", clothes too ripped or stained for normal wear.

[Jim Becker]

I'll slightly revise my previous post since this has been resurrected...I now use suspenders to, um...suspend my jeans so my shirts stay tucked in. Even though I use extra long shirts (Duluth Trading junkie...), the amount of bending and twisting involved in woodworking, home improvement and other tasks causes things to come apart and drives me bananas. No more. :)

[Matt Day]

Looks like I missed this one a few years ago.

I wear work jeans (arborwear - like Carhartt but better and local), old t shirt, and no-hole Crocs. That’s what I usually wear outside the shop too!

Generally I don’t wear an apron, my shop is small enough that nothing is very far away.

[Stan Calow]

After a near miss with a kickback, I've been thinking that an apron with some padding or armor, or an umpire's chest protector, might be a good idea.

[Simon MacGowen]

After a near miss with a kickback, I've been thinking that an apron with some padding or armor, or an umpire's chest protector, might be a good idea.

i would not think of an apron as a second line of defense against kickbacks because I take measures to prevent them from happening in the first place. Kickbacks have never happened in my shop, even before the days I was protected by riving knives. Better study the possible causes for kickbacks and how to prevent them.

But I could relate to a real story about kickbacks. A lady pal came to the shop sharing a scary kickback experience she had the day before. She showed us a severely bent ball point pen which she had in her apron's pocket when the incident happened. She said there was a huge bruise on her chest as well. The wood's impact on her chest was mitigated by the fact that the wood hit the ball point pen first.

Simon

[michael langman]

When I was working as a toolmaker we wore white aprons with 3 pockets. They were great for holding tools and pencils. I always put on a white apron from the shop out of habit, when working in the wood shop.

[Rich Riddle]

Michael,

I know butchers frequently wear white aprons but didn't know toolmaker's did. After starting this thread quite a while ago, the main attire is overalls. The wife's dislike is as high but she doesn't talk about it. Those pockets you describe certainly are handy in overalls. It's also handy to be able to keep a phone available.

[Jay Larson]

I have a couple of pair of Duluth firehose paints that I rotate. Usually a sweatshirt, unless it is in the summer. Lately, I have had to throw on my heavier 'sweat jacket' as the temps are in the low 40's in the shop. (At least until the heater catches up.)

And I do have an apron I throw on most of the time.

And I am required to change in the basement before I come in the house proper...

[Frederick Skelly]

<p>
I wear bib starting right after Thanksgiving. Now a story, I shovel at the church. There is a 99 year old man that goes to Mass every day. He picks up the old lady’s on the way. One day he asked where do I get pants like that? Do yo have them custom made? I answered no I just bought 3 new pairs. His reply was “WOW, you’re optomistic”</p>
<p>
I wear bib starting right after Thanksgiving. Now a story, I shovel at the church. There is a 99 year old man that goes to Mass every day. He picks up the old lady’s on the way. One day he asked where do I get pants like that? Do yo have them custom made? I answered no I just bought 3 new pairs. His reply was “WOW, you’re optomistic”</p>

At 99, he counts every day he wakes up to be a blessing. You should buy him a set. :)

[kevin nee]

I wear bib starting right after Thanksgiving. Now a story, I shovel at the church. There is a 99 year old man that goes to Mass every day. He picks up the old lady’s on the way. One day he asked where do I get pants like that? Do you have them custom made? I answered no I just bought 3 new pairs. His reply was “WOW, you’re optomistic”

[Bill Carey]

blue jeans and a t shirt. We have a system. Any of my clothes that are deemed to be unsuitable to wear in public get some black magic marker dots on the label. Those are shop clothes. They CAN NOT be washed with any of the "real" clothes. And I found a clip on pouch that holds my 6" rule, pencils, marking knife, tape. No apron.

[Brett Luna]

I have a couple of pair of Duluth firehose paints that I rotate. Usually a sweatshirt, unless it is in the summer. Lately, I have had to throw on my heavier 'sweat jacket' as the temps are in the low 40's in the shop. (At least until the heater catches up.)

And I do have an apron I throw on most of the time.

And I am required to change in the basement before I come in the house proper...

I have a pair of firehose pants for outside rough work. I wear the Duluth lightweight carpenter pants in the shop. I usually wear a t-shirt or long sleeve henley and I have a pair of slip-on shoes dedicated to shop use. I wear a Veritas shop apron.

I change the shoes before entering the house and if it's just a quick trip in and out and I'm not too dusty, I just give my clothes the once-over with a dust brush. Otherwise, I shuck 'em before going in for the day.