Aprons

[William Fretwell]

Went through a phase with lots of table saw kick backs and always wore a thick leather apron, it saved me some grief. Regular woodwork I have an abundance of old clothes that just get older, sort of urban camo. Wear the really old stuff when I buy wood from sawmills, get a better price, the old guys in the sawmills have me beat though!

[Bill Lyman]

My wife made me a few denim aprons wth pockets for pencils and measuring tape. I generally wear one in the shop to keep dust, stains etc off clothes, even though I wear old clothes working in the shop. It may be because the shop is in the basement.

[Frederick Skelly]

I had bought 3 different aprons over time, looking for the perfect one for me. I finally decided that the perfect apron for most work was no apron at all. I do use my tan Veritas apron for glue-up and for finishing, but otherwise I’m happier without one.

I had the same experience Greg. I WANTED to like the apron because of the coverage and the pockets. But I couldn't find one that suited me.

[ken hatch]

There is a reason to have and wear a good leather shop apron. This one has followed me around for a few years. I also have one from LN but like this one better.

shopApron.jpg

ken

[steven c newman]

Nothing in the shop says "Quitting Time!" like the act of hanging your apron up......

[James Waldron]

After ruining a couple of shirts and suffering a (minor) burn, SWMBO picked up some leather from our local Tandy and made me a very nice apron for use when grinding and/or hardening steel. I also use it when turning, 'cause so many chips and curls stick on and into my clothes. And like others, I use it for larger glue-ups and finishing. Otherwise, it's my carefully cultivated "little tramp" look. Except the "little" part. Someday I'll lose some weight!

And SWMBO made a smaller one in denim for my "apprentice."

161229Apprentice.jpg
Click it to big it.

She's grown a bit and it fits better now. Won't last too much longer, though.

[ken hatch]

After ruining a couple of shirts and suffering a (minor) burn, SWMBO picked up some leather from our local Tandy and made me a very nice apron for use when grinding and/or hardening steel. I also use it when turning, 'cause so many chips and curls stick on and into my clothes. And like others, I use it for larger glue-ups and finishing. Otherwise, it's my carefully cultivated "little tramp" look. Except the "little" part. Someday I'll lose some weight!

And SWMBO made a smaller one in denim for my "apprentice."

161229Apprentice.jpg
Click it to big it.

She's grown a bit and it fits better now. Won't last too much longer, though.

James,

Brings a smile, what a cutey.

ken

[Kurtis Johnson]

I don't know, Frank, I think you're onto something.
I've always found it's easier to work wood naked.

You must not be planing and sawing on the pull stroke, yowza!

[Bill Jobe]

Just a tool belt would hold me away from my work enough, but mine would require strong suspenders. I can't even keep my pants up all the way.
Lost 40-50 pounds over the past couple of years.
But for some reason I have always had that problem.
Not a big enough butt, I suppose.

I'm thinking about buying some railroad bib overalls. I was born to 3 generations of railroad engineers.
Why didn't I make it 4? Colorblind.

[Stan Calow]

I like having those pockets in front of me to hold the tools I will need to use often, that I otherwise forget where I put them down - tape measure, safety glasses, pencil, square, etc.. But also have ruined a lot of t=shirts and sweatshirts with little dots of glue or finish that somehow got past all my carefulness.

[steven c newman]

Done for today....
Shaker Table Project, hang up the apron.JPG
Hang the apron up, close up shop...

[Malcolm Schweizer]

My leather apron fell into a puddle and got soaked, which caused it to rot. (Working in an outdoor shed and it fell off a bench and I wasn’t aware- it sat overnight.) I loved that apron. It had chest pockets and hip pockets with flaps that kept out sawdust. My 6” square fit in the top pocket and was always handy. The leather offered protection and was actually much cooler to wear than denim. Denim aprons clung to me and kept in body heat. The leather let air flow under it and was more comfortable.

I am am awaiting a shipment of veg tanned leather for a new apron. I made a tracing of the old one and will add some improvements to the new one. I plan to have a strap around the belly for hanging rags, and a pocket custom fit for my 6” combo square. I may even have a loop to stick a 12” square through.

[Frederick Skelly]

Aside: I noticed LV has a nice looking canvas apron on sale today for about $23 - it's usually $40.