In the market for good all around shop apron. A very personal choice no doubt.
Looking for recommendations and suggested avoidance.
Cheers 🍻
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Replies
I have a Hudson brand apron which I like very much. It is made well, has ample pockets that do not fill up with saw dust. As you say it is a very personal choice but I can say the Hudson canvas apron is well made and easy to use.
https://smile.amazon.com/Hudson-Durable-Goods-Woodworking-Adjustable/dp/B0798WWM89/ref=sr_1_5?crid=377MQKKRZ9Y4S&dchild=1&keywords=hudson%2Bshop%2Baprons%2Bfor%2Bmen%2Bfor%2Bwoodworking&qid=1605707542&sprefix=hudson%2Bshop%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-5&th=1
I picked up a relatively inexpensive one on Amazon. It has a few things I like, and could use a few other things to make it an almost perfect product.
The one I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079KDMV1Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like the chest pockets. Although, the bigger one does not fit my iPhone. It is however, a handy place to hang the dust collector remote. The lower pockets are a nice generous size and at a nice height for my reach. I like the size and shape (I might try splitting the bottom part for each leg, for sitting, though. I may add some tool loops somewhere down the line, and definitely a place to hold a combination square (I use them a lot).
But, it's a nice weight leather, not pricey at all and is comfortable to wear.
Duluth Trading.
Nice apron, never wear it............
Like RobertEJr, I have a nice Veritas apron it is well made and I never wear it. It has a feature I would want in any apron; the bib has a horizontal pocket for a pencil or rule. This format keeps these higher pockets from making the pencil or rule poke you in the chin when you squat down for some operation or another.
I really want to wear an apron and keep a few tools handy, keep spoil out of my pants pockets and keep finish off my clothes; even though they are shop clothes. I wish it had two and I may add another . . . horizontal pocket that is. Then maybe I will wear it.
Keep an eye on how big the pockets open up (if that makes sense). I got a cheap one from Home Depot and the pockets just hang open and saw dust collects in there. Used it once and now it hangs on the wall holding pencils.
I have a Rockler one, I'll probably upgrade eventually but not until I can remind/force myself to use it (I tend to forget). I put a hook near the top of the door at entrance to shop that forces me to either wear the apron or walk "through" it, so hopefully that puts the habit in me. I'd upgrade because it feels kind of "floppy" (flops around too much) and I'm not sure I like how the pockets are "configured".
There's info here you might find helpful:
https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/which-shop-apron
I've had several Duluth Trading bib style aprons over the last 15+ years of woodworking. I love them. I have tried other aprons but I'm so used to the pockets in the Duluth that I can't figure out what to do with the tools in any other apron. Definitely a creature of habit. After a few years of use and about two bottles of glue being wiped on it, the apron can be replaced for about $45. I've found the shoulder strap buckles start to lose their grip after a couple of years and the apron will sag. A little velcro will extend the life of the apron. I'd feel naked doing woodworking without this apron. That's not a pretty picture by the way. Sorry to put it in your head.
New thread coming soon: "Tasteful shop underwear".
Why tasteful? LOL
Underwear? Why?
I've got the same Hudson brand apron that @hotdogman recommends above. It's great.
I have a Rockler cross back style. Covered in glue and paint and dust.
It’s on every moment in the shop.
I added flaps over the two front pockets to keep the worst of the dust out.
All I usually have in it are some pencils, 10’ tape, 4” sliding square, 6” rule and not much else. It’s really to keep the dust and dried fluids off me and in the shop.
Years old and not nearly worn out enough to consider replacing it.
How has everyone missed Texas Heritage Woodworks aprons!? This is the last apron I will ever buy!
Price....
It's hard for me to justify buying an apron for more than five times the cost of my perfectly functional, comfortable, leather apron. I'd rather spend that money on a nice hand plane, or some fancy squares. But, realistically, I'll be spending it on hinges, screws or sandpaper. I earn my living (barely) making things in wood. So, have to keep an eye on budget at all times!
Something that fancy would be a dream, maybe if I ask for it for my birthday?
I asked this same question in early November. Got 20+replies. Here's the link: https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/which-shop-apron
I bought the Katz-Moses apron. I'm getting used to it. Two problems - 1-remembering to put my tools in the apron rather than on the bench. 2-(minor problem) pockets filling up with sawdust. However a quick shot of compressed air cleans them out nicely.
So now I'm weighing the annoyance of sawdust filled pockets vs flaps.
I like Duluth stuff, but leaning towards hotdogmans Hudson suggestion.
Thanks all!
I hung up two wax impregnated aprons over the years because they are too stiff.Then i read not to wash them because it washes the wax out of them.Great! Straight to the HOT washing machine and the apron works just fine.I still miss my old green "Best Apron"no longer available
I need to update my November 18, 2020 post. I am a convert. I now wear the apron almost constantly in the shop. I have gotten very used to having the tools I keep in it readily available. It is the black Veritas apron. The only thing I find odd in this and other aprons is the inclusion of a stubby pocket. I get a new pencil when my pencil gets that short. Perhaps it’s for something that I’m not familiar with but it seems like it’s for a short pencil(?).
PS it turns out that I don’t use the horizontal pencil pocket at all. I thought it was going to be great but it is too long and writing instruments get lost in it and I have to fish them out. I plan to run a stitch across it to solve this problem.
Best buy I ever made for the shop... Two years ago I bought an Armor Gear apron on Amazon for $20. Tough as nails, cross-back design, pockets up top for rulers, pencils, markers and pockets below for bigger items. I wear it every time I'm in the shop - not just because it protects my clothes (if you saw my clothes you'd understand) but also because it holds the things I use regularly in the shop.
I have a plain Stew Mac cloth apron which I put on over the shop apron when I'm doing finishing or painting. I'm very happy with my choices.
Bucket Boss. Lots of pockets, not terribly expensive.
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