As someone who is continually looking for his pencil/square/tape measure and having to walk to the other end of the bench to get it, I think a shop apron might come in handy. There’s many to choose from…full apron, tool belt model, simple pouch. Also is leather better than denim? It’s more expensive, but it seems like it would be really hot, especially in central Tx summer temps. Note – I’m talking about what works for general woodworking, not turning.
Any suggestions, links, recommendations as to what works for you would be appreciated.
Replies
I have a canvas apron from Lee Valley. I specifically chose it because I didn't want leather for the exact reason you stated. Leather may be nice for welding/metalwork but is overkill for woodworking, imo.
I like the apron I have although even it is hot at times.
Leather is too heavy & hot. I have one of waxed canvas. My main criteria was that it hangs on my shoulders (padded straps are nice), not around my neck. Mine has a strap between the shoulder straps in the back to keep it from creeping off as I move. It has a coupla-few pockets and a hammer ring I never use. The main pockets I use are on the chest for a 6" rule and a pencil.
I can spend a day at the tablesaw and at the end of it I just have to dust off my boots...I don't have to blow out my panst pockets anymore.
I have a Craftsman full vest. It is VERY comfortable, has a ton of pockets and is pretty sturdy. I like it a lot more than a traditional apron because of all the storage in it and the even weight distribution. No regrets getting that one.
I too have canvas and leather aprons and prefer a cotton bicycle mechanic’s light weight 30-year-old apron that hold a mechanical pencil and roller ball pen in the corners of each pocket and a 6-inch metal ruler.
I do not know how guys wear these heavy, bulky aprons, then load them down with 10 pounds of tools, and carry a block plane to bang into your thigh or bench constantly.
To each their own, for me light and minimalist is the way to go. And it occasionally gets a wash in the washing machine.
I have the Lee Valley apron and I like it because it’s very comfortable and the pockets are covered so they don’t fill up with saw dust. Best of all I always have my pencil, ruler and small square at my finger tips.
I never liked wearing an apron or vest. I'm always hot. I compensate by having 11,382 pencils, 87 tape measures, and 16 combination squares nearby.
Atogrf1: where can I find the "CRAFTSMAN full vest" that you spoke of. Saw nothing on Sears and another site listed shirts and hooded sweatshirts. Thanks.
I've had mine for a while now. It's possible they don't make it anymore. However, just to be safe, I'll take a picture of it and post it here so you can see what it looks like, maybe that will help you out with your search. I'll try to have it up in the next day or so. Stay tuned...
I just got a J Katz Moses apron. If you don't like sawdust collecting in open pockets you won't be happy, but the material, workmanship, and strap system are excellent. Love the dedicated combination square holster.
I have a Bucket Boss without lower pockets, and I also have the J Katz Moses. The JKM has a nicer feeling fabric, a 20 0z canvas. I also really like the lower pockets. I can easily carry a Woodpecker's 851 in a corner pocket, as well as an 8" Paolini, a Kreg, a 4" double square in the holster, hardware, yada yada yada. Yes, the pockets collect dust. When I can no longer find my screwdriver in the pocket I dump the apron out, blast it with air, and am back in business in two minutes. The harness on the JKM is very comfortable, very adjustable, and doesn't carry any of the weight on your neck.
Great info, people! Thanks a bunch!
I have been using a Hudson Durable full canvas apron for several months. It is well made, comfortable and has pockets for tools, rulers etc. No more looking all over the shop for pencils, rulers, and other items. I now have to remember to look in my apron. I highly recommend the Hudson apron. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01E4DYQQM/ref=twister_B071Y1YD86?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here is a photo of the Craftsman vest that I was talking about. One other nice thing I forgot to mention...It is great for taller people. I am 6'3"tall and it is the perfect size for me.
I have a Woodcraft full canvas apron, and although it has lots of handy pockets, one size does NOT fit all. If you're short and on the smaller side the waist will hit at the top of the thighs and you can't tighten it enough to keep it from shifting around. But the material is great and in Florida it's lightweight enough to not cause overheating.
Lee Valley all the way. Doesn't hang on your neck and has two easy access pockets that do not fill with sawdust. Two pencils and a six inch ruler are my choice of tools to carry in my apron. Also it is available in a tall version.
purchased the Lee Valley for the same reasons and I love it. straps cross over your back to avoid neck stress and the front pockets access from the sides so they dont fill with sawdust.
I’m right at 24 mos. on my Texas Heritage canvas apron. Daily hobbiest. A touch warm in the summer in Ohio, but great the other 11 mos. of the year. Holding up well. Flaps on the lower pockets keep dust out. Just the right amount of pocket space - carry what you need, not carry what you might need. (It’s not but a couple of steps to that drawer.).
Duluth Trading.
The straps aren't made for anyone with even a mild amount of girth ;-)
This is the one I'd get if I didnt already have one - https://www.katzmoseswoodworking.com/new-products/the-katz-moses-20-oz-waxed-canvas-woodworking-tool-apron-presale-and-giveaway
I got the Katz Moses Apron and I really like it for the most part. It is a 20 oz (if i recall correctly) waxed canvas apron so very durable. Love the fact that the apron rests on my shoulders and the strap adjusted fine to my body. The only thing that bothers me is the location of the pocket for the combination square. No matter how I place the ruler (Sticking out more on one end or the other) the blade always scratches my left arm unless I'm very careful. It may be just a me thing but I would probably have shifted its location a bit. One more thing as mentioned above is the fact that the pockets don't have a flap. prepare to fill the pockets with sawdust!
I have this one, also from Ms. Amazon. Once you get it adjusted, it is easy on and off. Fairly heavy waxed canvas.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3V6735/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Warren
Minneapolis
John, LOL! Someone else who believes, "It's impossible to have too many tools, too much storage space or too much money to acquire them.
I have an Ace Hardware denim apron. Enough for my needs. Rockler has denim over-the-shoulder AND turner's aprons. You could also use oversize, button-down shirts.
Mikaol
I'll put in a pitch for making your own if you have access to a sewing machine. It's about the easiest sewing project you could ever do, and the customization options are nearly limitless. For most people this rules out leather, but I've been very happy with denim (my current one) and cotton ticking (my last one). You can move pockets as much as you like, and come up with all kinds of custom fittings. I sewed a patch on that holds a 1" diameter rare earth magnet and all kinds of stuff can just park there. It's home for my mechanical pencil, but my lightweight marking knife or a few steel screws can hang out there to stay handy.
Making flat pockets is simple, while 3D ones for bulky stuff like a block plane would be more of a chore. But a flat pocket will hold a small square or a wheel-style marking gauge (if shaped correctly). I never had the ambition to carry that much stuff in my apron, so I've never missed that capability.
Also, cheap!
I went the cheap route and got a Husky canvas apron from HD. Waste of money because the pockets fill up with sawdust all the time. Now it hangs on the wall with extra pencils and tape measures in the pockets.
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