Best Woodworking Shop Apron (Must Have Features)
A high quality woodworking shop apron is one of the most important woodworking tools you can own. A work apron can protect your clothes and skin from splinters, saw dust, and other debris while you work as well as offer large pockets for your most-used tools. Don't mistake a woodworking apron for a kitchen apron, because they are just a specialized tool belt designed for woodworking projects. The best woodworking aprons have a number of features that make it indispensable for the woodworker and easy access to your tools. This guide will walk you through the features you must have to find the best apron including the right material, durability, affordable price, and the right kind of pockets for woodworking. I always thought that as a hobby woodworker I never needed one and it looked odd but now I use mine every time I am in my workshop.
Waxed Canvas Apron vs Leather Apron
When deciding on the best woodworking apron you have the choice of two main materials either waxed canvas or leather. The two apron materials differ in their composition, weight, protection, and cost. A canvas apron is typically lighter and less durable than a leather apron. It is also less likely to protect the wearer from spills and stains as they could leak through the canvas. However, most canvas aprons are also protected with wax making them resistible to liquids. A leather apron, on the other hand, is heavier and more resistant to spills and stains. It also provides more protection against heat and sharp objects and will last a much longer time than a waxed canvas. One other consideration is that waxed canvased aprons are significantly cheaper than real leather aprons.
If you are looking to purchase your first woodworking apron I would highly recommend buying a lower cost waxed canvas apron. As you start to wear an apron more often you will find specific features you like best and then can then invest in a high-quality custom waxed canvas or leather apron.
Durability and Comfort
When looking for a durable material and comfortable woodworking apron, there are a few things to keep in mind. The fabric should be heavy-duty and of a thicker material, stay away from thin canvases that could tear and rip. It is also important that the apron is adjustable on either the back strap, cross-back straps, shoulder straps, or waist strap so that it can fit comfortably. Adjustability is a major factor because most woodworking aprons are one size fits all, so having quality adjustment points is key. A key feature to look for to make things comfortable is padded neck straps, this will help ease stress points on your shoulders. A final consideration is the weight of the apron, it should be lightweight enough that it does not cause fatigue during long hours in the workshop.
Pockets and Loops
If you're like me, you always find yourself searching for a tape measure or mechanical pencil all the time and can never find it. By wearing an apron you have dedicated pockets for all your most-used tools and never have to go searching again. I have saved a ton of time not looking around my workshop something I keep on me now with an apron.
When you are looking for the best woodworking apron you need to have a plan for the utility pockets and pick an apron with plenty of pockets. The front main pockets need to be large enough to fit a tape measure or handful of screws, while using the smaller chest pockets for other small items. Make sure the chest pockets have dedicated spaces for mechanical pencils, markers, mini calipers, or a tiny tape measure. Having a hanging loop is nice if you want to secure a dust collector remote or a remote for your air filtration system. Also, having flat pockets with covers that prevent saw dust from entering into the lower pockets is essential.
Cost Of A Woodworking Apron
The cost of a woodworking apron depends heavily on the quality of materials if you choose waxed canvas or leather. Also, some can be thrown in a washing machine while others will collect wood glue, and stains and will end up having a rugged look. I personally found a cheap waxed apron with adjustable back straps, a chest pocket, and big front pockets which has increased my productivity and kept my clothes away from wood dust and stains. I highly recommend purchasing a workshop apron no matter if it's top quality or one like mine, it will save you time and headache in the workshop.
Benefits of Using a Woodworking Apron
There are many different benefits to wearing a woodworking apron while in the shop. First, an apron protects your clothing from being stained, damaged or covered by finishes, sawdust, wood chips, and other debris. Second, it helps keep you safe by providing an extra layer of protection from flying debris and sharp tools. Most importantly an apron can help you stay organized by providing pockets for your tools and supplies. If you are in a situation where you have clients or customers in your shop, wearing an apron can make you look more professional and experienced to your clients.
Increase Productivity With A Woodworking Apron
Aprons of all types have been used for many years in a variety of different professions. Woodworkers can especially benefit from using an apron to increase their productivity and keep their work area organized. Woodworking aprons provide pockets and loops to hold your most used tools and materials, which can save you a ton of time instead of looking all over your workshop for that one item. Aprons also protect clothing from dirt, dust, and other debris and you don't have to worry about getting glue or stain on your clothes and saves you time before leaving your shop and not having to change or clean your clothes. Having an apron that is specifically designed for woodworking will definitely help you get more done in a shorter amount of time and at a minimum saves you the headache of looking for your pencil.
How To Care For A Woodworking Apron
Caring for a woodworking apron depends heavily on the type of apron you have or plan to purchase. Aprons can be made from a variety of materials, so it is important to know how to best take care of the specific fabric or materials used and read the care instructions that came with it. Generally, aprons should not be washed or put into a washer or dryer. If you wash a woodworking apron you will end up degrading the infused wax of the canvas or leather. The best choice to clean your woodworking apron is to spot clean with a damp cloth and with gentle pressure. Unless you are in an environment where your appearance is visible to customers or clients, I would not worry about cleaning the apron as it shows your hard work and character.
Custom Woodworking Apron
If you are looking for a custom woodworking apron the folks over at Leather By Dragonfly make some amazing bespoke leather aprons. The process they go through is amazing with a custom fitting process and consultation for designing each pocket and placement on your apron. The aprons are handmade here in the United States taking somewhere between 6 to 10 weeks to finish. The custom aprons are made from hand-selected hides, solid copper hand-peened rivets, and solid construction you can trust. Leather by Dragonfly even guarantees and services their own woodworking aprons which says a lot about the company. The price of their aprons can be quite steep but it definitely speaks to the equality and longevity of the aprons. I highly recommend checking them out if you are interested in a bespoke custom leather apron.
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