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Best woodworking apron review

Best woodworking apron | Waxed canvas. vs Leather

Posted on August 31, 2019March 10, 2021 by Aaron Barnett
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Checked and updated on March 10, 2021 by Aaron Barnett

Author intro

The best material for a woodworking apron is either waxed canvas or leather. Both are durable, but both have there different pros and cons when it comes to maintenance and comfort, more on this below;

The best-waxed canvas apron will stand to good use while maintaining flexibility for a longer period of time, this might be your priority for a shop apron.

A leather apron instead of a canvas work apron might suit better for woodturning, and more aggressive woodworking jobs when you want a thicker shield of protection to defend you and your clothing from flying wood chips.

Table Of Contents show
Best woodworking apron
Best woodturner’s apron
Introduction
Woodworkers apron vs. Carpenter’s apron
Waxed canvas vs. Leather aprons
Choosing the top woodworking & woodturner’s apron
What makes the best woodworking apron?
What makes a good woodturning apron?
Comparing woodworking apron
Comparing woodturner’s apron
Conclusion
Texas Canvas Wares woodworking apron
Rockler leather apron

Best woodworking apron

#1 Best waxed canvas woodworking apron

Texas Canvas Wares 4-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Texas Canvas Wares 4-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

  •  Light and durable 16 oz canvas.
  •  Flexible padded strap.
  •  Steel rivets on grommets for a secure hold.
  •  Universal size fits up to 50-inch size.
  • Not heat resistant like leather.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

#2 Best leather woodworking apron

QeeLink 6-pocket, leather, woodworking apron

  • QeeLink 6 pocket leather woodworking apron
  • Made of thick split heavy-duty cowhide leather.
  •  Wear & flame resistant.
  •  Uses the authentic US Kevlar thread.
  •  Long straps to fit all sizes.
  • Stiffer than waxed canvas.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#3 Best premium leather woodworking apron

Theodore 2-pocket, leather, woodworking apron

Theodore 2 pocket leather woodowrking apron

  • Made of premium top-grain leather.
  • Straps are made of cowhide leather too.
  • Includes additional waist strap.
  • Easy to clean. 
  • The size is a bit small for some.
  • Pricey.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#4 Woodworking for all sizes

Gidabrand 5-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Gidabrand 5 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

  • Universal size fits up to a 50-inch waistline.
  • Holds edges in place with brass grommets.
  • Made of 16 oz water-resistant waxed canvas.
  • The loops are small.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#5 Comfortable woodworking apron waistband 

Briteree 9-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Briteree 9 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

  • Unique waistband snap-fit design.
  • Option to buckle up or tie the straps.
  • Has magnetic pocket.
  • With multi-use leather loops.
  • Easy to clean.
  • The leather pad holding the straps at the back can be improved.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#6 Padded leather shoulder straps

Fightech 6-pocket, leather, woodworking apron

Fightech 6 pocket leather woodworking apron

  • Made of heavy-duty leather.
  • Comfortable padded leather shoulder straps.
  • Packaging issues.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#7 Best lightweight woodworking apron

Tipkits 9-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Tipkits 9-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

  • Includes anti-slip phone strap on phone pocket.
  • Dustproof pockets.
  • Adjustable waist straps.
  • Lightweight.
  • Shoulder straps tend to twist.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#8 Waxed canvas-leather apron combo

Aaron Leather Goods 7-pocket, waxed canvas/ leather, woodworking apron

Aaron Leather Goods 6 pocket waxed canvas leather woodowrking apron

  • Reinforced stitching for tool’s ease of access.
  • Has deep leather pockets.
  • Made of 17 oz waxed canvas.
  • Cross-back straps can be adjusted.
  • Straps can be improved.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#9 Handcrafted apron grommets and rivets

EcoZen 7-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

EcoZen 7 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

  • Unique and comfortable shoulder strap support.
  • Handcrafted with rivets and grommets.
  • Zipper to protect and close the phone pocket.
  • Not for heavy use.
  • CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#10 Most pocketed woodworking apron

Readywares 12-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Readywares 12-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

  • Very thick and durable 20-ounce waxed cotton canvas construction.
  • Comfortable cotton/polyester padded straps.
  • Has 12 pockets plus two hammer loops.
  • Quick-release buckle would be easier to reach if it was located in the middle of the strap.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#11 Best-low cost woodworking apron

Rikivt 11-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Rikivt 11 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

  • Most affordable on the top list.
  • 11 pockets for more tools.
  • Lightweight.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best woodturner’s apron

#1 Best woodturner’s apron

Rockler 41-inch, leather, woodturner’s apron

Woodturner Leather Apron

  • Heavy-duty leather material.
  • Has a removable “hook-and-loop” collar that keeps debris from entering the top of your shirt.
  • Strap design balances the weight evenly on the shoulders.
  • Essential small pockets for pens.
  • It might be a bit too large for some.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#2 Best leather wood-turning apron

Craftsman by PIEL 41-inch, cowhide leather, woodturner’s apron

  • Craftsman by Piel 41-inch, cowhide leather, woodturner's apron
    • Highly elastic Lycra collar.
    • Made of Vachetta leather.
    • Stylish saddle brown color.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#3 A denim woodturner apron

Rockler 41-inch, denim woodturner’s apron

Denim Woodturner Apron

  • Made of heavy-duty denim.
  • Has a Velcro collar for easy removal.
  • Can be adjusted easily for a loose or tight fit.
  • Can be too large for some people.

Introduction

Woodworking aprons are essential accessories for anyone who works with wood. They provide protection against sharp debris and prevent wood chips, sawdust, and fine particles from covering your clothes and getting in your shoes. Woodworker’s aprons can be used by carpenters, crafts workers, sculptors, builders, furniture makers, cabinet makers, DIYers, and anyone who regularly works with wood. 

Smocks or work aprons of some kind have been used by woodworkers for hundreds of years. Traditionally, these were fashioned from odd bits of leather or fabric roughly stitched together by woodworkers themselves.

Nowadays, there are many machine-manufactured aprons for the woodworker market made of modern materials and with more advanced features.

Woodworker wearing apron while using a rasp

How woodworking aprons were made?

In many ways, however, modern shop aprons retain the basic design as the over-the-shoulder aprons from hundreds of years ago. The best Woodworking aprons are made of durable materials that are resistant to splinters, sharp objects, and wear and tear. Most are made of heavy canvas, denim, or leather and some have a dual layer of canvas-backed cotton for added strength and durability.

Some woodshop aprons are made of wax-coated fabric that prevents wood debris from sticking to the surface. These fabrics also make the apron easier to clean simply by wiping them down with a damp cloth. 

Although most woodworking aprons are fairly simple, some have pockets that can be used to hold tools and accessories like your woodworking chisels and your assortment of drill bits .

Having large pockets allows you to have many of your essential tools nearby so you don’t have to stop working to retrieve them, or lose your pencil.

Features to consider when buying woodworking aprons

  • Construction. Brass studs and copper rivets increase strength and durability, especially around stress points.
  • Material. Materials such as canvas and leather are rugged and hard-wearing and provide protection against most types of wood debris.
  • Pockets. It’s always good to have as many pockets as possible for holding your essential items, tools, plans, pencils, or even a beer.
  • Hammer loops. Helps to hold your hammer ready at your side
  • Comfort. Soft padded straps ensure comfortable wear for long periods. The apron should also be light enough to allow for comfortable freedom of movement.
  • Shoulder support. The ability for the apron to sit over the shoulder comfortably.

Woodworkers apron vs. Carpenter’s apron

Many carpenters could use a woodwork apron when planing, ripping, or carving wood, or doing anything that produces a lot of wood debris.

But generally, carpenter’s aprons are designed to take a heavier amount of tools needed as a builder as opposed to the long smocks used by woodworkers that extend down to the knees.

Work aprons help protect and keep you clean from wood shavings but don’t have room for many tools as they should be close in the workshop.

A carpenter’s apron is made and designed to take all the tools needed for walking around a big building site.

Carpenter’s aprons are also usually made of leather or nylon, and woodworking aprons are made of canvas or leather.

Used leather apron

Waxed canvas vs. Leather aprons

Woodworking aprons are usually made of canvas or leather. Both are strong and durable materials that are very resistant to wear-and-tear. But each has its advantages and drawbacks for woodworking.

Canvas tool aprons are fairly low-maintenance material that doesn’t require any special treatment and you could simply pop your unwaxed canvas work apron into the wash when it gets dirty.

However, it does tend to collect fine wood particles and smaller wood chips. Canvas tool aprons also tend to get stained pretty easily. 

The best leather woodworking aprons don’t stain easily and won’t retain wood debris. However, you do have to season the leather on occasion with oil to prevent cracks and creases.

Leather will also look worn over time, although this isn’t usually considered a drawback, Ultimately a leather apron has more protection, and is more professional for any serious woodturner, or carving enthusiast. 

Choosing the top woodworking & woodturner’s apron

#1 Best waxed canvas woodworking apron

The best-waxed apron goes to the Texas Canvas Wares.  The premium materials of wax are handcrafted and mixed delicately to the natural cotton fiber, a meticulous process that leaves not compromising the fabric’s breathability. The 16 oz waxed canvas, makes a lightweight apron and is still able to hold a variety of tools from its four pockets and can even take a hammer that not many woodworking aprons can. It also has two dustproof capped pockets, a pencil pocket, and a phone pocket with an anti-slip strap.

And if you thought the tools are gonna weigh you down, the cross-back straps will save the day. They hold pretty well to give a stronghold and still remain comfortable with their breathable pads. So if you like putting in more tools, go ahead because the steel rivets on grommets fasten securely to avoid tearing.

Texas Canvas Wares 4-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#1 Best leather woodworking apron

The best leather woodworking apron comes from Qeelink it promises value alongside extra protection from heat and flames. With 6 pockets including a roomy kangaroo pouch, plus specific pockets for pens and your mobile phone, you can bring in all the tools you need with you.

With a very soft texture using thick cowhide leather, it boasts edge stitching with US Kevlar thread used all throughout the apron.

It has cross-back straps that reduce neck and shoulder strain. And the straps are long enough to accommodate larger waist sizes.

The apron is also perfect for female wood crafters. The 36-inch length gives enough protection down the knees even when seated.

While this apron seems to look expensive, it gives more value than its price.

QeeLink 6-pocket, leather, woodworking apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#1 Best woodturner’s apron

This 41-inch leather apron from Rockler is ideally-suited for woodturning woodworking jobs. The heavy-duty leather material keeps you protected from sharp debris and prevents sawdust and fine particles from getting all over your clothes. 

The apron also has a removable “hook-and-loop” collar that keeps wood debris from getting under your shirt. The crisscross straps keep most of the weight off your neck as it rests comfortably on your shoulders so you could use this apron for hours without any discomfort. 

This apron is sized to fit everyone and has two inside pockets and outside pencil pockets.

Rockler 41 inch leather woodturners apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

What makes the best woodworking apron?

The best woodworking apron should provide protection against splinters and sharp wooden debris that often come off the work surface during sawing, planing, or chiseling.

And they should be durable enough to withstand the rugged conditions of a typical workshop or construction site, which is why they are usually made of canvas or leather. 

A utility apron with large pockets for holding essential woodworking tools is also useful. This keeps you from having to run back and forth to your workbench to get what you need. 

A shop apron should also be comfortable enough to wear for long periods. This is especially important considering the weight of the materials typically used for woodworking aprons plus any tools you may have in the pockets.

Whether or not you choose the flexibility of a waxed canvas apron or the smell of a leather apron,  it will be nice to add that layer of protection between you and flying wood chips coming from your best biscuit joiner, and Jigsaw tool or other woodworking tools of course.

Painting woodcraft woodworker wears apron

What makes a good woodturning apron?

Many woodworking aprons can be used for woodturning work as well. But you might find a lighter woodturners apron better suited for your needs. Woodworking aprons are usually thick and heavy, which makes it a bit difficult to move around if you have to do a lot of intricate work. 

Woodturning also usually produces smaller and finer particles than general woodworking. For your purposes, you might better off with a leather or nylon apron that doesn’t pick up or retain wood particles as easily as a canvas woodworking apron.

It is also a good idea to go for a long apron that covers your torso and most of your legs for even more protection.

Comparing woodworking apron

 Texas Canvas Wares

Texas Canvas Wares 4-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Qeelink

QeeLink 6-pocket, leather, woodworking apron

Theodore

Theodore 2 pocket leather woodowrking apron

Gidabrand

Gidabrand 5 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

Briteree

Briteree 9 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

Fightech

Fightech 6 pocket leather woodworking apron

Tipkits

Tipkits 9-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Aaron Leather Goods

Aaron Leather Goods 6 pocket waxed canvas leather woodowrking apron

EcoZen

EcoZen 7 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

Readywares

Readywares 12-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

Rikivt

Rikivt 11 pocket waxed canvas woodworking apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Verdict:Best woodworking apronBest valueMost affordable
Material:Waxed canvasLeatherLeatherWaxed canvasWaxed canvasLeatherWaxed canvasWaxed canvas/ leatherWaxed canvasWaxed canvasWaxed canvas
Number of pockets:4 pcs6 pcs2 pcs5 pcs9 pcs6 pcs9 pcs7 pcs7 pcs12 pcs11 pcs
Shoulder straps:Cross-back (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Cross-back (nylon webbing)Cross-back (leather)Cross-back (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Cross-back (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Cross-back (leather/ nylon webbing)Cross-back (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Cross-back (nylon webbing)Strap on (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Strap-on (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)Strap-on (waxed canvas/ nylon webbing)
Size27 x 34 inches24 x 36 inches22.5 x 30.5 inches27 x 34 inches27 x 33 inches24 x 36 inches27 x 33 inches26 x 35 inches27 x 34 inches26 x 26.5 inches

Comparing woodturner’s apron

 Rockler Leather

Rockler 41 inch leather woodturners apron

Craftsman by PIEL

Craftsman by Piel 41-inch, cowhide leather, woodturner's apron

Rockler Denim

Rockler 41 inch denim woodturners apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Verdict:Best woodturner apron
Material:LeatherLeatherDenim
Pencil pockets:2 pcs2 pcs3 pcs
Inside pockets:2 pcs2 pcsNa
Collar:Hook and loopLycra removableSoft cloth
Size41 inches41.5 inches41 inches

Conclusion

Texas Canvas Wares offers the best quality and value for the money when it comes to waxed canvas aprons. With a meticulous process of blending wax into the fabric, you’ll get a mixture of softness, strength, breathability, and protection.

And if you’re looking for the best leather apron for wood-crafting, the Qeelink is a good option. It fits most sizes and is also unisex. It makes a wise investment, especially when you are new to wood crafting. This one is good to start with.

Rockler’s Woodturner Leather Apron is a simple yet well-designed model that provides excellent value for the money. The leather material is hardy enough for most purposes, and a removable “hook-and-loop” collar is provided for keeping debris from getting into your shirt. It can also be worn comfortably for long periods due to the adjustable shoulder strap design.

Texas Canvas Wares woodworking apron

Pros:

  • Durable waxed canvas.
  • Universal size fits all.
  • Comfortable padded shoulder strap.

Cons:

  • None.

#1 Best workshop apron

Texas Canvas Wares 4-pocket, waxed canvas, woodworking apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Rockler leather apron

Pros:

  • Made of durable leather.
  • Hidden pockets.
  • Seals neck with hook-and-loop collar from debris.

Cons:

  • A bit large for some.

 #1 Best woodturner’s apron

Woodturner Leather Apron

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

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Builder and Editor at bangingtoolbox.com
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

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Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

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