Best wood turning & woodworking apron

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 heavy amount of tools needed 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.

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. 

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. 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.

What Makes A Good Wood-Turning 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.

Top Wood Working Apron Comparison

Conclusion

The Pinnacle Leather Woodworking Apron is a good all-around choice for most woodworking jobs. The heavy, full-grained leather does an excellent job of keeping away most debris, and it is surprisingly lightweight despite its thickness and durability. 

If you prefer an even lighter apron, Loftbrook’s Versatile Genuine Leather Woodworking Apron combines the best qualities of canvas and leather in a convenient design. The waxed coating is water-resistant and immune to most stains, although it can be cleaned pretty easily with a brush or a sponge. 

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.