Leather Apron

[Claude]

While this should really go into the tools and equipment thread, I thought I'd post it here where a lot of the beginners might see it. Besides the obvious safety glove and thumb guard most of us recommend, I also highly recommend getting a leather apron, such as this one: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...8061_200338061 I have one of these, and it does an excellent job of keeping sharp knives and gouges and power carving equipment away from my clothing and delicate skin... It has another advantage, also: it keeps paint and varnish off my clothing, which keeps my wife happier.

Claude

[Eddy-Smiles]

Claude...

What you said! Ditto! Ditto! Ditto! I bought my leather apron for under $49.00 at Mastercarvers after darn near seperating my femoral artery from my right leg. The wife was not a happy camper because between the slit and the blood stains a new pair of jeans ended up in the trash. The apron prevented a recurrence just last month when my knife slipped while carving on my lap. I got knicked but the leather slowed down a full blown amputation and praise the Lord I can still sing with my bass voice!

[squbrigg]

They do make a difference! But why is it always after several stitches, staples and a pair of jeans that we get one!!! Humans ....... we just don't think ahead!

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Yep , I bought one of those from Northern Equipment when they were on sale for 19.95...couldn't pass it up! but I also have a couple of shop aprons, not leather, but they sure save the clothes as well....

[Callynne]

Excellent point, Claude, I agree, a leather apron is a must if you aren't setting at a table....with the carving ON the table while you're working! If you're holding that wood anywhere near your body, better be prepared and protected! Thanks for pointing this out to everyone! Deborah</IMG>

[Tom-H]

Claude, Great advice! Some of us have eyesight that requires us to get a wee bit closer to our work than our lap. I carve much higher against my chest. Upper chest at that! Maybe I need a hockey goalies mask. Well not yet, but I did buy a cheap welders leather apron and cut it down to just cover my chest, since I do carve up against it. And yes there are several nicks in it.....Tom H

[dmatias]

Well, I guess I was very lucky when I started carving. The first thing some of the other carvers insisted I buy was a leather apron and special glove.

These both have saved me many times when I wasn't paying enough attention or my tool was too dull.

But, it is always a good thing to remind people to get themselves these types of things as well as good tools.

Thanks for keeping everyone safe.

[cut up]

I got one a couple of years ago, just before I had foot surgery, just to catch shavings. I figured it would shake out easier than a denim apron. I wasn't thinking about how much safer it would be. But now I'm even more glad I got it.

[RUssL.]

Though the current model is a little diffferent than the one I bought from them a while back, MDI Woodcarvers supply has one at a reasonable price, as leather aprons go.

http://www.mdiwoodcarvers.com/Produc...productID=2489

RussL.

[millhoused]

I found one at a harborfreight store at a good price. I believe they have a web site as well.

It was a welders apron but it works good for carving also.

Their nail bag makes a great little carving tool caddy.