Glenn Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Radiant heat from a fire can heat up a lot of things. Anyone standing with their back to a stove to get warm during the winter can tell you that the hot cloth of the jeans does not touch the leg till about the second step. Then comes the dance where each move causes the hot cloth to touch the leg again, increasing the tempo of the dance. A shirt wet with sweat plus radiant heat will generate temperatures that can range from uncomfortable to steam. Working big stock requires big fire and produces big radiant heat. Many times the bibs are cut small and or not designed for the specialized protection or coverage a blacksmith sometimes needs. I have used aprons with straps behind the neck and straps crossed behind the back. The straps crossed behind the back are much more comfortable for me. The style and length of the apron does not matter as much as wearing the apron matters. The apron offers no protection folded on the end of a work table or hanging on a hook somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j smith Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Bib type, got it from Grainger. Cost a little more than the HF but no bleeding colors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Waist to knee, that I picked up for the right price "FREE" from a old technical school that was closing down. Not sure what hide it comes from perhaps cow. I find that my jeans stay a lot cleaner with it on. Only drawback is that at times I could do with a slit in it so as to hold iron between my legs a little better but not doing that all the time so shall leave as it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseff Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Many years ago, my brother made me a bib type using Tandy's oil finish blacksmith leather. It was monagrammed and I really liked it, but I lost it in a move before I ever really got it broken in. I'd sure love to have it back. Joseff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DClaville Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I got this and have had it for like a little over a year now and i use it all times when forging I am thinking about getting a full front one when working with molten stuff and other very hot work but i like the half kinds for most work DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkormat42 Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I have used my Red Ram bib apron for years. I consider it an essential tool in the shop. You can use it to carry 'warm' items from workspace to workspace. I don't lose my scribe now that it stays in the bib after use! The other day I was using the angle grinder on a piece firmly held in the post vise. I removed it and saw one little spot that needed a touch up. Yep, you guessed it. Holding it not so firmly in my hand I tried to hit one lick and the grinder got away from me and nicked my thumb and gouged out nice little impression on my bib. I got off easy thanks to the hide of a dead critter. Also, the 38100 Red Ram Leather Cape mates up nicely with the bib apron for arm and neck protection for welding. The apron was about $20 and the cape was $30. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Yup, the red ram has saved delicate place more than once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 I wear an OLD farrier's apron. I don't like anything tied around my neck and I haven't burned anything yet above the waist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 Pictures! We want PICTURES! Frosty NOOOO!!!! We DO NOT WANT PICTURES!! I'm having a terrible time getting that image out of my head! It's pretty obvious you have never seen Thomas! Beard with anvils braided into them and this CRAZY RED hat with horns...and put a leather mini shirt on that! YIKES!! Hide the women and kids! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billp Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I use a short bib apron I got from a wood working supplier. But being that I'm only 5'4" the apron hits me just right at knee level or a touch higher. It's heavy leather with nice clasp or buckle and no it was not cheep but should last quite a while. After all I don't mind paying for something that will last apposed to cheap that wares out and have to replace over and over. I went with out it once but never again. To hot to many sparks and helps protect your clothing as well as skin. BillP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SK-Buckwheat Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I always wear one when I am working at with hot stuff. That hide takes a lot more heat than mine will. Mine has sleeves, collar down to my knees.I have used my Red Ram bib apron for years. This one is the same idea as mine, but mine is blue! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodeye Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I have a store bought suede Bib type - got if from Centaur Forge and it has worked great but is heavy. I do have three tanned deer hides in the basement that I keep think about as raw material for a custom made (by me) apron but whenever I have time for Blacksmithing activities I just go out and smith and the leather sits - the day will come though for that project, the leather has a long shelf life so I'm not to worried, maybe when I destroy my current apron I'll be motivated to do some leather work - maybe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blksmth Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I seldom use an apron, but I have a drawer full of t-shirts with burn holes in the front from forge welding. I usually (but not always) use a bib leather apron when I use a wire brush on an angle grinder. I like an apron for that better than having all those little wires stuck in my belly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yesteryearforge Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 bib style here Gibbins continental pattern from Gibbins of sufolk Mike TannerBlacksmith Guild of Viriginia - HomeYesteryear School of Blacksmithing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Budd Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Bib type. My first was your basic grey chrome tanned welders apron from a welding suppliers, but it was quite stiff and being a small chap it was irritating around the sides and armpits. I used it for a couple of years anmd got it moulded to my form, until I burnt a hole straight through at the waist (angle grinder, didn't notice where the sparks were going until my belt buckle got hot! ) For the last couple of years my (bib again) apron is made from heavy suede I bought with a batch of leather for sheathes. It's much more supple than the normal aprons and is about the same thickness. Also available in any colour you like I based the shape on my old one, but adjusted ot to fit; now runs a little above the knees so that I don't have to lift too much when supporting things between my legs. I met a smith a few years back who forges in a leather kilt. No trousers underneath (or undies?). I don't thik I'll try it just incase there is a hot or sharp bit on the bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johannes Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 (edited) just my trusty stiff farriers apron, and for bigger work/fire, i aditionaly wear a heavy sleavless leather vest top of it. Edited June 18, 2009 by Johannes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmotley Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Bib style from Blacksmith's Depot here, plenty heavy duty, fairly inexpensive---$24 before shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip in china Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 I had one made at a shop that does leather sofas as I couldn't find one here. It loops over my head and comes to my knees. If I were having a second one made I would include a flap over the front pocket to prevent dust from getting in. I always wear it when forging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Hammer Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 (edited) I like to dress as lightly as possible when I'm working, so I only add a leather apron (bib type) when it's probable I'll start myself on fire if I don't (like when forge welding, or grinding, and the sparks cross me). Leather apron weights "vary" a LOT, which should be a consideration during your choice. A thought just struck me... it would be easy to attach a small hook (or loop) of some sort to the leather apron's side, at anvil height, to put the end of bar stock in as an alternative to holding a project between our legs (which doesn't work for me because my anvil top is higher than my crotch), or using a metal stand. HMMM.... That might make wearing an apron more tolerable, and it would save having that stand that creeps in my way when I don't need it. Edited June 19, 2009 by djhammerd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquiteforge Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 I found a cordura(nylon) farriers apron with leather patches on the thighs a few years ago. I bought it on ebay from user "rjshoeing", in Waller, Texas. It was under $60-70. I have tried full bib aprons and it is just too blasted hot here in South Texas to wear a full leather apron. For most light forging I just rough it out in my jeans or Carhardts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratel10mm Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Bib type, off fleabay U.K. Seller said it was ex MOD. No idea if it actuallly is. But it is lined & has riveted eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocko 58 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I use a bib type welding apron:rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratel10mm Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 ...A thought just struck me... it would be easy to attach a small hook (or loop) of some sort to the leather apron's side, at anvil height, to put the end of bar stock in as an alternative to holding a project between our legs (which doesn't work for me because my anvil top is higher than my crotch), or using a metal stand. ... Potentially good idea there Djhammerd. I was taught a possible way to hold the stock with your legs if the anvil's too high - knock the work down at an angle that it will sit flat on the anvil while you hold the stock between your legs. Of course, that isn't always practical. But it may help on occasion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Falzone Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I have 2 - one for everyday use and one for demos and formal occasions My everyday one is a split leather bib style, knee-length welders apron. I removed the nylon straps and replaced them with leather. My demo apron is a rough-cut bib style, I cut from a side of leather. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 after getting steam burns form wet shirt hot steel on my stomac. bib apron is a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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