ytuyuty Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I am going to make myself a nice leather apron. Wondering what kind of suspension system do you like the best? What doesn't work? I'm think of crossed straps similar to this: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EtownAndrew Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 That one might be good if you can get it on and off fast. I'm not real fond of a heavy leather apron strap hanging around my neck. Add some pockets for a pencil, soapstone, 6" ruler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I went to the cross in the back after I wore a groove in my neck. Use it for both the leather and denim aprons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rashelle Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I suggested to a friend of mine that he turn his pocketed apron around the other way. He did and now no longer has problems with debris filling his pockets. Wish I'd of thought of that when I made mine. (I repurposed an old pair of leather pants.) Soft and light weight. Rather comfy in fact. Though in an industrial setting I'd probly want thicker leather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 My Girlfriend found me a suitable sized piece of very soft "Upholstery Leather", for a knee length apron. It's as high and snug around the neck as a T-Shirt collar, ... with 3" wide straps that terminate in large "D" rings, just over the top of my shoulders, ... and a 2nd set of "D" rings on the sides, at about "elbow" height. ( It fits close enough around the neck, that a Welding Helmet overlaps the opening, ... so that sparks can't get in. ) I use permanently attached, 1" cotton webbing straps, in an "X" pattern across the back, ... with no need for a lower "belt" in the back. Just a Cotton Webbing Strap from the "D" ring on each Shoulder, to the "D" ring at the opposite "elbow". The Cotton Webbing Straps are stitched together at the point in the back where they cross. You put it on and off over your head, without ever fussing with straps or fasteners. ------------------------------------------------- "Traditionally" the Blacksmiths apron is made of Horsehide, ..... but the Neighbor was unwilling to "donate" one of his Hayburners, ... so I setteled for Cowhide ..... :P ... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I bought a soft leather apron but it was way too long. I have a mate who's a saddler and he cut 9" off the bottom and turned the offcut into two pockets. Very handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ytuyuty Posted September 21, 2014 Author Share Posted September 21, 2014 ^^ Only one of those thread discusses straps, and I already read that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Menard Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 The style of apron is really dictated by what you are trying to protect. My forging apron is primarily protecting my waist, goodies, and ends mid/lower thigh. This was arrived at by looking at a wear pattern on my clothing. If I need to protect my upper torso, say for welding, I have a leather welders jacket. Living in northern New England this doubles as protection and warmth. I like just a waist apron that ties in the back for freedom of movement. I have seen Smiths that seem to like the full frontal leather armor but for me at the end of the day it looks heavy and adds to the fatigue factor. Again what are you guarding against? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Blythin Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 A full apron is to protect the smith from... their spouse (who is tired of seeing ruined clothing). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Moonshine Leather sells a good apron, though I don't like all the metal work they've got on them. All those buckles are unnecessary and add weight. The cross-back suspension is definitely the way to go. Hanging a leather apron around your neck, then getting the strap sweat-soaked and filled with crud.... what a horrible way to spend the day! Wide shoulder straps that cross in the back and tie to the sides like Moonshine shows on their website.... I would opt for using parachute cord instead of leather, and I'd use that connection for the adjustment instead of all those metal buckles and d-rings you see on most aprons. No waist strap, I think, if your design is right, but easy to add if not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basher Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Over the shoulder straps coming down to a "Y" that joins a belt across the waste, at the back... are the way to go. Just like a pair of old granddad suspenders. I have been wearing the same version of this for 20 years.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ytuyuty Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 Basher, you don't like the X pattern? I have some really nice 5-6 oz. oil-tanned leather that I am going to use to make a general-purpose apron for everything that I do in the shop, most wood and metal work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Google to see the old painting, "Pat Lyon at the Forge." No shoulder straps, just tie thongs for the upper waist. Sayings and Cornpone "Stuck in a rut is different than being in the groove." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodz Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 The apron I use now is fairly heavy and just has a loop that goes around the neck and straps on each side that hook together to form a belt. The belt when adjusted right supports the weight of the apron and the neck loop just keeps the upper portion from falling away. Even though its the heaviest apron I've had it is the most comfortable because the neck and shoulders dont hold it up. A couple people have copied it. Wouldn't want to go to any other style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Edgar Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 This is my favourite, "Steerso tuff" made in USA great value and quality,have a look. http://www.ukwelder.com/shop2/shop_index.php?page=weldas_aprons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ytuyuty Posted December 17, 2015 Author Share Posted December 17, 2015 So, I made an apron from 4-5 oz. oil-tanned leather, that extends all the way down below my knees. The back straps form an "X" in the back with adjustable buckles up front for when I wear winter coats while working Optional 2-inch belt if I'm not bending over a lot. I really like it, and have since made identical aprons for my friends (who apparently also like it). (The blade is not mine, but the bubinga, bone and bronze handle is.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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