Smock or work shirt recommendations?

[Tony Perelli]

Any recommendation for a tough smock or turning work shirt?
I’m interested in burly heavy canvas (or similar ) rather than the light polyester ones I see online. Some welder shirts look ok.
Would like long sleeves, nice collar etc.
Anyone have one they love and can pass info along? Thanks!

 

[Raif Harik]

I've been on a similar journey. Alas I live in texas so no matter if I found the perfect thing, I still wouldn't wear it cuz it's too damn hot. That said, I found some interesting stuff at a chef supply place online.

 

[Vincent Vogel]

I tried a welding coat, I liked it except the sleeves were too loose and a little long at my wrist area. I was afraid of it getting caught in the lathe so that only lasted about two minutes and I gave up on that and bought a short sleeve turners coat.

 

[John Kananis]

I use a rain jacket. Although that is on the lighter side and not suited to what you're looking for - that said, I'm sure there are some heavier versions.

 

[Dean Center]

There are quite a few different brands of turning smocks out there, some not much known. Seems like I've seen some that were pretty stout material. You might look for one made in Britain, as they wouldn't be designed for turning in America's Southland. You might also get some ideas if you search this forum for the previous threads on smocks--the questions may not have been exactly what you're asking, but the variety of names mentioned would give you something to look for.

Also, think real carefully about long sleeves. You don't want something loose and floppy getting caught in a chuck.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

If you have a restaurant supply store in your area, go look at chef shirts (sometimes call chef jackets or coats). Quite affordable. Go short sleeve, long sleeves around any power machinery is a safety problem, a bad one. Amazon sells them, too, as do some general uniform stores/rental services.

I've got a short sleeve chef's shirt, double breasted (typical style) so it's tough to get debris under it, and the collars usually close right to your neck. Try it on if you can, you may need to one size up if you've got a bit of "gut muscle". They tend to have a formed fit. I like it better than the old blue nylon turning apron that I bought from Packard a couple decades ago.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

I need to make sure it has a tight neck or I get a lot of chips inside my shirt. I bought a AAW smock at a symposium and like it a lot.

 

[Steve Nix]

I love the ones from Highland Workings shaving will not stick to it

 

[JeffSmith]

Several years ago I was gifted a turning smock from the UK turning tool retailer the Tool post. It is heavy, white denim-like material outside with an almost flannel feel inside, long sleeves with elastic at the cuff and leather on the elbows, a standing padded collar with leather for comfort and Velcro closure. Slightly longer fit overall, rear pockets and pencil pockets on the upper sleeves. Closure is a heavy zipper.
This thing has lasted ever since I got it over 13 years ago. It is heavy enough to provide warmth in the winter. It is in my regular smock rotation - a light weight Craft Supplies version for warmer weather is all but retired for the newer AAW light weight smock that sees duty about half the time, but when I need a little warmth and the protection of long sleeves (nice for roughing), this is my go to. It is shamefully stained but always good to go.
I just took a look for the tool post, but seems it may not be operating any longer. If any of you guys in the U K know where these can be sourced, let me know. I’d love to have another just in case this one ever wears out.

 

[Jaramiah Severns]

I like to wear short-sleeved Dickies coveralls in the shop. They slip on over my shoes and keep all of my clothes shavings and dust free. The chest pockets are great for holding a small ruler, a pencil, and my pen light.

 

[Michael Brown]

A direction I've not seen frequently, but mike peace likes is an army or your service... Bdu/acu et al. The material is tough and the neck buttons up high. A friend gave me an acu he must have picked up as surplus and I find it does an unexpectedly good job.

 

[Steven Borruso]

Bought this one on Amazon earlier this year.
Pros - Light weight, short sleeve, collar is comfortable and keeps all chips out, zips up for quick on/off.
Cons - Expensive for what it is IMHO (but couldn't find anything else similar), dust will stick to it (but not chips).

Oops ... just re-read OP's message ... this is definitely not heavy weight material ... nor long sleeve ... sorry about that :-(

 

[Richard Coers]

Heavy duty long sleeves is a serious accident waiting to happen around spinning machinery. Catch that sleeve on a chuck jaw and a broken arm will be the result because the fabric will not tear. I was a farm boy, I know what happens when tough clothing meets with spinning machinery. We had one guy with 1 and 1/2 arms, and a guy who was pulled into a hay bailer. They had to use an acetylene torch to cut up the bailer to get his smashed body out of the machine. My Dad bent over to pick up an ear of corn as the combine was slowing to a stop. A pulley grabbed his bib overalls and pulled him against the machine. He had to just hang there until my brother came back to the field and cut his bibs up to get him out. A few more revolutions and my Dad would have been killed.

 

[JeffSmith]

Heavy duty long sleeves is a serious accident waiting to happen. Catch that sleeve on a chuck jaw and a broken arm will be the result because the fabric will not tear.

Been using my long sleeve smock for many years with no problems. I can’t foresee a situation that would put my sleeve in proximity to the chuck jaws, but maybe it’s just me. I tend to approach any work in my shop that’s done with machinery with care and attention to where my body parts are…but then we’re all different.

 

[Jim McLain]

Lee Valley at one time offered a long sleeve smock but I think they have discontinued it. I’m on my second one which is getting pretty nasty looking but still works. It is a heavier material which is great for winter use.

 

[Dave Bunge]

Lee Valley at one time offered a long sleeve smock but I think they have discontinued it. I’m on my second one which is getting pretty nasty looking but still works. It is a heavier material which is great for winter use.

I also have two Lee Valley smocks. They have elastic cuffs, so that reduces the risk of wearing long sleeves. They are discontinued. I've asked Lee Valley several times over the years, but they don't seem to be planning to bring them back.

 

[Richard Coers]

Been using my long sleeve smock for many years with no problems. I can’t foresee a situation that would put my sleeve in proximity to the chuck jaws, but maybe it’s just me. I tend to approach any work in my shop that’s done with machinery with care and attention to where my body parts are…but then we’re all different.

Nearly all people can't foresee a situation where an accident can occur, until they have one. That doesn't mean another concerned person shouldn't warn them. Non of the accidents I mentioned were foreseen by the farmers that either died or worked the rest of their lives with only a 1/2 arm.

 

[robo hippy]

I like the ones from Craft Supplies, light weight and short sleeves. I NEVER turn in long sleeves. It helps that I am a hot person. I start to sweat when it gets above 70 degrees....

robo hippy

 

[Omer Klee]

Axminster makes a heavy duty smock. It doesn't have long sleeves and the zipper is mounted left handed but it's a good fitting tough smock.
I also have a AAW smock that is lighter weight.

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

I have the AAW Smock too but I rarely use it, it's just too hot here in Florida to use it much. I usually turn in a tee shirt and if I get dusty I visit the compressor.

 

[Kent Jaffrey]

I saw Mike Peace wearing an army BDU so gave it a try and it works great for turning when cool. The Velcro neck adjustment and cuffs are great for keeping chips out and the material is tough and sheds the chips. Plus they are fairly cheap if you look on eBay so if it doesn’t work it’s not too much lost.

 

[Brian Gustin]

As with the other comments - In cold weather I do turn with long sleeves. However, I am also hyper-aware of where sleeves are at, and my old shop coat I wear is easily torn or ripped if it catches on anything. Even so, I tend to often check with lathe off and rotate the piece (and chucks) by hand while letting sleeves drag over things - if anything even hints at catching, I either knock those corners off first , or I have been known to tape up sleeves with wide masking tape snug up against my arm so nothing at all dangles (and in fact the masking tape tends to make things a little slipperier to boot) - But as others caution, use care and common sense before wearing long sleeves or loose clothing (or long hair, jewelry, etc) when operating ANY machinery. More times than I can count I have caught myself about to do something dumb in that direction if I wasn't in the habit of checking (another reason to stop working when you start to feel tired, frustrated or out of sorts, as well.... one tends to take shortcuts and NOT do those safety checks...)

 

[Bill Alston]

I saw Mike Peace wearing an army BDU so gave it a try and it works great for turning when cool. The Velcro neck adjustment and cuffs are great for keeping chips out and the material is tough and sheds the chips. Plus they are fairly cheap if you look on eBay so if it doesn’t work it’s not too much lost.

I bought one as well. It works really well and the chips brush off easily.

 

[Jerry Bennett]

Red is best

 

[Wyatt Holm]

I bought a smock from the UK. The company is Lovel Workwear. It was reasonably priced, and the shipping was only about $20.00

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I wear a short sleeve smock, and roll up my shirt sleeves. If the shop is cool, I wear a fleece vest under the smock, and that usually keeps me warm.

My wife once had her sleeve catch on the chuck, even though it was a knit elastic cuff. (Minor injury).

 

[Brian Deakin]

This is not a warm option but is the approach I took

Look on Ebay for a used branded cycling top

I choose a short sleeved option It is breathable and the zipped neck line prevents chips

You could wear a thermal vest underneath in the colder months,

I would suggest purchasing a larger size so it is looser fitting

 

[Brian Deakin]

Several years ago I was gifted a turning smock from the UK turning tool retailer the Tool post. It is heavy, white denim-like material outside with an almost flannel feel inside, long sleeves with elastic at the cuff and leather on the elbows, a standing padded collar with leather for comfort and Velcro closure. Slightly longer fit overall, rear pockets and pencil pockets on the upper sleeves. Closure is a heavy zipper.
This thing has lasted ever since I got it over 13 years ago. It is heavy enough to provide warmth in the winter. It is in my regular smock rotation - a light weight Craft Supplies version for warmer weather is all but retired for the newer AAW light weight smock that sees duty about half the time, but when I need a little warmth and the protection of long sleeves (nice for roughing), this is my go to. It is shamefully stained but always good to go.
I just took a look for the tool post, but seems it may not be operating any longer. If any of you guys in the U K know where these can be sourced, let me know. I’d love to have another just in case this one ever wears out.

I live in the Uk

Toolpost did sadly close down about 2 years ago

The supplier you see at woodwork shows in the uk is

http://www.lovellworkwear.com/smocks.html

http://www.lovellworkwear.com/smocks.html Safeguard yourself and your clothing with our range of original, top quality, custom designed hardwearing Smocks and Aprons www.lovellworkwear.com Safeguard yourself and your clothing with our range of original, top quality, custom designed hardwearing Smocks...

I will report back if I am able to identify a smock similar to the one you currently have

 

[Sam Fleisher]

I look pretty goofy when I'm working in my shop. Me being the tiny petite individual that I'm not, I found some Hawaiian shirts on clearance for $8 on my fat man clothes site. I wear them backwards so the collar is right up to my neck and there are no pockets to fill up with chips. Stuff slides right off the material and I have several that I rotate through the wash. (plus I'm colorful)

Any weight/warm shirt could be worn backwards if you get a loose fit one.

 

[Ruth Hadad]

Any recommendation for a tough smock or turning work shirt?
I’m interested in burly heavy canvas (or similar ) rather than the light polyester ones I see online. Some welder shirts look ok.
Would like long sleeves, nice collar etc.
Anyone have one they love and can pass info along? Thanks!

I have a thick leather apron with a turner's cowl and convenient chest pockets. I love the protection of the leather; it's saved my skin a couple of times. It has no sleeves but fits over whatever I wear under it, and I turn all four seasons.

 

[hughie]

I have a smock from one of the local turners supply shops its a bit over sized, short sleeves and good fitting velcro collar. Not a lot of pockets just a couple on each sleeve with the narrow pencil/pen holder set up. Its polyester would have preferred cotton but they are not common here, otherwise its shorts and old tee shirts 90% of the time.

 

[Dean Center]

Axminster makes a heavy duty smock. It doesn't have long sleeves and the zipper is mounted left handed but it's a good fitting tough smock.
I also have a AAW smock that is lighter weight.

Omer, the Axminster smock looks a little more 'complicated' than some of the lighter weight smocks. How is it for fit, ease of adjustment, keeping chips from getting under the collar, etc.

 

[Daniel Bartlett]

I have the Axminster, and like it.

 

[Omer Klee]

Omer, the Axminster smock looks a little more 'complicated' than some of the lighter weight smocks. How is it for fit, ease of adjustment, keeping chips from getting under the collar, etc.

Dean, The only "issue" I have with it is the left hand zipper.
The collar does a good job of keeping the chips from getting inside and one of it's biggest selling points (for me) is it's big enough through the shoulders and neck so I don't feel constrained. The collar is about 3-1/2 tall Adjustments are velcro. Sleeves are big but can also be adjusted with Velcro. I’ve included a couple of pictures.
There was a video on them either on the Axminster site or you tube.
Overall it's a well made smock that has stood up to a lot of use over the last 3-4 years.

 

[musky]

While not heavyweight, I also got one of those AAW smocks at one of the AAW conventions, I think it was Atlanta, or possibly Kansas before that. Great smock for warmer times, but it is light weight.