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Smock or work shirt recommendations?

Joined
Nov 26, 2024
Messages
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Location
Sandpoint, ID
I’m chuckling at myself, as I read these comments. For forty five years I thought pockets and underwear full of shavings and dust was just the cost of doing woodworking. And my wife has been a saint not complaining about the little piles I’ve left behind.

But now I’ve purchased the smock from Ken at Branches to Bowls. I’m turning over a new leaf. If only I remember to use it.
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
551
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671
Location
Traverse City, MI
I can't remember who, but I think one of Pat Carroll's guests on Meet the Woodturner had a leather turning apron.
 
Joined
Feb 7, 2020
Messages
242
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180
Location
Sykesville, Maryland
I use a welding jacket in the winter, like this

Medium weight. very tough. sheds shavings, but holds dust. Long sleeved, but cuffs snap tight around wrists. It's good for cold weather, over-clothes use.

I like the idea of a metal zipper as found in the Brit one, but want to get away from long sleeves. The Peachtree might be the best value. You could get 2 or even 3 for the cost of some of these other options.
 
Joined
Jan 24, 2022
Messages
282
Likes
371
Location
Bainbridge Island, WA
I use a welding jacket in the winter, like this

Medium weight. very tough. sheds shavings, but holds dust. Long sleeved, but cuffs snap tight around wrists. It's good for cold weather, over-clothes use.

I like the idea of a metal zipper as found in the Brit one, but want to get away from long sleeves. The Peachtree might be the best value. You could get 2 or even 3 for the cost of some of these other options.
This is what I use in cold weather too. Mine has Velcro to keep the sleeves tight around the wrist. I have the AAW Symposium smock for warmer weather.
 
Joined
Feb 2, 2016
Messages
690
Likes
557
Location
Clinton, TN
I always use a long sleeve as heavy a weight as possible all cotton button down shirt.
I recognize it goes against several safety issues with long sleeves but if I don't the shavings will literally burn my arm.

What tool are you using that throws hot shavings at your arm?
I have that problem with certain bowl gouges - they seem to channel hot shavings directly at my hand.

However, I discovered if I use a Hunter Hercules tool instead it throws the hot shavings off to the side, AWAY from my hand. I use it exactly like a bowl gouge and it works as well (or perhaps better) Mike makes two sizes and I have some of each, but I far prefer the smaller size for most bowls/platters, inside and out, round or cutting air. (the cutter lasts a long time and never needs sharpening.)

For something to wear, over 10 years ago I found some lightweight disposable "MediChoice Staff Jackets", that close with a flexible knit collar at the neck to keep shavings out. Snaps on the front. The sleeves have knit cuffs but some cut the sleeves shorter. The material is looks something like paper or thin polypropylene, and will tear if caught. There were 5 to a package, about $2 each. I don't know if they are still available - Amazon doesn't appear to have them any more.

I got the idea for these from the dental office where everyone wore them so I ordered some from Amazon. Everyone who comes likes them; well the girls always do - the guys don't seem to care.... Have three pockets.

Not made to keep one warm, but my shop is climate controlled.

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SUSY4_IMG_20180725_213324_855.jpg

Later I bought some disposable surgical scrub shirts and they are ok but don't have the shaving-proof flexible neck collar.

JKJ
 
Joined
Feb 28, 2021
Messages
1,424
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Location
Roulette, PA
Website
www.reallyruralwoodworks.com
What tool are you using that throws hot shavings at your arm?
I have that problem with certain bowl gouges - they seem to channel hot shavings directly at my hand.
JKJ
In my experience to date, I've sort of wondered if it might have anything to do with sharpness of the gouge, myself. I used to be bothered by hot shavings when turning semi-green (read: seasoned a while, but not dry) wood, but I began to notice as I also started sharpening more often (because I learned by feel when tool was getting dull) shavings didn't seem to be coming as hot (but my gouges on some cuts still throw shavings straight back in my face shield, or maybe I need to adjust my technique?) but in any case, I rarely was bothered by the hot shavings enough to want to wear a glove or long sleeves....
 
Joined
Feb 8, 2017
Messages
4
Likes
63
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Saw this one on Ashley Harwoods instagram

Calavera turners apron. I have one of theirs without the neck protectors and love it for the shop and turning!
 
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
41
Likes
17
Location
Arlington, VA
I have the Axminster smock and I like it for most of the summer. I know it doesn't have the long sleeves that the OP requested, but collar closure and comfort and velcro short sleeve cuffs are nice.
 
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