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Woodturning Smocks

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The AAW is sharing their resource for those great woodturning smocks they sell on this website. See the President's forum for details on buying these smocks for your woodturning club.
Thanks to AAW for sharing this great information.
 
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Smocks

I really did not like the AAW smock one bit, especially the short sleeves. I purchased the traditional British smock with velcro sleeves and collar. It's warmer and keeps me clean. I was fully of shavings with the AAW smock.
 
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"Breathable nylon" seems oxymoronic to me. Perhaps years in nomex has conditioned me to think all synthetics are hot in summer and cold in winter.

Not that I wear a smock, but if I did, it would have sleeves up above the elbows like the AAW version to stay away from casual contact with, and possible catches by rotating objects. It would also be hard-surface cotton to breathe, yet shed fine shavings.
 
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Dec 23, 2006
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Thanks For This

Kenneth,
Thanks for posting about where to get the Lovell Smock. I used one during a turnning class I took. By far superior to any other smock I've tried. The problem has been finding where to buy one here in the U.S.

Thanks Again,

GA Darling
 
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May 14, 2004
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Location
Middlesex County, Virginia
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www.velvitoil.com
Kenneth, that is a great looking smock but I think I would like it better without sleeves. Smocks for me present a problem. In the winter I wear a lot of cloths (old work) so I don't really need a smock. In the summer any extra piece of clothing, cotton or not, is too much. So, the synthetic smock I have works fine about 4 months out of the year. I would like to fine a more user friendly smock though.
 
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I've been using the Lovell smock from the ToolPost for about five years and like it. I do worry a bit about the long sleeves, but so far I've had no problems, and the velcro does keep the cuffs closed and tight at the wrists. I really like the Lovell's standup collar with the velcro closure -- it does the job of keeping shavings out of your shirt quite well. If the AAW would incorporate a similar standup collar into their smock, I'd probably order one.

Does anyone have any comments on how well the AAW smock keeps chips out at the collar? Also, do chips get caught in either the knit collar or in the mesh armpits? Doesn't that oversized body of the AAW smock present nearly as much potential of getting caught up in machinery as the Lovell's snug long sleeves? I'd be happy if a few users of the AAW smock would comment on their views of its positive and negative features.

To my mind, the ideal smock would be like the Lovell, but in a short sleeve version with velcro closures on the short sleeves.

Regards,
John
 
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Since my earlier post, I watched the Mike Mahoney sharpening video on Youtube, and he was wearing a smock that appears to satisfy my comment:

"To my mind, the ideal smock would be like the Lovell, but in a short sleeve version with velcro closures on the short sleeves. "

Guessing that he probably got it at Craft Supplies USA, I searched their site and found one; see www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Shop___Safety___Safety_Supplies___Woodturners_Smock___smocks?Args=

Anybody out there use this one?

John
 
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www.mikecunninghamwoodturner.com
Hi John

Yes I've been wearing that smock for over two years and like it. I'm a fairly big guy, not quite Grumbinesque but 6'4" and 275, the XX fits fine. I have a big neck and the velcro closure works fine keeping the chips out. It zips up the front and is sealed with the neck closure. Short sleeves which I like, don't want sleeves or anything else dangling around the spinning chuck, etc. The only negative is that you can get warm wearing it, however I've yet to find a smock that doesn't create that problem. In my case it's not a problem since I stuck a 25,000 BTU AC in my shop last summer. I have worn it doing demos in the summer both in and outdoors and it's warm. Apparently it originates out of the UK, or so I've been told, based upon the fact that the zipper is on the other/wrong side. The material sheds shavings and dust and there are no nooks and crannies where it can gather.

Speaking of Grumbine, I believe Bill wears one of those black colored jobs from Packard, so perhaps you guys want to look at that as well.

I recommend the Craft Supply smock, however being a loyal AAW member I'd like to speak with some that have actually used the AAW smock and all things being equal I'd go with the AAW product.

Hope this helps,
Mike
 
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I've got the AAW smock and I'm quite satisfied with it. Perhaps a tad warm in the summer in Wisconsin but it does keep the chips out if you zip it up all the way and I've never had a chip or shaving get caught in the vented armpit area. Not really sure how that could happen anyway. I don't use the rear pockets and I think the front pocket is too big and deep. And, I do get some chips and sawdust into the pen slot of that front pocket. Can't really keep a 6" rule upright in that pocket either. Still, it's working for me.
 
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A couple of years ago, I purchased a smock from AAW. I too did not like the fact that it was nylon and did not breath. I had a friend who was visiting who liked to sew and she took out the back of the smock and using that for a pattern on some nylon netting - sewed it back up with the netting on the back. Works just fine. Lots of air space to vent out heat in the back.
Hugh
 
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Location
Bremerton, Washington
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www.georgeswoodworking.com
I have both a AAW (short sleeved) and Lee Valley (long sleeved) smock.
I bought the LV first and used it for about a year and didn't like the way chips and dust stuck to the knit cuffs and collar. Even with washing it they still stuck there and the thing was gray and always looked dirty even after a good washing. It was also very hot wearing it even in the winter.

I purchased an AAW one about 3 months ago and am very happy with it so far. The only problem is as mentioned about the front pocket being too big and if you don't watch the flap it will fill with chips. I haven't noticed it being any hotter than wearing a regular shirt, Infact it's alot cooler than the LV one.

BTW : I took the LV smock and boiled it in the pot I use for boiling blanks and dyed it royal blue. Looks alot cleaner now .. :)
 
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wetter washington
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www.ralphandellen.us

Good to see you here George, we had a fun time at the Picnic

On to the subject..

Last spring Rockler put the woodturners leather apron on sale (normally $60, knocked down to $20). It is also available from a number of other outlets

This gives me something that I can wear over a shirt (of any sleeve length), or over the Turning Smock SWMBO bought me from Craft Supplies as a present, for winter time warmth

TTFN
Ralph
 
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I don't know about all this stuff on smocks. I've been quite happy with my t-shirt version (sweatshirt in winter) and occasional duct tape to cover pockets when needed. I'd rather spend the money on tools and other goodies.
 
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Sonoma County, CA
T shirt good, smock better

I used a T shirt alone or over button shirts when I started and when I was fixing my AAW smock recently.

I got the smock about 3 years ago. I liked all: the feel of the fabric, zipped up the whole way and the neck is "sealed" from chips, net under arms is cool enough for me over a T shirt in Cailf bay area summers, over another shirt is warm enough in our winters, back pockets hold my awl and reamer. I don't use the front pocket. (Note Hugh is in my "neighborhood" and found it hot.)
I never liked the zipper that was used 3 years ago and replaced it recently.
At Portland, I examined and saw a better zipper is being used now.

Mine is slowly wearing out and I will buy another in a few years because I like smocks. I have examined heavier smocks and did not like how hot they were except in winter. Also they felt heavy on my arms.

So if you want a smock, how heavy, etc. is one of the choices.

On the size: I believe they call them oversized to help people like me decide which size to get. I had a conversation with someone at AAW about the sizes when I was deciding to buy one and wondered what to get. The oversize description helped me to know to buy my usuall men's size (T shirts and long sleeve dress--I have long arms) rather than a size larger. I do not find it baggy, but just right the way I wear it.

Thanks Capt. Eddie for giving info out so other clubs can also do group designs and buys of smocks if we want.
Ann
 
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I don't know about all this stuff on smocks. I've been quite happy with my t-shirt version (sweatshirt in winter) and occasional duct tape to cover pockets when needed. I'd rather spend the money on tools and other goodies.

There's the problem. It's an "art" thing. You probably call yours a "shop" rather than a "studio," too. If you want to be something, you have to wear the uniform. Get yourself a smock and a ponytail, pierce for the earrings if you want, and set those prices higher!
 
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I turn in cold Utah in winter and hot NC in summer.

I've used the AAW smock for several years now and I like it during cool or cold weather but it's too hot for me in the summer. I have it with me but it seldom gets used. When its cold I wear it all day.

I like the short sleeves and haven't had any problem with shavings getting up them or in any other areas where they shouldn't. I like the way the neck feels and chips don't get in there when zipped up and few when not zipped all the way. I do seem to get shaving and saw dust in the front pocket even though it has a large flag.

That would be better with a velcro strip to close it and my only complaint is it is too hot for summer wear.

Bertie
 
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Stillwater, MN
Years ago I purchased a heavy nylon apron with a turtleneck collar that fastened in the back with velcro. This is cool and keeps the dust and chips off the T-shirt, and the arms are as bare as you wish.

Then I got the AAW smock at the St. Paul Symposium, blue textured nylon pullover with a half zipper, chest pocket with flap, no back pockets. The front pocket, flap or no, fills with chips. The textured fabric holds dust and always looks dirty, the pullover is a nuisance.

This summer I attended the Utah Symposium, and purchase the CA cotton smock that zips up the front, with short sleeves, high collar, and rear pockets, plus a narrow pen pocket in front. This one I love, the chips and dust brush right off.

Bob
 
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I have an alternative

I've used a hospital smock given to me by a friend for months....it works really well because the material is smooth. It fastens with strings in the back and has a high neck.The sleeves have elastic cuffs and so present no real danger. A good shake after a turning session and all the debris falls off. Many hospitals throw this kind of stuff away after it has been opened and never even used. A good contact at the local OB or Surgery department ought to be able to supply you.
 
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I've used a hospital smock given to me by a friend for months....it works really well because the material is smooth. It fastens with strings in the back and has a high neck.The sleeves have elastic cuffs and so present no real danger. A good shake after a turning session and all the debris falls off. Many hospitals throw this kind of stuff away after it has been opened and never even used. A good contact at the local OB or Surgery department ought to be able to supply you.

Ya but how do you keep the chips off you're bare bum?:D
 
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Since my earlier post, I watched the Mike Mahoney sharpening video on Youtube, and he was wearing a smock that appears to satisfy my comment:

"To my mind, the ideal smock would be like the Lovell, but in a short sleeve version with velcro closures on the short sleeves. "

Guessing that he probably got it at Craft Supplies USA, I searched their site and found one; see www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Shop___Safety___Safety_Supplies___Woodturners_Smock___smocks?Args=

Anybody out there use this one?

John

Hi John ,

One of the members of my local club wears on of these smocks. I was curious about it and upon looking at it closely, I saw a small "Lovell" tag on it. He bought it from Craft Supply and really likes it. Apparently Lovell makes them for Craft Supply. But Lovell does not advertise it on their site, so it must be an "exclusive" item.

Joyce
 
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I've had a Crafts Supply smock for about 6 or 7 years. It's kind of warm for our climate. It's holding up well and looks good. I like the velcro closures to keep the sleeves tight.
 
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For what it's worth...

I have the Lee Valley smock and like it. There are a pockets on the upper part of the sleeves. I keep a 6" rule and pencil in them and have never had a problem. The rule and pencils stays up and they don't fall out when I bend over. There is also a back pocket that is handy, but I don't think I miss if it were gone.

Short sleeves would be an improvement. I too am a little aprehensive about long sleeves and spinning machinery.

Frank
 
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I bought my smock from another forum in Tan, which I like better than blue.

It is the same one sold here bought through a "group buy".

I like it, but the neck is tight when fully zipped, I am slowly getting used to that now.

The flap over the front pocket is flimsy and will easily slip into the pocket allowing it to fill with chips. ( Looking for an American Flag patch the flaps size to sew onto the flap to give it some stiffness and fix that problem.)

As mentioned above the front top pocket is DEEP so a pencil just falls into the pocket and a 6" rule falls at an angle and wedges in the pocket . To fix those I plan on sewing the pocket into divided sections. The pencil slit through the flap should have had a sewn divider in the pocket from the start, common sence in my book.

As far as being too hot or too cold my garage/shop is heated and this year became AC'ed.

I do want a long sleeved one too, as hairy arms hold alot of chips and dust.
Hip-Pocket-in-view-web.jpg
 
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A much belated entry to this thread

Although this thread is "stale" some may still be referring to it (as I did a while back). I decided on the Lee Valley smock, after reading these reviews, when my Sorby's zipper went south (also the Sorby is quite warm, and short).

I like the look of the AAW and Craft Supplies smocks, particularly the short sleeves, but my vote is for the light-weight version of the Lee-Valley. The key to my decision is the "two-way" zipper. As I have a prosthetic leg I sit down often, and being able to open the nearly knee length smock from the bottom is a boon. I don't like the knitted cuffs as it can get quite hot here in New Jersey in summer, so I have cut the sleeves to mid-forearm and sewn on Velcro closures. An easy fix, and one that gives me the best of two worlds. I can cover my forearms when I want to, with the closure to keep the cuffs out of the machine - or I can roll up the sleeves above the elbow if I want the ventilation.

Another plus is that, like the Lovell and some others, one can fasten the neck collar with Velcro so one doesn't have to zip up to the collar (leaves a bit more ventilation). Pencil pockets on each sleeve, reinforced with a heavy dark material above and under the pocket (no pencil marks on the smock, no cuts from my mini ruler).

I hope that this is of help to anyone coming newly to the thread.

Best, Jon
 

odie

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If some enterprising outfit simply made something that covered the neck and tops of the shoulders, something that was easy on, easy off.....I'll bet they'd sell a lot of them.

If this were an option, then the user could use whatever shirt, with or without sleeves and pockets, that suited them.

ooc
 
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I have both the green and tan versions of the Craft Supplies smock. These are my "Dress Smocks" which I use for demos in the warmer (tan) and colder (green) times of the year. For every day use I have two lab coats that I had cut down and they are made of cotton and retain enormous amounts of dust and I have the blue AAW smock that also sees use in the shop. I'm thinking about getting the 25th Anniversary Smock as a reminder of the symposium this year. All have the velcro closure at the neck and shorter sleeves except the lab coats which have tight cuffs at the wrist.
Bill
 

odie

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I do want a long sleeved one too, as hairy arms hold alot of chips and dust

This is very true......and the reason why I would require long sleeves on a smock. It wouldn't be terribly bad with dry shavings, I suppose, but when you are roughing unseasoned bowl blanks, the gummy crud that sticks to your arms is very annoying.

If I were to design a smock, it would be as follows:



*full length zipper on front......no pull-over design

*neck protection, velcro closure ok

*no pockets......none

*full length sleeves with velcro closure on cuffs

*a good addition to the full length sleeves would be to have them convertable to short sleeves......like convertable summer pants/shorts with a zippered lower leg. (this wouldn't be absolutely necessary, but I can see there being times where this might come in handy)

*no monograms or initials for me.......this is just goofy!


ooc


Now that I've started a "wish list", what else would you want in a smock?

I still think this following idea of mine would work fine for me.....and, it would be cheap to make:

If some enterprising outfit simply made something that covered the neck and tops of the shoulders, something that was easy on, easy off.....I'll bet they'd sell a lot of them.

If this were an option, then the user could use whatever shirt, with or without sleeves and pockets, that suited them.

ooc
 
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I use an old nylon windbreaker. It's lightweight, zips up the front, has elastic cuffs on long sleeves, and has a ventilated back. It sheds shavings and chips with only a shake. It's only flaw is the lack of a neck closure. I've considered wearing it backwards, but haven't tried that out yet.
It does have embroidery, but only because it was a premium I got for free.
 
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odie

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http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=appr-aprons

I have one and really like it. Not too terribly hot, even in the humid Kentucky summers. Like you said, it allows the user to decide what they need/want to wear underneath. My shoulder "tabs" don't lay down as well those in the picture however.


Glenn

AAW #37539

Hi Glenn.......Yes, as a matter of fact, I have seen that before......only the picture of it. I passed on that one, because it looked like an apron kind of arrangement would allow chips to enter the side. Don't know for sure, because I haven't tried it, but that was what I was thinking anyway. Thanks.

I've been using a light nylon (?) sporty shirt for about the past five years that really works well.....except it's a pull-over design. Has long sleeves, zipper that starts at mid-chest and zips up to the tips of the collar which completely enclose the neck. Really, it's perfect, except for being pull-over, and at times, it's a hassle to take on and off. This one, I got at Goodwill for only a few bucks, but I'd buy several of this kind of shirt, if they had a full length zipper on the front.

I intend to keep on using my current smock/shirt until something I feel is better for my particular needs comes along. I hope so, because this one is getting a little dilapidated!

ooc
 

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another vote for an old t-shirt and jeans... keeps the mosquitoes off my legs!

If you throw the shavings away from you, almost nothing gets on your t-shirt. Pulled down over my pants keeps most of the stuff out of my pants pockets. Almost always dressed to turn.

S
 

john lucas

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One of my good friends who is a long time production turner has the best idea. A tank top, not tucked in, and often turns barefooted. The shavings just fall through and never get stuck in your socks and shoes. OK you gotta be an ex hippie to get away with this but it works for him. Of course if you in Hawaii, it's no shirt, bathing suit and sandals.
 
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I have the older version of this one http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=appr-smocks
mine looks like the apron in the link above, but is a full coverage, in the summer it is kinda warm, in the winter it is nice until you move and feel that cold nylon. then its not so good, but a plus is you can turn just fine in the Tennessee winter and have a t-shirt under it.

in the summer i use a lab coat, some have a velcro neck, and covered pockets, its fairly cool and sheds dust and shavings pretty good, and has a covered zipper.
 
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Stow,Ohio
I'm with Glen B I use the Packard apron in my shop all the time,and have for about 9 or 10 years now.My shop is in my walk out basement so I'm air cond. in the summer and heated in the winter, shop stays around 68* year round.
I have never had chips get into it anywhere I know of neck,sides or anywhere and the pockets have large flats,no sleeves,closed collar and not hot or cold.:cool2:
 
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Rocky Mount, NC
A friend who turns lots of sopping wet green wood makes his own smocks from plastic tablecloth fabric he buys at the fabric stores. He cuts a slit in the center for his head to fit through (a la Clint Eastwood in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) and ties a rope around his waist. He says he can make a poncho for less than $5....

P.S. He is a very large man and to see him decked out in his red checked table cloth poncho, cut off jean shorts and brogans is quite the sight.:D
 
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