Popular Woodworking 2003-06 № 134, страница 87

LEE VALLEY

This apron offers great dust management. The pockets are kept dust-free by a long flap that folds down over both of them and is kept closed with a snap button. The pockets are nice and big, but a few dividers in each would mean a little less digging. The apron's adjustable neck strap and waist band are bar tacked at all junctions. The apron is easily removed by simply working the straps' two clips, but crisscross straps would be better. Made from cotton with polyester webbing, this apron is not as durable as others in our review. For $15 this apron might be considered a good deal. But for $5 more, you can buy a better one.

DENIM WORKSHOP

You can purchase this traditional style almost anywhere. The material offers durability but the stitching lacks and three pockets aren't enough. The bib pocket, sewn to the apron across the top only, might keep tools from falling out when bending over, but we fear that lessens its durability. The side flaps are too wide and the apron is too long. It would be nice if the apron included a way to connect the two strings where they cross in the back to keep things together. Although a classic, we can't recommend it.

If you're going for the Dennis Hopper look in "Apocalypse Now," then this is the apron for you.The average woodworker carries about seven tools in his or her shop apron. The convenience of an apron is lost when you end up searching three pockets for your 6" rule.And while having options is nice, an apron filled with 20-plus tools can make it difficult to bend over. But the yoke-style harness does transfer weight to the back. Pockets with flaps are great; flaps deter dust. But this apron features its flap on the bib pocket while the pockets that see the most dust are left open. Although fun to look at, this apron is overdone, which is reflected in its high cost.

DULUTH TRADING CO.

This apron was our favorite in the bunch. The side pockets keep your tools out of the way when bending over and their placement helps deter excess dust. Worried that our tools would fall out of the pleated pockets, we realized that bending over causes the apron's material to fold, forming a closed pocket.The crisscross straps were good and the material kept us cool. The bib pockets could be divided into two. And while a long apron offers more protection, this one is almost too long. But, with swanky leather trim and a nice color, this apron is well worth its reasonable price tag.

movement occurs. Pockets on the side of the apron or those with flaps will resist filling up with dust.

The number and size of the pockets is important, too. You'll quickly run out of room with an apron with three pockets or less, and you'll never be able to find anything wearing an apron with 10 pockets or more. There should be two pockets perfectly sized for a lead and grease pencil or chalk, and a pocket for a calculator or

notebook is nice, too. Pockets with deeper wells for tools such as your tape measure and dial calipers should be located near the waist where you can easily thrust your hand for quick extraction. Hammer loops, for woodworkers, are mostly unnecessary.

A shop apron's dimensions also are an important factor. Longer aprons offer better protection while shorter aprons allow you to move more freely. (The

$3 cotton bib aprons that you commonly find at home center stores, which we refer to as the "teddy of shop aprons," are too short for any woodworker older than five.) The perfect length of an apron is dependent on personal preference.

Cost is important, too. When purchasing a shop apron, you can spend anywhere from $3 to $50 (or more, but we didn't test those). As you'll soon see, we haven't

found an apron worth $50 yet.

Last, and most importantly, you must consider durability. Fabric, thread, stitch and seam type all play important roles in determining how long an apron will last. We contacted Ann Braaten, a graduate instructor at the University of Minnesota's Department of Design, Housing and Apparel, to help us out. She evaluated an apron that had failed in use, gave us advice on what to

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