Leather apron for fat guys

[imashooter2]

I know all you manly men cast bare handed wearing shorts, sandals and a tee shirt.

I’m a bit more pragmatic. I like leather boots, gloves, cotton pants and shirt and an apron to keep splashes off the pants. Been using a cheap cotton shop apron for years, but recently I pushed the speed a bit too far, turned the mold and poured a sprue puddle in my lap. No injury, the apron did its job, but it got me considering a little upgrade to something more substantial.

Now I’m about twice the man most are… measured by volume anyway. A search ensued for a leather apron that would provide good coverage and not break the bank. I found the Urby Plus Size Work Apron on Amazon. For the price my expectations weren’t very high, but I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. The leather is decent weight, but supple and the strap system is comfortable and secure. Don’t be put off by the picture accompanying the advertisement. They have it flared out like a sail to show how big it is. In use it wraps loosely around the body and does not hinder movement. Transition from standing to sitting doesn’t require careful arrangement for coverage like my old cotton apron did.

Anyway, without further gilding of the lily, here is a link to what I bought. No affiliation, just happy with the product. Well worth the $35.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDJPMWTJ...t_details&th=1

[45workhorse]

I know all you manly men cast bare handed wearing shorts, sandals and a tee shirt.

Is my neighbor posting pictures of me again!

Just glad the puddle didn't burn anything!
Usually cast in a hooded sweat shirt, and jeans. I don't remember the last time I had anything on other than leather boots.
Oh and one glove, right hand!

[Winger Ed.]

I know all you manly men cast bare handed wearing shorts, sandals and a tee shirt.

Yeah,,, I'm working on being more safe myself.
It was a big step in that direction when I got my first set of handles for the molds too.

[Recycled bullet]

I have fried bacon naked but I put on gloves to cast bullets. Don't ever pour lead into your boot. You can never get the sock off fast enough.

[challenger_i]

Not going to argue the virtues of a leather apron, but for those of us using a cotton apron One might take a page from the professional welding folks (I learned the trick from an old phart): 100% heavy cotton apron (I buy medium-heavy canvas and have a local seamstress make my aprons) and then take them to the local cleaners and have them starched extra heavy and pressed. I use these aprons when TIG welding aircraft frames, pouring babbit bearings and any other task that requires I protect myself from stupid-hot substances. The starch works amazingly well to deflect molten metal from the canvas.

And, Confucius say: "Man who fry bacon naked ask for trouble!"

[Recycled bullet]

That may be, confuscious say trouble taste so good.

[Chill Wills]

Casting sitting down is asking for it in the lap.

If health issues rules out standing for long periods, consider casting on a higher table and sitting on a bar-stool so your lap is not a bucket.

As a retired fireman, Nomex is a part of my attire. Better than cotton, which is not bad but not Nomex either. Check Ebay for second hand Nomex. With cotton, more than one layer is better than one thick layer. Three thin layers is better than one thick. Why? Because the layers can/will separate and not touch your skin.

[imashooter2]

Casting sitting down is asking for it in the lap.

If health issues rules out standing for long periods, consider casting on a higher table and sitting on a bar-stool so your lap is not a bucket.

As a retired fireman, Nomex is a part of my attire. Better than cotton, which is not bad but not Nomex either. Check Ebay for second hand Nomex. With cotton, more than one layer is better than one thick layer. Three thin layers is better than one thick. Why? Because the layers can/will separate and not touch your skin.

Arthritis rules out standing. I have my pot on a riser and I cast on a stool, but I still have a lap. At least one sufficient to allow a sprue puddle to stick to a cotton apron. The apron did its job. This leather apron is just an upgrade. The extra width is the real bonus for me. No more jacking around the cotton trying to get good coverage. If a large quantity of lead hits it, I can just stand up and there is immediate air gap. Are there scenarios that still get me hurt? Of course there are. But this is a definite upgrade on my previous PPE.

[murf205]

Actually Confuscious revised: "Man who fry bacon naked ask for trouble!" to " Man who fry bacon naked, burn sausage"!

[brassrat]

I dont cast often but on a picnic table, in shorts and a tshirt or none. Carefully and try to keep the sun from frying me. Always glasses and with those great, cheap HF gloves. Arr Arr

[John Wayne]

Yeah,,, I'm working on being more safe myself.
It was a big step in that direction when I got my first set of handles for the molds too.

FUNNY statement above, cause I remember that story!

[challenger_i]

Or a variant of "English Steamed Pudding"...

Actually Confuscious revised: "Man who fry bacon naked ask for trouble!" to " Man who fry bacon naked, burn sausage"!

[Three44s]

Actually Confuscious revised: "Man who fry bacon naked ask for trouble!" to " Man who fry bacon naked, burn sausage"!

That's what I was thinking! Ouch!

Three44s

[Chill Wills]

Arthritis rules out standing. I have my pot on a riser and I cast on a stool, but I still have a lap. At least one sufficient to allow a sprue puddle to stick to a cotton apron. The apron did its job. This leather apron is just an upgrade. The extra width is the real bonus for me. No more jacking around the cotton trying to get good coverage. If a large quantity of lead hits it, I can just stand up and there is immediate air gap. Are there scenarios that still get me hurt? Of course there are. But this is a definite upgrade on my previous PPE.

I think you have the right plan. Safe and happy casting!

[country gent]

Mom would get a white duct similar to the material carharts are made of to make Dads and my shop aprons once every few years. We didnt have strings on the aprons but used suspenders to clip to them. Kids sized suspenders worked good and were more secure.

I have used leather aprons welding and casting while the cotton apron may not burn it dosnt Insulate keeping the heat from an oopps away like a good leather apron.

[Froogal]

I set my casting pot on a large cookie sheet. The pot sets as far to one end as I can get it, which allows me to pull the cookie sheet out past the edge of the bench so my legs are actually under the cookie sheet. If a still molten sprue drips off the mold, it lands on the cookie sheet.

[YoungGun88]

Without going as far as nomex, you can get a welding blanket from Harbor Freight, which will work quite well as not only an insulator against heat, but also against hot/molten lead in small amounts. Using a coupon, it can lower the cost. It can be cut up(if desired) to fashion into an apron, but they require heavy machines to sew(and a quality pair of scissors), and your clackerbox plastic home sewing machine won't make a pretty stitch. The other option us casters can use is leather cuff welding sleeves, if you overheat in a jacket or heavy cotton shirt. I like the thin, leather sleeves when tig welding, and have also added a thin leather gaiter on the bottom of my welding hood which helps protect my neck from UV exposure, but can also be exchanged for a longer gaiter which I used to use for welding overhead, where hot welding bb's of splatter or sparks could rain down into your shirt. Not fun.

-Dan

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Weldi...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[wilecoyote]

...protective sheets to spread over ironing tables. They are lightweight and often available in home improvement stores. I've always wondered if it could work as an light apron fabric, maybe even doubled,...

[imashooter2]

LOL! You guys are some of the most frugal on the planet. Fashion an apron from this or that, find straps and buckles and you save what? $10 over the carried to your door leather?

Man, I hope I never get that close to the bone.

[Walter Laich]

Casting sitting down is asking for it in the lap.

If health issues rules out standing for long periods, consider casting on a higher table and sitting on a bar-stool so your lap is not a bucket.

As a retired fireman, Nomex is a part of my attire. Better than cotton, which is not bad but not Nomex either. Check Ebay for second hand Nomex. With cotton, more than one layer is better than one thick layer. Three thin layers is better than one thick. Why? Because the layers can/will separate and not touch your skin.

when I searched for that all I got was used watches