Leather apron for fat guys

[Chill Wills]

when I searched for that all I got was used watches

That is funny!

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...rt+xl&_sacat=0
There is a lab coat for not much money that would even cover your lap if sitting on a stool.

When it comes to life altering events, too much safety is never too much. That is just the old fireman in me.... I've seen too much.

[BamaNapper]

I used to cast in jeans, but a small splash and a burn on my knee showed me that molten lead does not just roll off denim. HF sells a leather welding apron at about half the price of the Amazon model in the OP. And I wear it inside out, thinking that with my luck the pockets on it would catch and hold a spill. I think it was $15 well spent.

[wilecoyote]

when I searched for that all I got was used watches

...milsurp stores, sir

[imashooter2]

I used to cast in jeans, but a small splash and a burn on my knee showed me that molten lead does not just roll off denim. HF sells a leather welding apron at about half the price of the Amazon model in the OP. And I wear it inside out, thinking that with my luck the pockets on it would catch and hold a spill. I think it was $15 well spent.

That’s a good deal and would be great for normal sized humans. Unfortunately my girth is way above average. The extra width of the Urby is something I really need.

[Shawlerbrook]

Not a big guy so my HF leather apron works well but you could just add longer ties and presto. And with the 20-25% off coupon can’t beat the price.

[imashooter2]

Not a big guy so my HF leather apron works well but you could just add longer ties and presto. And with the 20-25% off coupon can’t beat the price.

Longer ties allow it to not fall off, but won’t increase the coverage width. I completely agree the HF apron is a good deal for normal sized folks. Fat guys might be better served spending a few more dollars.

[Chill Wills]

Buy two?

[imashooter2]

I suppose buying what I need makes me happier than making do with something less to save pennies. Others may value the pennies more. I guess that’s why ice cream comes in both chocolate and vanilla.

[Shawlerbrook]

Agreed ! Safety equipment isn’t the place to skimp.

[Chill Wills]

I suppose buying what I need makes me happier than making do with something less to save pennies. Others may value the pennies more. I guess that’s why ice cream comes in both chocolate and vanilla.

I was just kidding you about getting two. I think you are smart for taking it seriously.

[country gent]

We had a guy at work that bought 2 belts to get one big enough

[Kraschenbirn]

I've got one of the 'old' Duluth Trading Co. treated-canvas aprons that I've used many years for both welding and casting. It's been spattered and splashed more times that I can count with nary a burn-through. Apron is labled as a 'large' and, below the arms, leaves only about a 4" gap in the back when tied up snug. Dunno where you might find one of these today but, if you have one in your area, you might try a welding supply store.

Bill

[alamogunr]

Buy two?

I did just that a couple of years ago. I wanted something to lay over my sand bags to keep from burning the jeans leg bags. Actually they are soy bean bags. I'll never wear out the apron I wear to cast unless something catastrophic occurs. After reading this thread, I'm a lot more careful.

[405grain]

I spent years working in machine shops + welding too. Here's a tip if you're a big boy (or are getting arthritis in the shoulder joints like me) . Instead of trying to reach around behind you to tie an apron on, put it on backwards with the straps facing the front. Then, after you've made a nice bow knot just spin the apron around the right way. It makes things a lot easier.

[Nueces]

Nomex is good stuff, needs a cotton (no polyester) layer next to the skin. This was demonstrated to us newbies in USAF pilot training at a group briefing. Fellow on stage had a propane torch, wood board and pieces of Nomex flying suit and cotton t-shirt material. He put a Nomex layer on the wood and played the torch over it, then showed us that the wood was scorched. Same test using cotton under the nomex, no wood burning. Got my attention and I always wore cotton under the zoom suit.

[Coopaloop86]

I forage and scavenge all my lead and having several catastrophic mishaps with pots of 40 plus lbs, I can tell you that jeans will not prevent a blister. They'll prevent third degree burns but not a good blister... I once melted a pot of "pulled bullets". Started with a cold pot and brought it up, started to flow nicely and then I learned the rough way that someone had dropped two 209 magnum primers into the mix through my negligence. I still have lead decorating parts of my patio and my wife still grumbles about it. Only thing that saved my skin was a used nomex lab coat I had acquired and leather gloves.

[wilecoyote]

I spent years working in machine shops + welding too. Here's a tip if you're a big boy (or are getting arthritis in the shoulder joints like me) . Instead of trying to reach around behind you to tie an apron on, put it on backwards with the straps facing the front. Then, after you've made a nice bow knot just spin the apron around the right way. It makes things a lot easier.

...well, maybe I can suggest something about it:
longer (2x) apron side straps allow me to tie my leather apron on the front_ works for me_
(not advised for lathe/mill/gear/etc. work, but for casting only, o.c.)
​

[376Steyr]

Imashooter2, thanks for the recommendation of the Urby apron. Mine just arrived, and it looks like a decent piece of kit. I'm a 4XL guy, and it fits me.

[armoredman]

I put on a long old milspec desert camo shirt, garden gloves and a face shield. Haven't had any issues yet.

[Charlie Horse]

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.

I dropped a freshly brewed cup of tea on my foot not too long ago. That took several days to heal. I can only imagine what lead would do.