Leather For A Welding Apron

[Laplanderbags]

I've been looking to source leather for a couple of welding aprons. I've seen several welding jackets and bibs that are made of "side split cowhide". Is this leather called by another name, is it oil tan, chrome tan or other? Is there another type of leather that would work equally well? The main requirement would be that it will not catch fire. I would really appreciate any help.

[TwinOaks]

Call Kevin at Springfield Leather and tell him what you are making. I think you'll probably end up with some chrome-tan under the name Chap Leather.

[horsewreck]

Utility wear such as hay apron, shoeing chaps, and welding aprons are often made from chrome tanned leather splits. One of the most often used leathers is pearl apron splits, sometimes called mulehide but is in fact cowhide. One other leather of note to use in welding clothing is top grain pig skin, it can be had in a lighter weight than some of the other products making it cooler to wear. I would stay away from heavy chap leathers and oil tans because of their weight mostly. You can get these products from Springfield, Siegel, or most any good supplier. I hope I have been of some help.......

[Laplanderbags]

Thank you folks, that is exactly what I am looking for.

[mariobin]

Love forum, articles, and everything! Thanks!

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Friv

Edited September 26, 2012 by mariobin

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Weight will depend on the type of welding/activity being done. It will also need to be flexible. When doing overhead welding with stick you want a heavy leather between you, and the splatter/slag that will be coming down on you. My Tillman jacket is fairly heavy, and it has saved me from several burns over the years.

[gary]

I made an apron for a blacksmith recently and used a heavyweight chrome chap leather. His biggest 'hate' about the aprons he could buy off the shelf were that they were stapled together. I ended up 'sewing' with brass wire to hold the pieces together. He says it's working fine for him.

Gary