Shop Apparel... What Do You Wear?

[Sylvia]

Since I moved most of my leather stuff out in the garage I've been mighty cold. And after 4+ years I finally got to buy a few new pieces of clothing and retired to the bin things that have been tie dyed and mended to death just so they wouldn't look so stained up and worn out. But now I have to wonder... what does every one else wear in the shop?

Plain old clothes that is already stained and half worn out?

Do any of you wear an apron?

What about coveralls or Big overalls?

Since I am about to freeze to death out there (it's currently 33*F in my shop) I'm thinking a pair of insulated coveralls would be nice ....or at least some insulated bibs.

Suggestions?

[electrathon]

You need a wood stove. I can not imagine working with it that cold. It would take all the fun out of it.

My shop is the happy place.

[Northmount]

Get a heater! My hands don't work at 33F. Bring what you need into the house as you need and take stuff back out before the next step. Lots of trips somedays, but a lot more comfortable. Things don't apply and dry as well in the cold either.

I usually wear old denim jeans and shirt. When working in the garage/shop, I often wear an old leather jacket. I set the T-stat at about 63F, so it's a little on the cool side, but good for heavier work. Sitting doing close work, I raise the temp so my hands aren't cold.

Tom

Wood stove is a good idea if you have lots of cordwood or scrap around to burn. Used to use an old sheet metal wood heater ... sort of like a big tin can.

Edited December 9, 2012 by northmount

[BearMan]

Hi Sylvia, One thing that you can do that Really helps a lot,,, is a water bed heater under your stamping stone. I used one for years,,, & in the winter it keeps my stone at around 75 deg. Once turned on, it takes a few hours to heat up,,, so if you have stuff to tool every day, it might be best to leave it on. Just make sure you get one with a thermostat. It should cost about $25.00. I hope this helps.... Ed the"BearMan"

[Sylvia]

Thanks for the ideas. I don't mind it when it is in the 40s and my hands remain warm... it's just the old bod that gets cold. The trouble is once I'm cold I stay cold for a while. Wood stove is NOT an option and I don't have a south facing window in there that I can use to make a solar heater.

I have a little electric one but it's about worthless. (thanks anyway hubby) and to top that off it says I can't use it on an extension cord and warns of using it near things like dyes that put off flammable fumes.

I'm really leaning toward insulated bib overalls. Easy to get out of when nature calls and still keeps the bod warm.

[Dwight]

I have two sets of jeans, . . . good and patched. Patched are leather working jeans, . . . flannel shirts are in the same categories.

Insulated bibs are absolutely necessary, sometimes I have to do some leatherwork in the cold, . . . and they ARE great.

Piece of advice: don't get full body coveralls, . . . get bibs. They allow you to dress lighter on your upper body, . . . or heavier than the bibs, . . . which in my case I have to do for my feet and legs.

Sometimes I'm in bibs keeping the lower body warm, . . . and a long sleeved tee on the upper half, . . . even sometimes the sleevs pulled up. Bibs offer better versatility, . . . and one of the best pairs I have, . . . they are ski bibs, . . . $10 at a yard sale, . . . keep this old coot toasty.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Sylvia]

Thanks Dwight. That's what I was thinking Bibs. Found some for a fair price $33 shipped. So I should have them in a week or so.

[gottaknow]

When I work outside, I wear a base layer of long underwear (closer to tights actually). The best fabric content by far is a blend of polyester/Lycra/and a bit of cotton. You create a dead air space next to your skin which will allow you to wear less bulky outerwear. We've made these products for years and they really are amazing if you've never tried them. If your feet get cold, I wear a pair of old Sorel (lots of Shoe Goo in places) with a piece of 9mm neoprene as an sole insert. Makes a big difference if you're standing or sitting with your feet on a cold floor. I had a locksmith friend in Alaska that actually wore skin diving boots inside his regular boots when it was really cold.

Regards, Eric

[electrathon]

I have a little electric one but it's about worthless. (thanks anyway hubby) and to top that off it says I can't use it on an extension cord and warns of using it near things like dyes that put off flammable fumes.

You can use an extension cord, as long as it is heavy enough to carry the current. Get a12 guage cord and no longer than necessary. They only say not to use one because no is always easy and they think you are not smart enough to understand wire size. Think of it this way, every wire in your wall is really no differant than an extension cord.

[celticleather]

You can use an extension cord, as long as it is heavy enough to carry the current.

The most important thing when using an extension cord, is to ensure that it is fully uncoiled when in use. Leaving any part of it coiled up will create an induction, causing the wires to heat up and melt the insulation. I found this out the hard way, many years ago!