I wear a shop apron because it puts so much at my fingertips, but I make two changes to mine. Both require very basic sewing. First, I mount the remote control for my dust-collection system at chest level, so I never have to hunt for it as I move around the shop. I use Velcro to secure it so it can come off when I wash the apron. Mounting the remote at chest level prevents unintentional starts and stops when you lean into objects at waist height. I also sew little flaps over the pockets to prevent sawdust from filling them up and making it impossible to find those last few screws hiding at the bottom.

—STEVE FIKAR, Shalimar, Fla.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #289

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A Woodworker’s Apron

Keeping essential tools within reach makes you a more efficient woodworker

STL211: Woodworker’s aprons

Mike, Barry, and Ben discuss planing wood at an angle, whether it’s worth restoring old homeowner-grade machinery, and the do’s and don’ts of prefinishing. Then they get pretty geeky about aprons and pencils.

Toolbox show and tell – Hammers and mallets

Four FWW staffers show off their favorite whacking implements in their toolboxes.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

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Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

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Compass

An essential tool for drawing circles and curves accurately. Also good for layout.

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