My $250 heat shield apron was worth every penny

I got tired of the standard leather apron just not cutting it on the bigger pours, especially around the crucible. The radiant heat was cooking my legs even through the leather. I saw a guy at a trade show using this aluminized fiberglass apron, so I looked it up and bit the bullet. It was about $250, which felt steep for a piece of gear. But the first time I used it on a long bronze pour, the difference was huge. My legs were cool, and I could focus on the pour instead of dancing away from the heat. It's stiff and a bit noisy, but it's saved me from a few nasty burns already. Has anyone else tried something like this, or do you just stick with the heavy leather?

3 comments

3 Comments

palmer.ryan1mo ago

You mentioned it's stiff and noisy. Does that make it harder to move around the shop for other tasks, or do you just throw it on right before the pour?

max80817d agoTop Commenter

$250 is a lot but like @patricia_king23 said, have you tried it on a copper pour yet?

patricia_king231mo ago

That point about putting it on right before the pour is key. I read a forum post where a guy said he keeps his hanging right by the furnace for that exact reason. He said it's not for general shop work, it's a specific tool for the melt and pour. The stiffness is a trade-off for the protection, so you just plan for it. Makes total sense to treat it like other hot work gear you only use when you need it.

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