Shopsmith Forums

As I read an article in today's paper, it will for all pratical purposes be illegal to sell any toys you make as of Feb 10.
The arcticle is about how this law affects thrift stores that sell used toys.
Any older toys they have would have to be tested.

"The Consumer Product Safety act of 2008 requires ALL items marketed to children 12 an under to be tested and certified as lead free."
The testing which has to be done by an accredited lab costs thousands of dollars.

I guess the answer would be if you sell your toys is to put big stickers on them that they are not for use by anyone under the age of 12.

I just read an exemption for home craft businesses. Sorry, I don't remember where I saw the citation. It also said that certain finishes, like wax and food colorings were to be considered lead free by definition. Again, the reference escapes me. Happy New Year to all.

Wow!!
This topic came up just in time. I am working on my first rocking horse for my new grandson. I was planing on using some minwax stain then a coating of polyurathane. I had no idea this could be dangerous. Can you guys suggest what I should use I reallly wanted to stain it a chesnut color but not at the cost of a health risk at all. I made it out of fir because it is easy to sand which I have to do alot of as I am not that good at working with wood yet.

Jim:

I may go against the grain here but I don't think you have too much to worry about. First lead has been banned in paints for quite some time and I'm sure the major North American manufacturers adhere to those standards. Most recalls lately have been from Chinese souces and I don't think Minwax or others have moved off shore yet.

Second, most woodworking magazines that we use as references agree that finishes are safe after they are completely cured which usually takes about thirty days. Some people have doubts and based on past experiences they may have some reason, but bear in mind that the quantities needed to afect a child are far more than they will be exposed to. Lead was somewhat different in that All paints had it so chewing on toys, high chairs, cribs etc was cumulative.

Lastly, unless it is a small rocking horse, the grandson will probably be out of the chewing stage by the time he rides it.

Personally I would, and have gone with a polyurathane finish, usually water based, though not always.

Good Luck with your decision.

John

Hi Kd6UPE, I think you have nothing to worry about. I believe most of us, I for one, are warning of the extremes in toy production. I use wax finishes and natural stains or different woods because I feel it is an art form, not because I belong to an extremist group. PETA to me means "people eating tasty animals". On gosh, I'm going to get myself in trouble.
Anyway, Minwax.com is a very informative website. Their stains are from natural sources. They make a point of repeating that once cured, after 30 days, the stains are non-toxic. Polycrilic likewise is listed as safe once cured.
Once the child is old enough to ride the rocking horse, I rather doubt that eating the finish will be a big problem. Again, I like the look and feel of a wax, but Minwax also makes a wax finish listed in their specialty products. Remember cribs, playpens, and changing tables have been made and finished with Minwax products for years.
Keep making sawdust.
Gary

kalynzoo wrote:.... PETA to me means "people eating tasty animals". On gosh, I'm going to get myself in trouble. Gary

No - You're O.K.!!:D My Wife won't read this!!!!

I just made some puzzles for my Grandchildren's birthday. Tempura paints according to the label are non toxic. However they had "washable paint" setting next to it. I found out after purchase that "washable paint" in this type of paint does not mean that after the paint is dried it can be washed. It means the paint even after dry can be washed off. It was also very goopy and hard to work with.

Interesting discussion thou as the economy has gone south the Toys for Tots campaign had a hard time getting enough donations this year and I had been planning on making a few toys for donation next year. I checked with the Marines taking donations and they stated the Yes they do take home made toys. Of course no one would want to inadvertently hurt a child or have an angry Marine after them.

A popular salad bowel finish is marketed as "safe for food" but all it is, is there poly with a different label. Sells for twice the price. They gain on our fears.
Check the manufacture web site for the MSDS sheet if you question any product.

Kalynzoo,

I'd really like to see that exception, since I just read the CPSIA 2008 top to bottom. All I can say is that my friend's kids are no longer getting toys from me. I have canceled plans for all toys on my wood crafting list for this year until I know more about this act. My wife has also pulled all products from her rumplestiltskeins.etsy.com spinning store that might have even remotely referred or inferred that they might be suitable products for children to use

We are both considering adding disclaimers to all products stating "This item intended for adults over the age of 18 only."

This Act threatens to shut down garage sales, flea markets, and local craftspeople (like you and I) who happen to occasionally sell their wares. I had been considering turning my first wooden rattle, but there is no way, with this new act in place that I am going to attempt to sell anything that might even remotely be construed as a child's toy. I can't afford the fines levied, and the minimum $150 testing fee (plus the destructive nature of the tests) for a one of a kind!

Some of you might want to read this:
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/wwj/i ... oolpreview

Ed