I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
- rounded edges
- nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
- polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
- slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
top from slamming down.
-ventilation
-non-auto latching doors
-relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
michief?
I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
Thanks
You got it all. Not sure about poly being non-toxic, but they gotta learn
somehow. Tom Jim K
wrote:>issues I'm looking at now;>
>- rounded edges
>- nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
>- polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
>- slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
>top from slamming down.
>-ventilation
>-non-auto latching doors
>-relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
>
>
>Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
>michief?
>
>I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
>pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
>
>Thanks
>
>
Someday, it'll all be over....
Wed, Oct 1, 2003, 12:43am (EDT+4) jkajpust@###ameritech.net (Jim=A0K)
wants to know about:
<snip>
- slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the top
from slamming down.
-ventilation
-non-auto latching doors
-relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
I have a bit different ideas than most. But, if its a toy box, it
shouldn't be inclined to tip. Should be wide enough, heavy enough, and
low enough, no prob.
The rest of the stuff. I don't believe in putting a top on a toy
box for a little kid. You want a top, wait until the kid is old enough
you aren't gonna worry about them climbing in, smassing fingers, etc.
If you put a lid on later, I would go ahead and put an air hole or two
in, just in case.
Better yet, just make the kid a chair, or bench, to sit on.
A little kid is gonna have enough problems getting toys into, or
out of, a toy box, without the added problems of messing with a lid.
You put two kids in a room alone with a toy box with a lid, no matter if
it's got slow hinges, or whatever,and one's gonna get his/her fingers
squashed by the other, or one's gonna be inside, with the other sitting
on the lid. Besides, when they're real little, the parent is probably
gonna be picking up the toys anyway. What would you rather do, pick up
a toy, walk over, lift the lid, and drop the toy in; or toss the toy in
from across the room?
Rounded edges, and all, yeah. But kids are gonna get hurt no
matter what.
My recommendation, no top. Oh, yeah, make it big, it'll be
overflowing in no time.
JOAT
If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing
again.
- Terry Venables
Life just ain't life without good music. - JOAT
Web Page Update 30 Sep 2003.
Some tunes I like.
http://community-2.webtv.net/Jakofalltrades/SOMETUNESILIKE/
On 01 Oct 2003 01:49:53 GMT, [email protected] (Tom) wrote:
>You got it all. Not sure about poly being non-toxic, but they gotta learn
>somehow. Tom Jim K
You can not buy toxic finshes in the United States. Once they dry.
Poly? That too shall pass.
-Dan
Jim K wrote:
> I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
>
> - rounded edges
> - nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
> - polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
> - slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
> top from slamming down.
> -ventilation
> -non-auto latching doors
> -relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
>
>
> Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
> michief?
>
> I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
> pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
>
> Thanks
Seems like you got most of it (are you sure poly is non-toxic?).
I would build it from Corian instead of wood. Wood may splinter if
chewed and the child may get a sliver in its tongue or if it is an
active child and slides off the chest, it may get a sliver in it's butt.
These slivers if not discovered may cause the child much trauma in later
life.
Rather than put the child at risk I would bolt the toy chest to the
floor and secure the lid with a study police lock (prevents the child
from injuring itself if it should try to access toys while not under
supervision). In the same room as the toy chest, I would place a very
sturdy oak chair (preferably of craftsman style) equipped with seat belt
and chest harness. At playtime, I would place the child in the chair,
attach safety devices, make certain the child's air filter and
respirator was functioning correctly and ensure the the crash helmet and
face mask were in place. I would then unlock the chest, select a toy,
carefully lock the chest, give the toy to the child, kiss the child and
say "have fun". Now I can turn on the play room a/v monitoring system,
brew a cup of herbal tea, check to see if the Volvo needs polishing, and
if it doesn't, watch whatever is on PBS. :>) , :>) , :>) .
Seriously, I think we try to shield our children from life a bit too much.
Regards,
Hank
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Greetings and Salutations.
On Wed, 1 Oct 2003 15:36:51 +0100, "John Manders" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>> I make toys and my insurance went up from $400 a year to $2500 a year, and
>> had real trouble finding any one to carry it even then. I make no items
>> that could be considered a weapon (popguns, swords, clubs, bows and
>arrows,
>> pull toys, etc...). I have yet been able to find one case where a small
>toy
>> maker was sued much less lost a liability suit. All I can figure out is
>> that the insurance companies read the same head line you get across the
>> pond. I even had one insurance company (one who offered to carry me) tell
>me
>> to forget it, they had never had a claim on a crafter. Makes one wonder.
>>
Insurance is less about providing "protection" for individuals
than it is a way to print money for the officers and investors in the
insurance companies. After all...what happens when one has a claim?
Very often, one's premiums jump to a point that within a few years,
the insurance company has made back all that they have paid out, plus
interest.
Granted this is a generalization, and, there are always
specific cases where it is NOT true, but...it has been my observation
as regards "liability" insurance.
>>
>I know I'm wandering off topic and onto my soapbox here but....
>Here in UK we're beginning to ask if all this protection is good for kids.
>Councils are taking away playground equipment so that they cannot get sued
>over it.
>We had the stupid case where teachers were not putting sun cream on kids in
>case they were accused of "touching".
>I know of an 8 year old who is not allowed to go next door without being
>taken to the door by a parent. Next door is a good 20 yards away.
>When we have snow, we don't clear it from our drives because if we do and
>leave a little snow that someone slips on, we can be sued by them.
>Has society gone mad?
>
Sadly enough - yes. I don't think that it does anyone any
good to wrap them in cotton wool and other padding, to try and keep
the bumps of reality away from them. It only means that when they
DO get hit by hard reality, the fall will be harder. Here in
America, and (from my observations from a distance) in England, it
seems as if the view of society has shifted from that of "most folks
are trying to be 'good' and responsible citizens" to "everyone is
a potential criminal, and, the only way we can keep anarchy from
breaking out is to have more police, and CCTV cameras all over the
place". You know...it used to be (and not too many years ago)
that the only folks that were under 24/7 observation were high
security prisoners. Now, not only do school kids fall into that
catagory, but, I recall reading someplace that on the average,
when a person leaves their own property, there is a 70% chance
that they are being recorded on CCTV.
I don't like having folks peering over my shoulder all
the time, and, to me, it is an abridgement of the principles
that America was founded on. Not that anyone seems to care.
We are on a terrible slide to totalitarianism, all because
folks are way too willing today to "give up a LITTLE freedom
for MORE security".
In any case, I am sorry to say that I have run into
the same blasted problem with toys. I make wooden trucks
and other things, and, have had them turned down by a couple
of craft stores because I use steel lag bolts for the axles.
By the by...I do that because I find that youngsters often
like to sit on the trucks and ride about (they are about
a foot long), and, I felt that wood just did not cut it
for this purpose.
The reason given has been that some kid could hit themselves
or someone else with the truck, and, the metal could hurt.
My question is...why the Hell are the parents allowing
this sort of behavior? When I was growing up, from day
one, I was taught that violence is not the best answer
and that I should play nice with others. I have walked
away from more fights than I have taken part in, because
I felt that it took more strength of mind to deal with
the situation that way.
As for keeping kids safe...MOST kids are not
stupid. If they know that they can be hurt by something,
then, they will tend to avoid it. If you have a kid
that continually crushes their fingers in the hinges
of the toy box, I suspect there are other issues at
work than how dangerous the toy box is. While growing
up, I got dinged up a bit by my exploration. It was
very educational, and once I had touched the hot burner
on the stove ONCE, I did not have to do it again (and
yes, I had been yelled at a number of times for trying
to touch it. However, having it explained it was hot
and could hurt was not nearly as educational as finding
out myself).
>John
>(just fallen off his soapbox and is looking for a lawyer).
>
>
Ok...I will step back from the soapbox myself now.
Regards
Dave Mundt
They have all made good points. I would avoid hinge supports whose tendency
is to Scissor closed (Yeah I've done it as an "older kid"). There are many
spring Based closers out there that hold it open and slowly closed. That
said the Top can be made so it separates entirely. IF you are a good enough
designer, you might make be able to make the top so it seconds as some thing
else like a play table, easel, etc.
Poly is not "toxic" in the sense that most finishes, unless ingested at a
high rate" will not kill anyone. Water Based is supposedly more
environmentally friendly and kid friendly. But I would go poly any form
since it is less likely to chip or crack under huge amounts of abuse that a
child will give the chest.
--
Young Carpenter
"Violin playing and Woodworking are similar, it takes plenty of money,
plenty of practice, and you usually make way more noise than intended"
"Jim K" <jkajpust@###ameritech.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
>
> - rounded edges
> - nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
> - polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
> - slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
> top from slamming down.
> -ventilation
> -non-auto latching doors
> -relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
>
>
> Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
> michief?
>
> I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
> pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
>
> Thanks
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
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John Manders wrote:
> Has society gone mad?
Completely.
--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan <[email protected]>
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/
On Wed, 01 Oct 2003 11:16:19 -0400, Silvan
<[email protected]> pixelated:
>John Manders wrote:
>
>> Has society gone mad?
>
>Completely.
Bbbut, was it ever sane to begin with?
You've chosen the wrong box. It's not about individual "rights" and
"freedoms," it's about responsibility overriding the desire for personal
gratification.
"Dave Mundt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I don't like having folks peering over my shoulder all
> the time, and, to me, it is an abridgement of the principles
> that America was founded on. Not that anyone seems to care.
> We are on a terrible slide to totalitarianism, all because
> folks are way too willing today to "give up a LITTLE freedom
> for MORE security".
Good list but watch the trapping of fingers in the lid. Slow drop supports
won't do this. The design suggested by Jeff is quite good but still leaves a
finger trap especially at the hinge point where the leverage is greatest.
In UK we tend to store our children's toys in very lightweight plastic boxes
that cannot hurt if they fall. How about you obtain a light plastic lid and
build a base box to take it? No finger traps that way. The plastic boxes are
cheaper than the cost of the wood to build as well.
Other point. Do you really expect the toys to be put back in the box? Rules:
The box is just another toy.
The box is never big enough for all the toys.
The child never puts things away.
As soon as Mom & Dad put things away, child wants the one at the bottom out
again.
The box is just another toy
Etc.
Here in UK we get to hear all sorts of stuff regarding US litigation. Are
you insured if the child hurts itself on the box? Obviously I don't know
your laws and do accept that we only hear the stupid headliners so don't
flame me too seriously for that comment.
John
"Jim K" <jkajpust@###ameritech.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
>
> - rounded edges
> - nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
> - polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
> - slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
> top from slamming down.
> -ventilation
> -non-auto latching doors
> -relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
>
>
> Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
> michief?
>
> I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
> pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
>
> Thanks
> I make toys and my insurance went up from $400 a year to $2500 a year, and
> had real trouble finding any one to carry it even then. I make no items
> that could be considered a weapon (popguns, swords, clubs, bows and
arrows,
> pull toys, etc...). I have yet been able to find one case where a small
toy
> maker was sued much less lost a liability suit. All I can figure out is
> that the insurance companies read the same head line you get across the
> pond. I even had one insurance company (one who offered to carry me) tell
me
> to forget it, they had never had a claim on a crafter. Makes one wonder.
>
>
I know I'm wandering off topic and onto my soapbox here but....
Here in UK we're beginning to ask if all this protection is good for kids.
Councils are taking away playground equipment so that they cannot get sued
over it.
We had the stupid case where teachers were not putting sun cream on kids in
case they were accused of "touching".
I know of an 8 year old who is not allowed to go next door without being
taken to the door by a parent. Next door is a good 20 yards away.
When we have snow, we don't clear it from our drives because if we do and
leave a little snow that someone slips on, we can be sued by them.
Has society gone mad?
John
(just fallen off his soapbox and is looking for a lawyer).
On Wed, 1 Oct 2003 02:08:20 -0400, "Jim Helfer"
<jhelfer@REMOVE~THISwtwarch.com> pixelated:
>> Jim K wrote:
>>
>> > I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
>> > work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
>> > I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
>> > curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
>> > any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
-snip-
>> >
>> > Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
>> > michief?
From one old curmudgeonly bachelor to another, WTF do you
care to keep kids from learning life's little lessons?
It's the electric-Volvo-drivin', tea-sippin, PBS-watchin',
idjuts who have caused many of our very own woodworkers
from learning all about the innate animosity of inanimate
objects. The poor SOBs are now cutting their fingers off
in saur blades, losing hands to jointers, etc. It's just
'orrible, 'tis!
On Wed, 1 Oct 2003 15:36:51 +0100, "John Manders" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Has society gone mad?
Yes!
Tim Douglass
http://www.DouglassClan.com
On Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:59:12 -0400, "Henry St.Pierre"
<[email protected]> wrote:
LOL - I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately in these days of McDonalds
lawsuits and warning labels longer than instructions, I figure it will
be worth my while to try to cover all the bases.
>Rather than put the child at risk I would bolt the toy chest to the
>floor and secure the lid with a study police lock (prevents the child
>from injuring itself if it should try to access toys while not under
>supervision). In the same room as the toy chest, I would place a very
>sturdy oak chair (preferably of craftsman style) equipped with seat belt
>and chest harness. At playtime, I would place the child in the chair,
>attach safety devices, make certain the child's air filter and
>respirator was functioning correctly and ensure the the crash helmet and
>face mask were in place. I would then unlock the chest, select a toy,
>carefully lock the chest, give the toy to the child, kiss the child and
>say "have fun". Now I can turn on the play room a/v monitoring system,
>brew a cup of herbal tea, check to see if the Volvo needs polishing, and
>if it doesn't, watch whatever is on PBS. :>) , :>) , :>) .
>
>Seriously, I think we try to shield our children from life a bit too much.
>Regards,
>Hank
>
>
>
>-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
What's the hang-up with the lidded box? Frame up shelves for a couple/three
of those big laundry baskets would be my recommendation. Baskets in, neat as
a pin, baskets out - play house. Put under a plywood platform with a
mattress and it's a "captain's bed."
Three kids of my own, and they all played with the box, not the toy.
"Jim K" <jkajpust@###ameritech.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
>
Hi Jim -
The toy box I bought (ashamed to say) for my son ("sons" as of a few weeks
ago) has a feature that helps prevent smashed fingers. Each side, including
front and back, is shaped so that all but around 2 inches of each corner is
about 3/4" lower than the lid. (Don't know if I'm explaining that very
well.) This can make it nearly impossible to smash fingers except at the
corners. Of course the overall design of your box will have to accommodate
this feature, esthetically and otherwise. The lid on ours is flat and
slightly oversized relative to the opening.
Have fun.
Jeff
"Jim K" <jkajpust@###ameritech.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
>
> - rounded edges
> - nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
> - polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
> - slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
> top from slamming down.
> -ventilation
> -non-auto latching doors
> -relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
>
>
> Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
> michief?
>
> I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
> pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
>
> Thanks
"John Manders" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Here in UK we get to hear all sorts of stuff regarding US litigation. Are
> you insured if the child hurts itself on the box? Obviously I don't know
> your laws and do accept that we only hear the stupid headliners so don't
> flame me too seriously for that comment.
>
> John
I make toys and my insurance went up from $400 a year to $2500 a year, and
had real trouble finding any one to carry it even then. I make no items
that could be considered a weapon (popguns, swords, clubs, bows and arrows,
pull toys, etc...). I have yet been able to find one case where a small toy
maker was sued much less lost a liability suit. All I can figure out is
that the insurance companies read the same head line you get across the
pond. I even had one insurance company (one who offered to carry me) tell me
to forget it, they had never had a claim on a crafter. Makes one wonder.
"Henry St.Pierre" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Jim K wrote:
>
> > I'm getting ready to start on a toy chest for the son of a friend at
> > work and need some advice. I don't need plans, I'm doing that myself.
> > I'm wondering about the safety issues involved. Being an old
> > curmudgeonly bachelor, I have zip experience with kids (and don't want
> > any, thank you). Here's the list of issues I'm looking at now:
> >
> > - rounded edges
> > - nothing sharp (locks, screws, etc.)
> > - polyurethane coating (or other non-toxic stuff)
> > - slow dropping top supports (whatever the real name - they keep the
> > top from slamming down.
> > -ventilation
> > -non-auto latching doors
> > -relatively well balanced so it doesn't tip
> >
> >
> > Anything else to help keep the little demons from doing theirselves a
> > michief?
> >
> > I did some google searching and came up with a bunch of bits and
> > pieces, but would like to get it in all one posting.
> >
> > Thanks
> Seems like you got most of it (are you sure poly is non-toxic?).
> I would build it from Corian instead of wood. Wood may splinter if
> chewed and the child may get a sliver in its tongue or if it is an
> active child and slides off the chest, it may get a sliver in it's butt.
> These slivers if not discovered may cause the child much trauma in later
> life.
> Rather than put the child at risk I would bolt the toy chest to the
> floor and secure the lid with a study police lock (prevents the child
> from injuring itself if it should try to access toys while not under
> supervision). In the same room as the toy chest, I would place a very
> sturdy oak chair (preferably of craftsman style) equipped with seat belt
> and chest harness. At playtime, I would place the child in the chair,
> attach safety devices, make certain the child's air filter and
> respirator was functioning correctly and ensure the the crash helmet and
> face mask were in place. I would then unlock the chest, select a toy,
> carefully lock the chest, give the toy to the child, kiss the child and
> say "have fun". Now I can turn on the play room a/v monitoring system,
> brew a cup of herbal tea, check to see if the Volvo needs polishing, and
> if it doesn't, watch whatever is on PBS. :>) , :>) , :>) .
>
You would leave your CHILD UNSUPERVISED ???????
Monster.
<g>
> Seriously, I think we try to shield our children from life a bit too much.
> Regards,
> Hank
>
The helpful friendly people from Child Protective Services have been
notified and have set up 24 hour surveliance and phone taps on your
residence. Have a Safe Day.