Do you have to mix mineral turps. to linseed oil?

[Grace E]

Hi,

I'm a student at TAFE studying to be a child care worker. For a music assessment task I am making tapping sticks using dowel. Our teacher at TAFE told us to finish them off with Linseed Oil because it's non toxic and safe to use for children. But when I went to the hardware store I was told I have to add mineral turps to the linseed oil to help it to dry which makes it toxic.

Can anyone suggest something I can finish the dowel off with that is non toxic and safe for the children? Your help would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks and regards
Grace E.

[ozwinner]

Welcome to the forum.

Why do you need to " finish" the sticks?

Al :confused:

[Caliban]

because one of them teacher type persons told her to, mongrels.

[Wood Butcher]

Al, I think the finish may be to stop the timber drying out and splitting, giving the little kiddies splinters

[ozwinner]

In that case go with Poly Urethane.
Their little lives are surrounded by it.

Failing that, go the fully leaded paint.

Al

[Cliff Rogers]

Pls excuse the drunks.

If it is for kids, use edible cooking oil.
Sunflower is good 'cos it doesn't go sticky like some.

[ozwinner]

If it is for kids, use edible oil.
Sunflower is good 'cos it doesn't go sticky like some.

And it makes the kids easy to get off the frypan.

Al

[Cliff Rogers]

Pls excuse the drunks.

They don't really eat children.

[ozwinner]

They don't really eat children.

Well not whole ones anyway....

Al

[Cliff Rogers]

Well not whole ones anyway....

Al

Like cats?

I couldn't eat a whole one 'cos it would make me sick.

[ozwinner]

That must be your classic hijack?
Gone from linseed oil to cats in 10 posts.

Where's Wongo?


Al

[Cliff Rogers]

That must be your classic hijack?
Gone from linseed oil to cats in 10 posts.

Where's Wongo?


Al

in 37 minutes.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I'm a student at TAFE studying to be a child care worker. For a music assessment task I am making tapping sticks using dowel. Our teacher at TAFE told us to finish them off with Linseed Oil because it's non toxic and safe to use for children. But when I went to the hardware store I was told I have to add mineral turps to the linseed oil to help it to dry which makes it toxic.

Can anyone suggest something I can finish the dowel off with that is non toxic and safe for the children? Your help would be greatly appreciated...

Just oil 'em, wipe off the excess and store in a nice warm place overnight. If the oil soaks straight in, leaving no excess, oil 'em again. The oil won't dry (well... it will, but it takes time that can be measured in weeks...) but it'll soak into the wood enough to be handled cleanly & safely.

If the teacher says they're no good for tapping sticks, you can always use 'em as non-stick chopsticks to get the fried kidleys outta the pan.

[ubeaut]

Probably better off to wax them. By the way ask the idiot who told you that linseed was safe if he/she would like to have a spoon full to eat. Bet he/she won't take you up on it, if he/she does, stick around for the fire works. Will be fun to watch..... Oh yeah, call the paramedics first.

Using turpentine with the linseed won't hurt as the turps evaporates and is no longer in the mix when dry. Using polyurethane won't work as it will chip off when they start banging the sticks together. You have two options apply the linseed as Skew said or wax them.

Wax is a traditional finish for tapping sticks, it is very safe, non toxic and easy to use. If you decide you would like to wax them e-mail or PM me your details and I will send you a complimentary jar of our Traditional Wax to use on the sticks.

Cheers - Neil

PS Just as a little bit of trivia. I think you'll find traditional aboriginal hitting sticks are finished with emu fat.

[Bodgy]

Neil

I can't help myself, but to continue the logic.

Will you be selling tickets when you eat a spoonful of Trad Wax?

Generous offer re the comp wax tho, well done