discontinued the Tandy Pro dyes in lieu of the Eco-Flos.

[JPH]

Peter:

The MSDS info that comes with the dyestuffs I use basically say not to eat them and to advoid breathing the dust..other than that you simply handle them like you would any other denatured alcohol stain...at least that is what I was told by my "wood worker connection"..

JPH

[Michael Sheldon]

For those of us that are primarily hobbyists, it's a whole added layer of process and learning for which we just don't have the time.

I'd be willing to bet the hobbyists are more likely to do this than the pros. Mixing dyes can be interesting, and even fun. However, time is money, and I could never justify spending the time to make my own dyes rather than doing paying work.

[HorsehairBraider]

Anyone interested in learning about various dyes, types of dyes, safe handling and of course buying dyes might want to check out this site: http://www.prochemical.com/index.htm Pro Chem has great safety guides to follow when doing ANY dyeing. Their focus is on fabric dyeing but of course these various dye powders and liquids can be put to many uses. Black walnut, for example.

Basically, all dye tools should be dedicated to that purpose - you don't want to use a bowl to mix up some dye, and then later on serve dinner in it... (A lot of it is just plain common sense.) The main "problem" with dye powders is that they are very light and can be easily inhaled. Wear a mask! And hey, who wants green hands? Wear gloves! Use good ventilation, and don't dye in your kitchen!

All the toxicity comes from ingesting it. Hey, don't do that! It's not dangerous just to be around it, or to touch it.

If you just follow simple rules like that you can safely mix up your own dyes and experiment with them. I've done it too but not in *near* the quantities of JPH! A gallon of dye at a time?! Holy smokes...

[Peter Ellis]

I'd be willing to bet the hobbyists are more likely to do this than the pros. Mixing dyes can be interesting, and even fun. However, time is money, and I could never justify spending the time to make my own dyes rather than doing paying work.

Different viewpoints, I suppose. Apparently Jim finds it well worth his time.

[Peter Ellis]

All the toxicity comes from ingesting it. Hey, don't do that! It's not dangerous just to be around it, or to touch it.

mm.. one of the points about the aniline dyes is that they *are* toxic through the skin.

[HorsehairBraider]

mm.. one of the points about the aniline dyes is that they *are* toxic through the skin.

Hmm.. well, my experience of handling them is that they are not toxic for a brief amount of time but the amount of time I actually touch them is somewhere between slim and none, and slim just left town. Again - you don't want green hands, so wear gloves.

Basically, dyes are not for eating or drinking, or bathing in or washing your hands. They are for dyeing. One of the things they do (which is why they are used for dyeing) is to penetrate cells, so that the color is permanent. So absolutely - don't mix up a dye solution and stick your hand in it.

My point is, just having dyes in your home won't make you sick. Handling them improperly may do so - but so can improperly handling bleach, ammonia, or water.

[JPH]

Hello:

Well like I said I am too chea... uh...furgal to spend all that much of my hard earned filthy lucre to put out 16 to 18 a quart6 when I can make a gallon for the same amount of cash...

Also I run through anywhere from a quart to a half gallon every two weeks as it doesn't take long to go through a whole lot of dye when you are making sword sheaths and larger pieces. I am a very "prolific" maker..I put more "steel out" in a month than most other makers do in a year. Couple that up with the dyed bone and that all adds up quick to a lot of dye.

I might not know what I am doing leatherworking wise but I do run through a lot of leather, and it needs dyed...

I simply mix it up, wear the gloves and dye away. I was just curious if anyone else was mixing up their own...

Well I am back to work..got alot to do today...maybe I will post the latest once I get the sheaths done...

JPH