Glue And Dye Safety

[Guy W]

when using fiebings oil dyes and barge contact cement, how concerned should i be about the fumes? i was using them briefly in my open garage with a rotating fan but the smell was still very strong. i do wear good eye protection but should i have concern about the inhaling of the fumes enough that I should get a respirator? not that I could find a repirator that would probably work with my 6" long beard I would imagine. but it does have me a bit concerned and could use some tips and advice on this.

thanks,

guy

[Kevin]

I don't know about dyes anymore, I think they're pretty safe. Glue is another story. Kidney and brain damage are big risks here. I had a customer that did not have a background in leatherwork that was redoing leather on a bunch of fancy fireplace fenders and ended up sick for a couple of months. He didn't pay attention to the warnings. Fresh air and some kind of down draft table would be ideal as the fumes are heavier than air. We have a spray booth to glue in at work, but you can easily rig up something home made, just be aware of the dangers. I've tried gluing outside, but still breathed too many fumes, you kind of need a stream of air.

Kevin

[TwinOaks]

I agree with Kevin, you NEED to have some kind of moving air. You can rig a 'gluing box' pretty easily with a charcoal filter and a bathroom vent fan. If that isn't feasible, I do recommend a VOC filter mask from somewhere like Lowe's or Home Depot. The type of filter is important; you need to have something to capture or eliminate the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Having a beard won't be that big of an issue. Sure you won't have the same seal as skin, but you're guarding against VOC fumes, not chemical weapons. The commercial filter masks (with the filter cartridges) have a very good flow through, and should be enough.

[Guy W]

i assume once the glue is dry it's perfectly safe? like once you've glued the front and back of the holster together and let it dry i don't have to worry about bringing that piece into my house or anything to do the stitching or whatever?

any other opinions or knowlege on the oil dyes?

thanks

also would this respirator work? it says it comes with organic vapor cartridges and particulate filters? you think the seal will be adequite with my beard, especially since i will be using it in a fairly well ventilated area with a fan blowing away from the area I am standing?

http://www.amazon.com/3M-R6211-Low-Maintenance-Half-Mask-Respirator/dp/B00004Z4EB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316048483&sr=8-2

Edited September 15, 2011 by Guy W

[Nooj]

I think the 'well ventilated area with a fan blowing' will handle most of your issues. Unless you have a very peculiar way of trimming your beard, no mask or respirator will seal properly; So, there will be some intrusion of whatever you're trying to keep out. But, if you've got a decent flow of air away from you and the fumes aren't congregating in your work area, then you should be fine.

There MAY be some kind of indoor use/ odorless glue that you could use... I don't know of any in particular, but it's possible.

And as far as I know, they should be safe once the glue is dried and bonded. Once it's dry most of the smell is gone, which leads me to believe it's not releasing much if any fumes that should be a cause of concern.

Nooj

[Reaper]

Living in Florida you don't do anything in the Garage without a fan on. I used to build cars in mine so I have a large shop fan (well two really) that pushes air out the back door and one that blows it cross corner so it keep the air moving and I never have an issue. One fan would be enough if you have it setup to keep fresh air pulled from outside moving where your working.

Hell, even setup a drop cloth paint booth in there with the two fans working one pulling the fumes out and it work very well.

You should be fine with a fan(s).