Anyone making cribs? - Woodworking Talk

Jason W · 12-18-2008, 06:47 PM

I was talking with a local Cabinet Maker a few weeks ago about different designs for sleigh beds. We got on the topic of making cribs somehow and he said he could no longer make them because of liability.

He told me that he would need a waiver signed that would be 3 pages long and pay a fortune in insurance to make them now.

Does anyone here make these? What is the procedure for covering your butt if you do?

thekctermite · 12-18-2008, 11:18 PM

That's one job I'd definately turn down unless it were for my own child. In today's litigious society, even a friend whose child were injured or killed would potentially have a pretty good case on their hands if the blame could be pinned on the construction or design of the crib. Even the closest friendship might not weather the death of a child and the subsequent blame.

I seriously considered making one for my sister when she had a kid. I didn't, and after seeing my nephew's crib the other day I am glad I didn't. The kid has chewed that thing so bad it looks like somebody turned a beaver loose!

red · 12-19-2008, 09:27 AM

I agree. I would never build a crib for a customer or friend. It's just not worth the possible trouble later on. What a world we live in. Red

frankp · 12-19-2008, 10:53 AM

Interesting question... several coworkers and I were just having a discussion about babies and cribs and I told them my wife wants me to build one. They all went nuts saying it's not safe and "there are rules and guidelines". I was really surprised they were so adamant that you can't build a crib.

We have become a society driven by consumerism and stupidity, if you ask me. Litigation is destroying a sense of community.

Jason W · 12-19-2008, 05:39 PM

Here's a good link from the Consumer Product Safety Commission about regulations for cribs. Not sure if it's the most current. I think I would read all their stuff on cribs and make sure you're insured well before doing it.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml73/73040.html

hubaseball · 12-19-2008, 09:57 PM

I recently completed a crib for my daughter based on modified plans from Rockler. After looking at cribs in the local baby stores I decided that I could build one that is much better. The ones in the stores seemed to be not up to par. Just think most of them are probably made over seas. After doing a lot of research and finding out what the standards are for spacing in slats and feeling comfortable that I could build it better I jumped in. Building one for a friend or customer is a whole different story and I would probably not do.

mrsocks · 01-29-2009, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hubaseball

I recently completed a crib for my daughter based on modified plans from Rockler.

What type of glue and finish did you use?
I am in the process of designing one for our first child who is due in April and realized that with teething, i better use some sort of nontoxic glue.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Spartan_Caver · 01-29-2009, 08:28 AM

Jason, right now insurance isn't the thing I would worry most about. A new law will be implemented on Feb 10th, 2009, called the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008, a.k.a. as HR 4040 will MANDATE that ANY, EVERY, ALL things made for children SHALL, WILL, MUST be tested for any possible lead content, at your expense. And you won't get the tested piece back as it will be flame tested. HR4040 does not care if you are Jason the carpenter, or Jason the president of Fisher-Price. ALL things for children shall be tested, reguardless of where you got the raw material. It doesn't care if you use FDA approved for salad bowl shellac or have a stack of OSHA MSD sheets, The final, finished product must be tested and certified. OR it is a Federal Felony.
See this for yourself; http://reformcpsia.org/2009/01/class-action-lawsuit/
This is not another example of government intrusion into our lives, we asked for it. They fixed the problem with a gutter spike when we needed a drop of glue. CSPA never held a public meeting for general public input. All done closed door.
Help us fight this thing

Spartan_Caver · 01-29-2009, 08:42 AM

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. a.k.a. H.R.4040 ENR as published in the Federal Registry. a.k.a. Public Law No: 110-314 signed by G.W.Bush Auguest 14th, 2008 and set to be implemented February 10th, 2009. Sections 101 - 106
Use the pdf.doc and enter search for cribs.. this will be the latest CPSA info as it will be implemented Feb 10, 2009.

sawduststeve · 01-29-2009, 08:41 PM

I think that is insane!!! I can understand the fact that they might have a child's safety in mind but what man that calls himself a dad would make something that might be unsafe for his own child???? That does not sound like government for the people!

hubaseball · 01-30-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsocks

What type of glue and finish did you use?
I am in the process of designing one for our first child who is due in April and realized that with teething, i better use some sort of nontoxic glue.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

I used a samll amount of glue on the tenons and that was it . I used regular wood glue.

autoBrad · 01-30-2009, 02:41 PM

This is interesting timing for this discussion... I have looked at probably 30 cribs now(wife pregnant with our first child).. and I am of the conclusion.. if a store bought crib has a drop leaf, it's garbage, it shakes and just isn't sturdy at all... Some of the ones that don't have a drop leaf are okay.. Interesting discussion.

frankp · 01-31-2009, 03:54 PM

sawduststeve, I believe the regulation is only for selling such items. If you don't intend to sell it, there's no problem.

rusty baker · 01-31-2009, 11:29 PM

You can't make them to give away, either.

WRDinAZ · 02-01-2009, 01:04 PM

Great thread and well timed. A co-worker asked me about making a crib for his baby due later this year. I don't think I'll take on this project.

Spartan_Caver · 02-03-2009, 11:27 AM

The CPSC has issued a "stay" order on implementing the new law mandating 3rd party testing for lead in products being sold. This means that testing and labeling is not mandatory, however, it is and will be illegal to sell products containing lead.
If I were building a crib of native local natural materials, of if I use raw material from local big box store, local chain hardware store, or the materials have been tested and certified by such government agencies such as OSHA, MSD, FDA as safe, then I would say that should be OK to do... Basically doing what we have always been doing.

Which I my contention with HR4040 is the mandatory third time testing of materials. The manufacture, using the basic raw material must test his stuff. and the Distributer, i.e. Georgia-Pacific, or Rockler, must test before the products can be sold to retail.

And I don't like that you have to test natural materials like wool.
Keep Clear
Spartan Caver

kentuckytwostep · 02-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Boy they are really fvcking up the gene pool by all of this avoidance of "natural selection".

Do like the ol’ backwoods wine makers do. Make the crib, leave it in a well shaded spot at the end of a gravel road. Then just happen to mention to the person that wants the crib that you saw one out at the end of suchnsuch road...

rusty baker · 02-03-2009, 04:39 PM

I was wondering if you could put a tag on it that says "Not for children under age 12".