Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Hank

I'm new and dont know you but sorry to hear about all of this thanks for the good advice though. I have just started in this on a hobby basis and have already looked at some of the things I do in the "shop" I have looked in to less toxic things and proccess..any eye opener and great advie
Thanks

_________________
Zac

Anchorage Alaska

Finshed my 1st! See #1 here

[QUOTE=HankMauel] Thanks to all for the gracious comments and good   
Let me state that I'm not dying!
The anemia has been reversed and the red blood count is back to within a
couple 10th's of what is considered normal. It's just the residual
effects...maybe just
"old age"...and the fact that all the stuff in the shop that can exacerbate
the situation is best avoided.
I have thought about farming out the finish process. But it bothers me
that someone else is going to be exposed to all that stuff. I know they
are in business to do finishing, it's just that I am not completely
comfortable knowing I would be contributing to their potential health
woes down stream." [end quote]

You are probably not looking for an argument but you did post this here
on a public forum. So, I feel compelled to reply to some of your logic. I
did a study of anemia and toxic exposures and have to conclude that it is
unlikely that anything in the finishing process of a guitarmaker who uses
proper methods of occupational safety would be at risk for developing
anemia. Benzine and heavy metals are high on the list whereas wood
dust is not generally associated with any form of anemia.

I think it is completely reasonable for a small company to farm out the
finishing process. Unless one has a proper set up it is not really safe for
the home shop or small maker who converts a section of the shop each
time for spray finishing. That leaves farming it out to a shop with proper
equipment and safety standards. And that is what I recommend.

I am not specifically speaking to Hank here as I am to the whole forum.
Reasonable precations and a healthy lifestyle will get you far. KenMcKay38693.4056481481

Hank,
Thanks for sharing your situation with us. We often over look, and take for granted these very issues which are life changing ( and also life threatening). I think all of us are guilty of not taking precautions that are available to us because we don't see or foresee the impact. I for one have begun taking these concerns much more serious and using protection whenever possible as my neglect has caused some health issues as well. Your sharing of this tragedy with us will no doubt be helpful to all who will take heed...Thank You...May God bless you and your family and be with you both in your time of need.

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"