I remember from a discussion a few years ago that there is a legally acceptable (Mark?) diameter for toys like spinning tops to avoid swallowing (and the lawsuits thereafter). I'm sure nothing would stop an aggressive lawyer working for an aggrieved parent, but want to do the best I can.
I'm planning to turn some kids tops at a public event in about a month, and want to prepare stock and make a sizing gauge.
Note that any part that could break off during normal use and abuse by young children that fits into a 1.25" cylinder is a problem. So -- a twirler or "finger" top often has a stem, or "handle" around 1/8" in diameter... When I think about "use & abuse" by kids, this includes leaving all sorts of toys laying about on the floor to be stepped on, and that could break off the handle and create a choking hazard for some little toddler picking things up and putting them in their mouth.
I'm beginning to think the larger diameter stem on the supported tops linked would be a safer bet. A little tyke would really have to go at it with a hatchet to break that stem off. I would not make them (this time) on a pole lathe, but I'll have to think about making this sort. I don't usually make such large-stemmed tops, and even take pride in doing delicate work, but we are living in litigious times...
When I followed up on the details of the candle holder ban it turns out most woods are not considered "combustible" under the testing standard for that ban.
Same goes for toy standards - you need to know what the testing standards are and comply with them. Other things to consider are using magnets in children's toys (banned in Aust), lead used in paints etc.
Toy suppliers must note that even if toys are labelled and/or marketed for older children, the mandatory standard may apply if the toys are commonly recognised as being intended or suitable for children under 36 months of age. "
