The Path of Least Toxicity

[Wacky]

Hi, I'm new to speedcubing, and I have an
rather unusual question.

I'm interested in buying one 3x3x3 and one 4x4x4. I'm don't mind doing some DIY as long as I don't have to apply lubricant myself to get decent (doesn't have to be great) performance.

My main concern is whether it's going to be bad for me if I do it for prolonged periods of time.

Which choices of 3x3x3 and 4x4x4 are likely to be safest / not smell plasticy when you first get them, while still allowing me to turn it relatively freely without having for me to apply lubricant myself?

I've noticed that some plastic products smell real bad sometimes, and this probably means they're emitting some kind of chemical which is bad for me, so I avoid those like the plague.

Are the Rubiks or Eastsheen cubes going to be safer than the no-name Chinese DIYs? Are all cubes made in China these days, or are there still some made in Hungary or any other asian country other than China?

Thanks,

 

[TimMc]

You could get a standard Rubik's Cube and just sand down the cubies on the inside...

Tim.

 

[jackolanternsoup]

You sound very health oriented.... But my Rubik's cube from the brand Rubiks is an odourless cube... and most of their 3x3x3s are alreaddy pretty smooth.. But that's just my opinion

 

[Wacky]

Well, I'm not *that* health oriented, just have a somewhat sensitive sense of smell, but my mother is so I'm taking precautions to reduce the chance she'd force me to throw it out.

I notice that the cube4you site has the option to have the cube assembled and lubed for just 0.99, has anyone had that and how was it?

 

[fourdown00]

Rubiks is safe

 

[CorwinShiu]

The plastic is fine, I can't smell a thing. Maybe if you left it in your car for a afternoon or two during the summer...

But the plastic shouldn't be your concern. Silicon is much more harmful. Just don't breathe the flumes in; lubricating out side. Also, you should get food grade silicon, made for pans and stuff. It is the least toxic silicon that I know of.

Hope this helps.