mike-hr Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I had a guy come to the shop with a very old industrial electrical switch, likely from the 1920's. The main guts, that were cracked, looked to be bakelite, that black pre-plastic stuff found on antique waffle iron handles. If I need to machine him a new piece, what modern substance is strong, and insulative? Phenolic (sp?) came to mind, but I think I heard somewhere that machining it is pretty noxious. Thanks, mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Bakelite is a tradename for a phenolic resin. It is still sold so you can use that or use any glass filled thermoplastic. I think the best direct replacement would be Phillips Ryton, 33% glass filled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markb Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 (edited) Micarta is an electrical product. Edited March 31, 2009 by markb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnptc Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 micarta is an electrical product. also machines well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 I have fixed Bakelite pieces with JB Weld. One piece in particular was a leg on an old electric skillet. A large chunk was missing so I made a dam from masking tape and poured JB in and let it set. Filed and sanded it to make it purdy (not too) and it lasted (years) until my wife threw it away cause it quit heating. This is from Wikipedia:J-B WELD can be used as an adhesive, laminate, plug, filler, sealant, or electrical insulator. When fully cured, J-B WELD can be drilled, formed, ground, tapped, machined, sanded, and painted. However, until dry, it could sag or drip when applied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike-hr Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 Thanks Everybody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markb Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Hi Mike Have you repaired or made the new part? just courious as to what you're into, Pics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike-hr Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 Howdy Mark, I think he epoxied the thing back together, I'll probably get called when it breaks again. I needed to have some leads on making a new one, it will be a rush job when he calls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironwolfforgeca Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 Hay Mike ? what about teflon supply for that ? lumber mill sup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 Hay Mike ? what about teflon supply for that ? lumber mill sup Teflon is good for a great many things but is way soft for most applications that use bakelite. It has serious cold flow problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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