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 Wanted: Bakelite sheet
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 Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 5:08:26 PM on 2 January 2016.
Robert69's avatar
 Location: Western Victoria, VIC
 Member since 14 November 2009
 Member #: 579
 Postcount: 110

Hi. Does anyone know where I can purchase a sheet of Bakelite - 250mm x 210mm - for a 1920's replica radio build?
Robert


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Robert

 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 9:01:32 PM on 2 January 2016.
GTC's avatar
 GTC
 Location: Sydney, NSW
 Member since 28 January 2011
 Member #: 823
 Postcount: 6678

Just stating 'bakelite' is insufficient these days (and you will find many ignorant people online using that term to cover a range of plastics).

This site explains the modern types of fabric-impregnated phenol formaldehyde thermosetting resin available:

http://www.eplas.com.au/3124850/eplas-engineered-industrial-plastics-bakelite.htm


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 10:18:56 PM on 2 January 2016.
Marcc's avatar
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5239

In reality if it is a radio not Brown or Black and made after 1945 there is a fair bet that it is not Bakelite. If it is white or coloured it is going to be Catalin, which is made by a different process.

Marc


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 9:17:34 AM on 3 January 2016.
Robert69's avatar
 Location: Western Victoria, VIC
 Member since 14 November 2009
 Member #: 579
 Postcount: 110

The 'Bakelite' is for the front panel of a 1920's radio. I'd guess people on this website would know the material I'm after. There was a guy in Tasmania who kept this stuff, plus a lot of coil forms etc to make crystal sets - but I can't remember his name. I have rsearched 'Garlolite', but don't think it is a suitable material. I am considering painting a piece of Masonite, or using modern plastic, but would prefer the 'real stuff'.


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Robert

 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 10:21:52 AM on 3 January 2016.
Marcc's avatar
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5239

If you want to make one of those black front panels, or the breadboard that the sockets etc were mounted on, that's normally "Ebonite"

Ebonite was invented by Goodyear & considered one of the first Plastics. Its main constituents are rubber & Linseed oil.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 6 · Written at 10:53:16 AM on 3 January 2016.
GTC's avatar
 GTC
 Location: Sydney, NSW
 Member since 28 January 2011
 Member #: 823
 Postcount: 6678

Mention of ebonite always reminds me of experiments with static electricity.

Ebonite is still manufactured in India:

http://www.jk-overseasexport.com/abonite-rod-sheet.html#ebonite-rods-sheet


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 7 · Written at 9:38:45 PM on 3 January 2016.
Robert69's avatar
 Location: Western Victoria, VIC
 Member since 14 November 2009
 Member #: 579
 Postcount: 110

Thanks for the link GTC, I'll see if I can order some

Robert


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Robert

 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 8 · Written at 12:41:20 PM on 5 January 2016.
Steve's Gravatar
 Location: Donald, VIC
 Member since 7 January 2006
 Member #: 13
 Postcount: 265

Rob let me dig out address I found a person has exactly what you need about 9 years back I seen him he passed me the exact sheeting that you need - it will take me time to find him again, but I think I can do mate.

Tasmanian bloke he's not it))) to busy trying to look after his second head, I know him it was more like black plastic he had !


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Steve.

 
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