Any ideas on fixing cracks or replacing missing pieces on bakelite radio cabinets. I use windex to clean the cabinets and then use a dark furniture polish to restore its original luster.

:Any ideas on fixing cracks or replacing missing pieces on bakelite radio cabinets. I use windex to clean the cabinets and then use a dark furniture polish to restore its original luster.
: You may try placing all of the pieces together at the same time and using rubber bands as the clamp.
then apply moderate amounts of super glue from inside the cabinet and allowing the capillary action to carry it into the cracks. there can be gaps in the surface. This takes you so far. Someone else here may know if there are products to match color short of repainting.

You can use J-B Weld to fill in small missing sections. For larger missing sections, you will need to build a form first, so that the J-B Weld has something to rest against. A well oiled piece of hardwood will work well. Sand it to the correct shape, first, and sand it finally so that it is very smooth. Then oil it and use it. This is a lot of work, but if you really want to rescue a radio, it's how you do it.

You will need to sand your patches after they have hardened, so that they are flush with the rest of the radio. The radio will also have to be painted, because the J-B Weld will most likely not match the bakelite. I have never tried dying J-B Weld. There are some things that I want to make with it that require colors, so I will try with various oil paints. I don't know what it is compatible with, or what will ruin the catalyst action.

For broken screw holes, I obtain long screws with the same thread as the originals (or what I intend to use). Then I oil them with a thin film of oil, and screw them into the remains of the screw holes. I take any kind of tape (masking or celophane) and form it to the general shape of the bakelite where the screw hole was drilled. Then I gently place J-B Weld into the space formed by the tape, with a tool such as a toothpick. A day later, once the J-B Weld hardens, I remove the tape and the screw, and the screw hole is now ready for use.

T.

Acrylic paints available at craft stores are cheap, easy to mix custom colors, water soluble and can be used to fill small hairline cracks or larger indentations with multiple applications. It is relatively sturdy (hard) after drying, and can be sanded. Needle point brushes or toothpiks are good applicators. I've never tried polishing it with Brasso though. Just keep in mind that the wet color is different when dried, but the price is right for wasting a lot in mixing to get the right tone. Super glue is great for a lot of applications in either the gel or liquid formula. Applying the liquid formula from the inside sounds like a good idea, but would tape over the outside surface to avoid buildup if it wicks thru too aggressively. JB Weld is good hard epoxy, can be machined, filed or sanded to proper shape, but very difficult to apply in minute amounts such as a hairline crack, and has a set time of approx 24 hours in its raw form for max hardness. Hobby shops (read cars, planes, trains) carry various clear/colored 2 part epoxies with fast or slow set times. Some may even carry chemicals to speed/retard set time or add colors.

marv

::Any ideas on fixing cracks or replacing missing pieces on bakelite radio cabinets. I use windex to clean the cabinets and then use a dark furniture polish to restore its original luster.
:: You may try placing all of the pieces together at the same time and using rubber bands as the clamp.
:then apply moderate amounts of super glue from inside the cabinet and allowing the capillary action to carry it into the cracks. there can be gaps in the surface. This takes you so far. Someone else here may know if there are products to match color short of repainting.

A dull aged Bakelite cabinet can be restored to near perfect with Brasso. But use it like you mean it. Not just a lick 'n promise.

Rub it like you are compounding your car.

It is wonderful.

At the end ...buff with very fast strokes with a very soft clean cloth like Tee shirt and it'll gleam.

I have heard that it is possible to take a belt sander to an old bakelite cabinet and catch the "dust"
which then can be added with glue for some repairs. i have not tried it nor do I recommend it yet so I cannot vouch for this method but it sounds like it
might work.

:A dull aged Bakelite cabinet can be restored to near perfect with Brasso. But use it like you mean it. Not just a lick 'n promise.
:
:Rub it like you are compounding your car.
:
:It is wonderful.
:
:At the end ...buff with very fast strokes with a very soft clean cloth like Tee shirt and it'll gleam.
:

:I have heard that it is possible to take a belt sander to an old bakelite cabinet and catch the "dust"
:which then can be added with glue for some repairs. i have not tried it nor do I recommend it yet so I cannot vouch for this method but it sounds like it
:might work.
:

That may work ... I'd like to see...it done.
I guess if you make a real thick slurry.

I've seen that concept work with other things like saw-dust and glue for wood repair and brick-dust with mortar for brick repair.

:Any ideas on fixing cracks or replacing missing pieces on bakelite radio cabinets. I use windex to clean the cabinets and then use a dark furniture polish to restore its original luster.
:
There is an excellent video available with detailed discussion and examples of plastic radio cabinet repair: Bret's Old time Radio Restoration, Vol 3. Email bretsoldradios@att.net
Nick S