Bakelite Enclosures

I suppose you might find a source of it... But I bet it will be expensive!!

Bakelite just isn't used any more, as far as I'm aware... Is it possible to use something equivalent such as SRBP, assuming you can still get that!?

John.

Bakelite comes in many grades

ask for SRBF easier to find

I assume your are refering to bakeolite. Sheet stock of bakeolite is available from many suppliers. It is generically known as Phenolic which is available from many suppliers with many brand names. You can by the brand "Garolite" from Mcmaster Carr. However, if you want more that simple flats or rods to get a finished look you may want to make a mold.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

It machines well though it is brittle in comparison with more modern plastics.

I did a similar vintage 'look' type restoration with bakelite some years ago. Don't know where to source it now, but I had (and still have remnants) of a 3/8" sheet. It machines quite nicely but does get some fabric (linen?) frays on the tops and bottoms (if milling through) of the sheet when milling or drilling. This should be done at a pretty high tool speed as long as you keep the tool moving.

The bigest problem with working with it (milling, sawing) is the air borne residue. It's really nasty stuff! You'll have a lingering smell/taste for the evening after this work.

Bakelite was the first commercially produced plastic resin. It is phenol-formaldehyde which we now call phenolic resin. It is a thermo-setting resin meaning that once it has been polymerized it can not be re melted, nor will it support a flame. This makes a great heat and electrical insulator. The resin itself is a dark reddish brown color and so is only available in dark brown, dark red, dark green, or black. If you need relatively small pieces in black and cannot find it in sheet or rod form there is another solution. Find a local compression or transfer molding company and ask them to mold some rectangular or round (as your needs require) slugs large enough to machine your parts from. You may have to make a simple compression mold to do this but it would be a simple task and could be made from low carbon steel. When machining, be sure to use sharp cutters. Take 2-3 light .010-.020 finish passes to avoid chipping. As much as possible try to cut so that the leading arc of the cutter is moving into the material (usually climb cutting) to prevent chipping because the material is brittle. If your part needs to have screw threads, consider using a glue in type insert because non reinforced phenolic may not support the thread.

One place I have seen phenolic and epoxy laminates is United States Plastic. I did not see the Bakelite type of plastic that I think you are referring to, but this might help. Good luck. Try WWW.USPLASTICS.COM

I HAVE FOUND ANOTHER LOCATION THAT MIGHT HELP. WWW.AINPLASTICS.COM