How to fix Bakelite

[1930artdeco]

I just bought an inkwell that may be Bakelite or plastic. Either way the lid is cracked and needs to be fixed. Which glue should I use?

Mike

 

[LizzieMaine]

I've had good luck with JB Weld.

 

[3fingers]

I'd agree with JB Weld being a good choice. Clean and prep the surface, mix it up and apply carefully. Set it aside until well cured and you should be good to go. I have been surprised more than once with how well it worked.

 

[1930artdeco]

Wow, is there anything people on this forum don't know?

Mike

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I have 2-3 sets of Catalin (early Bakelite) poker chips & chip carrier that I have polished starting with #0 steel wool & working up thru #0000. I have a Bakelite radio that needs some glue work, then polish but I have never attempted it. Thanks for the tips on JB Weld! I'm wondering if the seam can be polished out after sealing?

 

[LizzieMaine]

The trick is to go very very easy on the adhesive -- you don't want a bead or a blob of it extruding out of the crack. If you do end up with this you can level it with a Dremel tool, but don't try to do so unless you have good eyes and a very steady hand. Just use enough adhesive to moisten the broken surface rather than gobbing it on like toothpaste.