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Best way to repair Bakelite?

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KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
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Best way to repair Bakelite?
Posted by KRM on Saturday, October 13, 2012 7:40 PM

I have a question for you ,

I got a Lionel LW transformer that looks like it fell from the sky. The case is cracked but not broken apart. What would be a good glue to repair it? I have repaired everything else and it works as it should but I would like to firm up the case before I put it back on. I plan on using this transformer for accessories

 I was thinking of sanding the bakelite and using two ton, slow dry epoxy on the inside of the case to help hold it together. Have any of you done something like this???

Thanks,

 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Saturday, October 13, 2012 7:50 PM

I've used epoxy on old Lionel HO locos to repair cracked/broken shells. I've also used it on an old bakelite telephone with success.

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Posted by ADCX Rob on Sunday, October 14, 2012 2:45 PM

Use some CA / super glue to bleed into the crack(s) by capillary action, then your idea of epoxy reinforcement.  That should give a good mend.

Rob

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Posted by Major on Sunday, October 14, 2012 4:51 PM

I had a Flyer Transformer with cracks and I did the CA into the cracks and sanded and buffed the area smooth.  Still holding strong after 10 years.

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Posted by gunrunnerjohn on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:25 AM

I'd use epoxy on the backside, then use JB Weld to smooth any crack on the outside.  You can sand the JB Weld so it fills the crack completely.  Then you can color the JB Weld, for a black transformer shell, a magic marker works great.  I've fixed 022 switch covers and control cases with JB Weld, then colored them with a magic marker, you can barely see the repair if you look close.

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 9:29 AM

Great ideas guys, I ended up sanding the back side and putting on two coats of epoxy. That seems like it will do the job.

 Thanks again for you replies.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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