AWA Radiolette 500M crack repair

[darrowby]

Hi, I wonder if it is possible to repair a crack in the case of this cream bakelite model or to disguise it with something. Maybe the experts on here can help as its a beautiful little thing with this little fault. Thanks very much.
Steve

[chipp1968]

I have repaired cracks in cabinets by dripping super glue into the crack at the same time as pulling the crack open very carefully so it will flood it then holding it closed as long as it takes to set . seams to work well.Obviously you dont want to split the crack anymore ,and you want to avoid the glue getting onto the outside surface ,which is difficult .It may be possible to stick tape to the outside as close as poss either side of the crack so when the glue is pushed out onto it , its not on the surface of the cabinet .Then when set to scrape it flush with a blade without scratching it .It may also be possible to use Araldite in the same way ,although this is thick in consistency .

[darrowby]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try the superglue. Steve

[VideoJunkyard]

Once you have used the superglue in the crack, you can strengthen the repair by using Fiberglass car body repair kit - it consists of a woven fiberglass sheet and some resin. Basically follow the instructions on the box. You will need to clean the inside of the cabinet and score or roughen the surface to give a good key for the resin. I have a large bakelite Saba table set that had split all the way round and was in two halves, this provided a very secure repair in conjunction with the superglue.

Just a thought...........

[Billy T]

Originally Posted by chipp1968

It may also be possible to use Araldite in the same way, although this is thick in consistency.

To get a tight joint with Araldite, use the slow-drying type, mix small amounts only and heat it with a hairdryer or similar before applying. Heat the cabinet around the crack as well and also apply heat while clamping the joint. When warm-to-hot Araldite thins out nicely and gives a joint almost as tight as superglue but without the risk of premature setting while the joint is not yet positioned correctly, and it doesn't stick your fingers down either!! You can practice with a small amount on a piece of wood or plastic etc first to establish how much working time you will have.

On complex repairs (multiple pieces) it can take two people to do this as you want the joint to be held properly, but it is no more difficult than using superglue. If you have got it right, a few more minutes with the hairdryer will actually set it sufficiently to let go. A razor-blade/scalpel will trim off the surplus while it is still flexible then leave it on a hotwater bottle or other gentle heat source to set properly. You can also wedge the crack open with paperclips to allow you to get the glue in easier, they pull out cleanly, unlike toothpicks which can shed wood fibres/splinters that prevent the crack from closing.

Permanent marker pens will colour the glue line if necessary, use brown and black (or other colours as required) and smear with your finger, then polish the cabinet with cream type furniture polish. The end result is very hard to detect unless you really look for it.

Cheers

Billy