Bakelite question?

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

OK, I have been slowly working on my Ric model B. This a project guitar and was in really bad shape with all but 1 of the keys broken. A replacement set would have cost $800 so I picked up a set of new Gibson Kluson for $60 and drilled out the key holes for a very nice snug fit.

Replaced all the panels that were dented and beat with finished wooden panels. I have high end potentiometers and a barrel cap and will hopefully use the original knobs.

The string slots in the baklite bridge and nut are worn. Is there an epoxy or other type filler I could use to fill in and recut the string slots?

Will use this guitar to take out and jam. I picked up this guitar for $300 so it's a low cost usable guitar.

Thanks,

Lenny

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

You can get a black epoxy from www.stewmac.com
Erv

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Thank you Erv!

I just ordered the epoxy from Stu Mac.

Gary Meixner · From: New York, USA

Len,

If the epoxy you ordered is a fast setting formula, (5-10-15 min) it will probably not do what you want it to do. This type of epoxy never cures to a hard, glass like state, and will be too soft to hold up to the pressure from the strings.

There are many, many different epoxy formulations and each will exhibit a wide range of working characteristics and final cured properties.

I used to be the sales and marketing director for major epoxy formulator and could go on at some length on this topic but will spare you the lecture.

I would give the folks WEST Epoxy / www.westepoxy.com / a call. They have a very good technical help line. Their products are available at retail marine supply stores in your area. They sell a small repair kit that has resin and hardener and some fillers to thicken the mixture. You will need to ad some dry pigment to get close to the color of the Bakelite.

The old Resorcinol phenolic adhesive was very close to the formula used in Bakelite and if you can find it that would be a even a better choice. There are also some thick formula, black pigmented, cyanoacrylate (super glues) that cure very hard and might work. Check with Woodcraft Supply.

I remember several years ago Rick Aiello posted about a hardware store epoxy formula that he has used with good results. You might look through the archives.

Remember though if you use an epoxy, follow the measuring and mixing instructions to the letter. Adding extra hardener will not make the cured stuff harder. In fact the opposite will happen. Follow the mixing ratio and mix completely.

Good luck,

Gary Meixner

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Gary,

Thanks for the insight and info. The epoxy I ordered is the long curing time. I am going to test it first and see how it files. If it is too soft I will not use it and check out other options.

Lenny

Gary Meixner · From: New York, USA

Len,

I checked the Stew Mac website and even their slow setting black epoxy, 20min, is of the type that never really cures to a hard state. These formulas use mercaptan as the curing agent, which is responsible for the nasty smell, but it may work for you and I am glad to hear that you will test it first.

When talking about slow setting epoxies I reference a different curing agent and formulas that take from several hours to several days to "kick" and then start to reach their final cure. Some formulas even require addition heat or post curing, to completely cure.

Also as a general rule formulas that have a high resin to hardener ratio, 5:1 and higher, will cure harder but really there are so many different factors that it is best to look at the technical data sheets to know - but for us non-chemical engineers, test first.

I do know many luthiers use cyanoacrylate "super glue" for quick repairs to guitar nuts. Maybe ask you local repair shop for their suggestions.

Good luck with your project and stay warm.

Gary Meixner

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Here are some previous discussions which might be helpful.
_________________
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Thanks again for all the useful info. I contacted Rick Aiello and he graciously replied and recommended a black epoxy available at ACE Hardware. He said to let it cure for a week and use round luthier files to recut the string slots and not V files. What a country and what great guys on this Forum.

Russell Taylor · From: Dade City, FL

Can you tell us what that black epoxy Rick told you about is called? I also need to do a little minor repair work on my B6.

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

The Bkack Epoxy that Rick Aiello recommend available at ACE Hardware is

Devon Plastic Steel # 62345

As Rick stated, tape off the area and fill the nut slots and bridge if it is grooved. I am going to clean the slots with a Q tip and use alcohol. Wait 7 days to cure then use luthier files with a round edge and not a V file.

Hope this helps,

Lenny

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