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Cutting bakelite?

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Printed on: 5/31/2026 1:17:34 PM


Topic

Topic author: cedricfan

Posted on: 20090111150932

So, I have decided to try making the Smena-digi from a bakelite "8" as it looks so lovely oldish.
But has anyone here ever tried to cut bakelite, eg with a Dremel? I know it is OK to slowly drill a tiny hole into bakelite, but cutting?


Best regards,
Juhani

Replies

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20090111152633

Juhani, I don't think the Smena-5 to 8 are Bakelite, these are just plain hard plastic..

Reply author: mermoz37

Replied on: 20090112041004

yes, they are unbreakable hard PVC or else plastics, easy to cut (but not to glue !!!)
Jauni abot bakélte : if you have to do that : cut whith hight speed tool (dremel or jig saw)
I often use metal cut saw whith small teeth.


Reply author: dgillette4

Replied on: 20090112102228

Hello Juhani: If it is Bakelite wear a dust mask when cutting ,the dust is hazardous to lungs. I too would use a dremel. I would love to see the results. Don

ZORKIE'S Survive

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20090112103146

Guys,I think the only ACTUAL bakelite Soviet cameras are Turist, Liliput, Maliutka, Original Smena. Pretty sure everything post-war is just plain plastic. Am I mistaken?

Vlad

Reply author: cedricfan

Replied on: 20090112121150

Tomorrow I will get a pack of new cutting discs for my "Dremel", so let's see what happens [:D]
And naturally there will be pictures of the process and of the camera when ready [^]

Best regards,
Juhani

Reply author: mermoz37

Replied on: 20090113041705

Junkor ?


also to cut plastics or balélite : the best way is to stick a scotch tape , draw and then only cut trought scotch tape to avoid dust and shattering