NOS Catalin Bakelite

[DCBluesman]

"New" old stock from the 1930's. Green Bakelite.

Bakelite is a synthetic resin chemically formulated and named after its Belgian inventor, Chemist L.H.Baekeland c.1909. It is pronounced "Bay Ka Lite". Originally it was used for molding items that were previously done of celluloid or hard rubber. One of the original uses was for pool balls. It is collectible in all its forms including jewelry, buttons, radio cases, lamps, dresser sets and many more items.

Thanks to all who look and particularly to those who comment.

 

[ken69912001]

Very nice Lou. How is the Bakelite to turn? Also did you have to paint the inside of the blank?

 

[BRobbins629]

That stuff sure is pretty, a little light for a 6 ball so I guess it found a better home. Well done as usual.

 

[fiferb]

Simply Stunning!

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Lou, simply wonderful, now if I can sneak Dianes bakelite pocketbook that her mother had into the shop...better not,I like breathing

 

[stevers]

Very nice Lou. Seems to finish nicely. Very pretty color and veining also. Great job, as usual.

 

[rd_ab_penman]

Very nice as always!!

 

[winpooh498]

That is beautiful!!

 

[Ligget]

Beautiful! [][]

 

[VisExp]

That is very elegant Lou. I like the subtle swirls in the Bakelite.

(Editing to correct spellin error [:I] )

 

[Tom McMillan]

Awesome Lou!!! That's a beauty!!

 

[gerryr]

Beautiful pen as always Lou. The material looks pretty interesting and definitely unique.

 

[drayman]

very nice lou, but its not my colour

 

[Jim15]

Great looking pen.

 

[laurie sullivan]

real cool. I wish there was more of that stuff around.

Laurie

 

[PR_Princess]

Colin,

I agree that the colour is not one that you would normally see in a commercially available pen blank and, I know that this is bakelite.

But, if you just look at the colour....... think......Royal Jade.
It reminds ME of the same colour of jade that you would see coming straight out of an ancient Mayan King's tomb or from a Chinese nobelman's one.

I can certainly see why Lou picked this kit. Very nice combo.[8D]


(OK, so the smilie really DID need the shades on this one![}])

 

[Dalecamino]

Beautiful pen Lou ! Thanks for the information ! [8D]

 

[DCBluesman]

Kenny â€" The Bakelite is a little harder than most resins but turns just fine. The color is strong, so painting the tubes was unnecessary.

Thanks Bruce2, Roy (back away from the purse), Steve, Less, Dawn, Mark, Keith, Tom, Gerry, Jim, Laurie and Dale.

Colin â€" funny, I’ve always pictured you in this colour kilt

Dawn â€" It really does have a rich, jade coloring to it.

Thanks again for all of your generous comments.

 

[papaturner]

Lou I`m still a wood man but that is awesome.....Great job.

 

[wdcav1952]

That is truly a beautiful piece of work, Lou!!

 

[Ozzy]

Beautiful pen as always Lou.

 

[desertyellow]

First class all the way.

Tony,
Las Vegas

 

[Buzz]

Great work and the perfect choice of hardware.

 

[DCBluesman]

Thanks for the additional comments. I will be making a pen from the "new" Catalin bakelite and will display it soon.

 

[desertyellow]

The color and the kit go very well together.
It's a great marriage.
Great job.

 

[Darley]

Awesome Lou I like more the cap side who got some swirl than the pen body, never the less the Emperor is great

 

[bitshird]

Sweet pen Lou.

 

[toolcrazy]

That is a beautiful pen. Nice work.

 

[jenlwren]

A stunning looking pen. Is it easy to work with?? and also is it difficult to get hold of???

Jenny

 

[railrider1920]

Wow Very cool pen.

 

[DCBluesman]

Thank you all for the generous comments. Jenny - the old stock bakelite is difficult to find. The new Catalin is easier, but still not easy to find. It is very easy to work.

 

[gwilki]

Beautifully crafted, Lou.

 

[DSallee]

Beautiful pen Lou!! interesting color and GREAT photo of it!

Dave

 

[DCBluesman]

Thanks, again. It will be interesting to see if there is any significant interest in bakelite at the upcoming DC Supershow.

 

[bananajeep]

Lou, I really like the subtle swirls in the bakelite. I was able to actually create a PR pour with similar subtle white swirls. I used regular Fiberglass resin for the base which gave it a amber color and used clear PR with white to make the swirls. I found that I can use the FG resin for my dark colors like black and blues etc with no problem (I had some FG resin left over from a boat project and the stuff doesn't last forever so why not).

By the way is that doesn't look like a Heritage nib on there!? You know that would make the pen even better!

Great job.

Mike

 

[devowoodworking]

That is absolutely gorgeous, very classy looking!! Great work Lou!

 

[Nolan]

Lou,
Very nice as always, how many colors choices have you found?? I know they used to make it in tons of colors and color combinations.

 

[novop711]

Beautiful pen Lou, and I like the look of the swirled green bakelite.

 

[DCBluesman]

Thank you again. It's always nice to get the supportive comments from my friends here!