Bakelite - Why is it so expensive?

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Stango

Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2009
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39
Location
Missoula, MT
Looks like it might be fun to turn but why is it so expensive? I just remember old radios made out of it.

Any input? Good to turn? Finishes nice? Historic value?

What am I missing?
 
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it expensive because it isn't common in the sizes need to make pens. Usually the rods used to make pens are left overs that were never made into something else. And since to my knowledge it isn't made anymore, the rods are hard to come by or expensive when available.
 
Supply and demand. There just isn't a lot of this stuff around. There was a company trying to recreate some of the old formulas - selling a product called Catalin. Every once in a while some shows up for sale. Apparently a slow process to make. It is nice stuff, does make a nice pen, but the appeal is probably for for those interested in a retro material. There are many modern materials just as nice if looks were the only criteria.
 
The manufacturing process is very toxic and complicated. Other plastics are easier and cheaper to make, so bakelite is few and far between.
 
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