Thread: Celluloid, bakelite, and lignum vitae

I am looking for a source of material for scales. I am looking for celluloid, bakelite, and lignum vitae.

I'm not sure that there are many if any at all sources for new celluloid and bakelite as these materials aren't exactly eco-friendly to produce. Most plactic scales today are made from acrylic or like plastics. The lignum vitae however can be purchased easily through Woodcraft.

IF you want real celluloid and bakelight you may have a hard time finding sheet or rod stock. For the bakelight I would check places like flea markets and Goodwill type places for old trophies. A lot of the older sports trophies had Bakelite parts that could be salvaged. You may also be able to salvage celluloid form old dresser comb and mirror sets and such.

As far as I know there is no one out there manufacturing those early plastics for retail use. They have been pretty much left to history by more advanced plastics. Although, There may be some of the pen manufacturers making these materials for their own use. Seems I remember a conversation with David Broadwell in which he mentioned one of the pen companies was making a batch of celluloid (or celluloid look alike) for a batch of retro pens they were planning to make. You may check on one of the custom fountain pen forums and see if they have any leads.

Ray

Ebay is your friend

These people make the first 2
American Art Plastics

Bakelite used to be used for some pipestems. You might try vulcanite, ebonite or cumberland rod material. Or various acrylic materials. Search pipe making supplies.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

These people make the first 2
American Art Plastics

Thanks for posting this. These folks look like a great resource and I had no idea they even existed. I appreciate you sharing it.

Ray

Masecraft also has real Celluloid available, I have never actually searched for Bakelite (etc "Black Linen Micarta" looks just like it when finished and buffed. and is much more stable

Lignum is available at many of the Wood sources be aware, there are two different woods both called Lignum both work well

As Glen states,both work well.Real Lignum is called Lignum Vitae officianal,vera wood,also called Lignum is pretty close.
Both work very well,Is debated on some wood working sites if vera wood is even related to lignum,Have fun.