Bakelite Rickenbacher screw question

[Mark Pollock]

Hi folks,

 

So, it's time to FINALLY replace the tuner buttons on my pre-war Ricky lap steel. Before I take the tuners off, I just want to know - anybody ever take screws out of bakelite before? Are there any issues I should watch out for? (I can't imagine any problems, but I should make sure before ruining this thing.)

 

Thanks!

[Rob Mercure]

Mark,

I've not worked on the particular bakelite used on Ricks - there were many phenolic resin formulas - but I've removed dozens of screws from electronics gear without problem. Generall screws come out well and the only thing you'd have to worry about is if the metal itself has corroded and the oxidation bonded to the phenolic. I'd try gently heating the head with a soldering iron just until you get a very faint smell coming from the material - no smoke! The with a screwdriver that matches the slot very well - new or ground to use - start the screw out just until you can put a drop of penetrating oil where it will wick under the head. Let it soak for a few minutes and I supect that you'll have no problem. Phenolic bonds to the metal pretty tightly even without corrosion so I'd make sure to keep a steady pressure was you remove it. Thinking about tuners phenolic itself will take threads so these probably aren't "wood" type screws but machine screws in tapped holes. And if this is your own player and not a customer's item I'd be tempted to put the screws away in a secure plastic bag and replace them with Allen head or Torx type for future peace of mind - you can always return the originals. I've done this on the wood screws on my 1960 Strat as they were quite rusty when I got the instrument and this way I can preform quick field adjustments without worrying about destroying anything with vintage value (did the same with the shrunken pickguard, the worn pots, and the rusted saddles - she plays good but would quickly satisfy that lowest of life forms the wall hanging collector)..

Rob

[Mark Pollock]

Thanks Rob - this shouldn't be too hard, they are in fine, not corroded shape. I'll post a picture of the screws when I get them out.

Mark