Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

You got 'em, we know how to clean 'em
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fishhead
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Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by fishhead »

What is the best way to remove somebody's name or initials on a bakelite or other type sideplate where it will look good afterwards? If it is deep then sanding and filling would not work I assume. Or maybe just filling it in with a compatible substance?
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john elder
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Re: Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by john elder »

Do you have pics you can post? If the initials are scrawled on with a 16D green sinker, i try to remove. If done neatly, then it's usually best to consider the writing part of the reel's history and leave alone.

You can remove scratches that aren't too deep using wet-dry sandpaper, followed by 0000 steel wool and Simichrome polish. Key is to sand the plate as evenly as possible so as to prevent forming noticeable dips in the surface. Take fairly wide swaths as opposed to just grinding away at the initials. If too deep, well then, it's a lost cause to remove completely. Good luck!
fishhead
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Re: Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by fishhead »

What is a 16D green sinker? Do you start out with 400 grit sandpaper or courser?
Don Champion
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Re: Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by Don Champion »

If the reel is nickel plated brass then you are stuck with the scratches. Sanding and polishing would only work on plain brass, hard rubber or German silver on the older reels. Don't know about some of the newer plastics. It may also work on aluminum if it is not anodized.
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by Midway Tommy D »

What is a 16D green sinker?
A 16 penny framing nail, insinuating crudely gouged or scratched into the plastic or rubber plates.
fishhead
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Re: Removing engraving on bakelite or other sideplates

Post by fishhead »

Oh! Ouch!
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