Broken Bakelite Housing repair?
 

I removed the old crispy looking wire from the 15-91's bakelite plug and a piece of the bakelite fell out. Its not a very big piece, maybe 3/8" chunk where the machine plug meets the power corn plug. Can this be glued back until I can get another one? The missing chunk is not where I could contact it unless I stuck my fingers in the hole. When plugged into the machine it wouldn't even be visible.

The 'invisibility' of the defect in the plug does not mean it's not dangerous. Replace the plug. Why take a chance with your life?

What I meant by my fingers contacting the defect is that I would have to poke my finger into the contact while it was plugged into the wall. When its plugged into the machine you can't get to it and it isn't contacting the machine except where its supposed to. Nothing is exposed with the chunk out that isn't exposed with the chunk in. This isn't a electrocution hazard. I was more worried that it might be weak there and more prone to breakage without the chunk replaced. I was hoping to use this machine to finish a Christmas quilt since I'm not sure my other one will free motion.

Epoxy is probably your best bet, super glue would be next on my list of choices.
Rodney

Personally, I wouldn't use it, but I am a nut case about fire hazards. I figure the plug is made the way it's made for a reason - safety - and anything that breaks the integrity of the plug construction is a fire hazard.

Do what you need to do, but please be extremely careful.

i've done so many electrical works in the past. home, cars, video systems, stereo, lighting fixtures and anything you can think of and i always make sure that there is no exposed wires. that's one thing you should always remember. keep all your wirings fully wrapped with electrical tape. then when you have the replacement unit you can replace it right away. certainly it can be glued. plastic is not a conductor nor the glue so you're ok. just make sure that wirings are not exposed. this is just a temporary fix, right ? as you do have a new replacement unit on the way.

Yes its just temporary. As soon as the camera recharges I'll post a picture of the defect.

my husband has done some using JB weld. Bakelite is difficult to glue back together.

I'll wait for pictures - I've got several light housings laying around.

I have used a product made by LocTite called Black Max. It is an adhesive that works on things nothing else will. I glued a singer motor back together once with it.

But, I'd suggest replacing the broken part as well.

Joe

Here are the pictures as promised. As you can see its just a small piece in a somewhat safe area. I won't be leaving it plugged in to the wall when not in use and will leave the machine connected to the cord.