Replacing a Mica Pane

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by Wai, Oct 15, 2020.

  1. Wai

    Wai United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2020
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    London, UK
    Hello,

    I got an old mica globe from a 1001 lamp but one of the panes were broken.


    I decided to try and replace it myself.
    20201015_120547.jpg
    20201015_120606.jpg

    I used a scalpel to widen the gap between the metal strips:
    20201015_121010.jpg

    Freeing the broken pane:
    20201015_121543.jpg

    Gaps:
    20201015_121620.jpg

    I then cut a new mica sheet to size. It was sourced from Stove Mica and the sheets were a bit thicker than the original. I'd probably request thinner sheets if I were to do this again.

    20201015_122019.jpg

    Fitting was not easy. Unfortunately I could not get the corners in on one side. I noticed the old sheet had a notch in the corner, presumably for this reason
    20201015_134013.jpg

    Nonetheless these are on the inside of the globe and so not very noticable.
     
  2. ROBBO55

    ROBBO55 Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2014
    Messages:
    3,698
    Location:
    Somersby, New South Wales, Australia
    Nice work Wai :thumbup:
     
  3. podbros

    podbros United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2015
    Messages:
    3,205
    Location:
    .. next to the Chester & Birkenhead Rlwy
    I think you've done pretty well there to get that in!.. Good stuff and detailed pics! ..:thumbup:

    Cheers!
     
  4. pete sav

    pete sav Founder Member

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2010
    Messages:
    1,016
    Nice work not an easy task mica so fragile
    Mind you getting mica is not that easy either
    Pete
     
  5. Darryl Durdin

    Darryl Durdin Australia Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2018
    Messages:
    1,500
    Location:
    Whyalla. South Australia. Australia
    @Wai , good display of your skill set,
    I like old things as they were made to be repaired when needed.
     
  6. Akeepsake

    Akeepsake Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2016
    Messages:
    271
    Well done @Wai I’ve found it easier to remove the top and bottom rings once flattened out . It makes it easier to fit new panels
     
  7. Doug L

    Doug L United States Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2015
    Messages:
    81
    Location:
    New York
    What exactly does that notch look like?
     
  8. Wai

    Wai United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2020
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    London, UK
    Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I decided to post my efforts as I've not seen much online about replacing a mica pane and thought I'd give a little back. Apologies if it has been covered here previously.

    The notch is in the 4th picture where I show the completely removed broken pane. The notch is just the top left corner.
     
  9. AussiePete

    AussiePete United States Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Messages:
    3,643
    Location:
    Toowoomba Australia
    Well done. This is not an easy task but you have managed it well.
    Cheers
    Pete
     
  10. BigStevie

    BigStevie United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2018
    Messages:
    2,209
    Location:
    Scottish Highlands
    Impressive work! I have yet to try and destroy some new mica trying to fit....
     

Share This Page