Cleaning Bakelite side plates

[Midway Tommy]

Sid, if it removes rust and shines metal then it is taking off a surface layer.  You cannot turn rust or tarnish back into metal.  Maybe abrasive was too abrasive a term, but it is removing something that will never return.
-steve

I agree, Steve. Even Clear Coat Polishing Compound has some abrasiveness, otherwise it wouldn't be able to remove oxidation.

[kmstorm64]

After degreasing Bakelite side plates would it harm them if I cleaned them in  top compartment of the dishwasher after removing the rings, eccentric, springs, and all metal parts?

here is a link to a wiki on cleaning bakelite. Having made bakelite molds back in the 1970's in my high school Print, shop I seem to recall we didn't use water on them for anything.  but that was a long time and memories fade.

[kmstorm64]

Sorry here is the link: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Bakelite