Making a part for a Lyman 61

[Paf]

I recently picked up a Lyman 61 lead melting pot at a flea market. I made a new power cord for it and have been cleaning it up a bit. The plate that holds the two power leads
( prongs ) is broken. I believe it was made from mica. What could I use as a replacement material for this? I saw in a earlier post someone used ceramic ( would that be tile? ). Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your response.

Paf

[shaune509]

If this is the heat shield at the element ends, the mica was not structual and you may find a rock wool type material at any commercial kitchen repair shop to use between the element and switch and cord. Mica or isenglass[sp] is still out there but not as comin as it was 30+ years ago.
Shaune509

[oneokie]

Are you refering to the two screws on the thermostat bracket? If so, yes they were insulated with mica. If you want to go back with mica, look for a place that sells windows for coal burning stoves. Sorry, no link.

ETA, do a search for "sheet mica".

[Paf]

Yes, I am referring to the heat shield at the element end where the two prongs are. Thank you for the suggestions. There is a place in town that restores old vintage gas and electric kitchen stoves. They should have the material I am looking for. I am anxious to get this furnace going! Thanks again.

Paf

[ronbo]

I did the same repair on a 61 and cut out and drilled holes in a section of a high temperature electic box same size as the mica. Think it was kind of tan in color and fiberous and held up for all the years since the repair.

[seagiant]

Hi,
You might want to check a electric motor repair shop. Might have a small piece that would work. You can get all the material you want from McMaster-Carr but would probably have to buy a 12"X12" piece!

[oneokie]

Just a heads up on the mica--there is a piece of the back side of the bracket also, to insulate the thermostat leaves from the bracket.

[Paf]

Thanks again guys. I stopped by the stove restoration place today after work, but he was out on a job. Hopefully, when I stop in next time he'll have the material I need. I will also check at a motor repair shop as well.