[mbhdesign]

Hi DaveMC,

I've tried something similar with warped plastics and vinyl, both of which are much more forgiving substances.
I suspect your dial is celluloid? If so, it would need a much more delicate touch. Real celluloid is flammable.

Most of the techniques I've seen involve a very gradual and slow heating of the celluloid to avoid any possible cracking or undo pressure. Hot steam, low oven and a clothes iron all seem to be possible tools.

Some dangers are:
• More shrinkage due to excessive heat
• Losing the printed dial numbers (rubbing or transfer - again, heat related)

Here are two possible methods you can consider:
Using Steam / Heated Wood
"Straightening Warped Triangles (Drafting Celluloid)" - From Popular Science - Feb. 1926
http://books.google.com/books?id=4SgDAAA...&q&f=false

Using a clothes iron and stiff paper:
From a UK-based Radio Forum - "Warped Celluloid Tuning Dials"
http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showt...php?t=9881

I have never tried any of these suggestions on celluloid myself. Seems like a pretty delicate operation, at best.

Hope these links at least give you some help in deciding what you feel comfortable attempting. Good luck!

Michael (mbhdesign)