FWIW, some bakelite has asbestos in it. Sanding, grinding and/or buffing could cause it to become airborne and inhaled. Granted, disease from asbestos is years down the road from exposure and likely takes a significant exposure, but I'd steer clear. I'm speaking from the perspective of someone that worked for many years in a building that was known to have asbestos in the floors, ceiling and around the lead pipes....
