Help identifying material

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Original poster: "Michael Doyle" <msdoyle@xxxxxxxxxxx>

I have a pair of Leeds & Northup resistance boxes in which I plan to use
the wooden box portion to house some of the components of a small coil I
am building. The actual functional components of these boxes are mounted
on a 1/2 inch slab of black material screwed to the top of the wooden
boxes. I was wondering if anyone knew what this material is so that I
can recreate the look of the boxes without damaging the existing boards.
I have heard it referred to as bakelite or phenolic but the experience
that I have with either of those materials is that they are hard and
brittle and do not machine well. I see that some grades of garolite are
available in black but not sure if the color/finish goes all the way
through the material and I know it is hard to machine. I considered
using a black delrin but cannot find any locally. Any help would be
appreciated I have only basic tools no lathe or mill so tips or comments
on machinability and finish of the material would be great.

Thanks
Michael Doyle