I was gripped in its clutches

It's easy to do. At least for flat glass. You can get a glass cutter (scribe) at any hardware store. They have a tiny sharp wheel on one end and on the other there is a metal ball. Use a ruler for a guide so you get a straight line cut. You then start to bend the glass or tap it with the glass cutter. And hardware stores usually carry glass and you could bribe them to cut the glass for you.

As far as the round dial faces goodwill has a ton of clocks that you could use for round glass dials. I don't do numbers though. If the glass has numbers printed on it then and its broken I just bypass getting the radio.

There are some outfits that sell old time duplicate radio dials though.

No heat used at all, but gloves for safety and sandpaper for smoothing edges.

One thing that has always fascinated me is edge lit glass. I have thought about using glass acid and etching numbers in the glass dial if everything else fails. Then installing pilot lamps by the glass edges. The etched numbers will the glow from the light.

Cliff, what a great looking radio. Wish I would have seen it first!! I dont think you paid to much for it. Its all in what catches your eye. Keep us informed on the restoring and add pictures.
Also where do I start finding inofrmation on making glass dial faces. Looks like youguys make your own. I would assume this is a major project and much equipment would be needed to cut and heat glass???
I just received my capacitor order and bought a couple assortments. Ready to get started.

Cut plate glass to size and to just fit in the dial with an edge that just extends around the wooden dial opening. Then Glue in place. Use a rubber gasket around the glass to keep from cracking.

Cliff--How does one "jury rig" a glass face to replace an original plastic one?

Yes I will recap, I just need to get an electrolytic cap order sent. Then watch the fireworks.

I always wonder about that

Cliff, you have the same problem I, as well as others, have run across from time to time. Two, or more, experienced people who know their stuff and have been around radios, have the opposite opinion.

My own thinking is I would go with the electrolytics. Especially if that is what the set originally had. Not that it's the proper thing to do, but it's just that gut feeling I have, if that's worth anything?

As for the dial cover, I have a couple of sets that I want to try making my own for using that heated pop bottle material. As well, I have put aside a few pieces of that somewhat thick plastic used in sealing various store bought items. You know the kind, it takes things like power shears to cut open to get the item out of? Even flat, they would make a good thick dial cover.

Let us know what you decide....................... Bob

Mine isn't quite that Purrdy but Close, just needs minor scruffing and scratches removed.
I saw an article on using PTFE plastic from a Soda 2 liter bottle and forming it in the oven, but I think glass will look better for the Dial cover.

I talked to a local Ham and He said I couldn't just replace the electrolytic if with non-polarized caps, and yet some on ARF say it's OK. What is your Ideas on that subject?
I guess Ill have to get some Electrolytics, Oh well!

Man, what a beautiful set.

Strange how some sets just reach out to you isn't it?

A wooden Table radio grabbed me by the eyes and wouldn't let go.
An Emerson Model DS 436 (1940-1941) Slide Rule dial 9 tuber (including eye tube)
3 dial pointers -Two are vertical (volume and tone)and the main Horizontal (Tuning)
The higher numbers start on the right (weird to me))
3 gang tuning variable cap.
It must weigh at least 5-8 #
(my guess was off, its 30# and one of the biggest Emerson table radios that they made.)
The chassis must be removed from the bottom of the cabinet
The audio is push-pull and abt. 14-17 watts output.
I went overboard and paid $54

But But But it Plays
Still has minor hum so will replace caps eventually.
It has an Ingraham Cabinet, Rather than replace the dial with plastic I'll jury rig a glass face.
Here's a picture that was restored by someone else: