i was considering buying a punch and dye set but having noted how expensive they are i am considering alternative methods, which are.
1. Buy commercially available resin/PE sets
2. Using a modelers guillotine cut (salami stile) preformed shaped plastic rod

Anyone got any advice on the above resin /PE sets or plastic rod.

Thanks in advance

Cookie

Cookie,

Calahan was working on a FT-17 and used a LOT of aftermarket rivets; he turned me onto this place - Scale Hardware. They have a huge selection of nuts, bolts, rivets, and whatnot. Worth taking a look at as the detail in something so small is incredible! When I eventually start my Mark IV Male and Female, I'll pick up a bunch of these to replace those that will more than likely be lost (sanded down) during the assembly/fill/clean-up phase.

HTH,

Mike

Edit: Just found part of his build: FT-17 WIP *Upate*

Great site Mike, ill be buying some of their rivets. Thanks.

It never ceases to amaze me how when you ask a question on this site there is always someone somewhere who replies with information you require. Mikes link to a site making scale nuts,bolts and rivets is one i have never hear off but its amazing that these products are available. Like Pat i will be trying these.


Cookie

Hey Cookie,
I used to use the many aftermarket bolts and such, but after awhile they become expensive over time. So after trying a few ways of doing my own I was able to come up with this and with great results. I use Evergreen’s round rod, hex rod or just what ever. Just slice many up as straight as possible, don’t worry if their not perfect. Then glue them down, then using a sanding stick run over the tops of them to straighten them (flat) and to their scale thickness.



sample result



Now there are times where just I can’t glue on a bolt head and get a sanding stick into a tight area, what I do is simply (using the sanding stick) run the bolt head between my finger and stick, just lightly run it back and forth.

Once I’m satisfied I’ll use a stiff brush to clean up the dust followed by a light wipe of Ten-X to soften up the edges….that’s it.

At times I’ll sit an hour or so and just cut different size rods so I’ll have some on hand.

Joe

That looks like a very neat, clean build Joe!

Joe
I can get the rod over here but i have never seen the hexagon profiled rod, where do you get it. i Have a modelers guillotine from MicroMark (located in your neck of the woods), which cuts very clean slices just need to stop them flying away. Cracking job on the ballistic plating for the bigfoot

Cookie

Plastruct makes it

.020 .030 .040 .060 .080 .100 and .125 sizes.......

http://www.plastruct.com/Home.html Not sure who imports it to that side of the pond.

Matt
Quick look on the net several places here in the UK and one near me in Belfast. i have been there so i will mail them with a request for this.
Thanks

Cookie

Greif products make a metal die that you can press heated styrene into and make as many nuts/rivets as you want. There are 6 or so different sizes on the piece. Not sure if they have a web site. "Q"
Currently out of state, but I will check mine when I get home and see if I can provide more info on the tool.

if you're still looking to make your own guillotine, take a look at this thread:
http://modelgeek.kitmaker.net/forums/95894&page=1

Frank
I have the guillotine OK but the tread just shows what you can do(if you have the skill) to provide your own tools. Someone did a similar tread some time back on making a home made punch and dye but i can't locate it ,


Cookie

Here's the info on the Greif tool

Azequel Chavez #78
Vista Bella CP 54050
Edo. De Mex. Mexico

[email protected]

I paid $14 for mine. Hope this helps. "Q"

You can also make your own mold; just using Mill Putty or something similar. Mix the two parts, let it set a bit then taking several different size hex wrench’s and press them into the puttied mold. Once dry heat some sprue, press into mold and cut free.

Also you can press a small rod into the middle of the hex impression to make it look like a bolt coming through the hex nut.



I’ve done this a few years back but found it easier just to cut and sand straight from the round rod.

Joe

I just chop and glue --then give a coat of liguid glue ---once painted -- (3,964) -----





As for "hex"--if stuck let me know and I will get some packets sent to you
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

My humble contribution :

http://www.archertransfers.com/' and

http://www.scalehardware.com/simulated_hex__bolts.htm

George