Hi,
I'm not big into photo-etch, I certainly don't buy photo-etch add-ons but I notice that a lot of the kits I buy these days have a small amount of photo-etch.
I fancy getting a tool to help bend it but I find the tools very expensive, especially compared with the level of my skill.
It's not that I can't afford it, just that it seems like a lot of money.
I don't have big photo-etch to bend and don't believe I ever will. So My research has brought me down to three options
Hold n Fold Bug (£32 - $52)
Seems to be well regarded, looks like it has lots of features - not sure whether I need them all though.
Trumpeter Master Tools Medium (£20 - $32)
Similar to the bug but with less intricate bending fingers
RB Flip-R5 (£12 - $20)
A different approach - like a mini folding bench, seems quick because you hold the piece in place with one hand and fold with the other.
http://www.radubstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_79&products_id=186&zenid=c2ce13aec25731259c0edcb22a66a978
The RB Flip-R5 is very tempting on price and simplicity and looks like it would meet my basic needs. But the modeller and engineer in me is saying that I should get the 'Bug'.
Anyone used the RB Flip-R5? If so what do you think of it?
Also welcome any opinion on the others.
BTW - I much more inclined to buy something than build a DIY project - it's not so much about spending as little as possible, just spending wisely to suit my needs.
Cheers,
Nigel
Hosted by Jim Starkweather
Photo Etch Bend Tool
nheather
United Kingdom
Member Since: November 12, 2007
entire network: 295 Posts
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Member Since: November 12, 2007
entire network: 295 Posts
KitMaker Network: 90 Posts
Posted: Saturday, February 08, 2014 - 11:14 PM UTC
retiredyank
Arkansas, United States
Member Since: June 29, 2009
entire network: 11,610 Posts
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Member Since: June 29, 2009
entire network: 11,610 Posts
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Posted: Saturday, February 08, 2014 - 11:28 PM UTC
For making smaller bends, I use flat head tweezers or two razor blades. Much cheaper and works great. I would say I only use my Hold-n-Fold for half of my bends and those are all from am sets.
majjanelson
South Carolina, United States
Member Since: December 14, 2006
entire network: 1,355 Posts
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Member Since: December 14, 2006
entire network: 1,355 Posts
KitMaker Network: 336 Posts
Posted: Sunday, February 09, 2014 - 02:37 AM UTC
Nigel,
Like Matt indicated, I use tweezers and assorted plyers to bend most of the PE I have used so far. I build mostly in 1/72 scale, so most of the PE I have used is small.
I do have the Mr. Fold-It from The Armory by Gauntlet, which is the least expensive tool I could find about five years ago. I've used it for some of the larger bends and PE pieces I've used. One thing I would advise is to keep the screw knob loose when you aren't using it, that way it doesn't stress the polymer material.
A review can be found here: PMMS Mr. Fold-It Review
HTH
Like Matt indicated, I use tweezers and assorted plyers to bend most of the PE I have used so far. I build mostly in 1/72 scale, so most of the PE I have used is small.
I do have the Mr. Fold-It from The Armory by Gauntlet, which is the least expensive tool I could find about five years ago. I've used it for some of the larger bends and PE pieces I've used. One thing I would advise is to keep the screw knob loose when you aren't using it, that way it doesn't stress the polymer material.
A review can be found here: PMMS Mr. Fold-It Review
HTH