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Photo etched brass parts to be folded
Wolf-Leader
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New Hampshire, United States
Member Since: June 06, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 04:17 AM UTC
If someone does not have one of those "Hold-n-Fold" kits, what would be the next best thing to use when folding small photo etched parts?
matt
Staff MemberCampaigns Administrator
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New York, United States
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 04:21 AM UTC
I also use some Small needle nose pliers
cardinal
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Visayas, Philippines
Member Since: October 05, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 04:30 AM UTC
A razor blade & modeling knife(xacto).
scoccia
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Milano, Italy
Member Since: September 02, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 04:36 AM UTC
Flat noose pliers and a sharp knife here...
Ciao
Sabot
Member Since: December 18, 2001
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 05:04 AM UTC
I used to use a single edged razor blade and a 6" steel ruler before I got the Hold and Fold. Use the ruler to hold down the piece, slide the razor blade underneath the PE part and fold up. Good quailty 6" ruler at a local hardware store or Sears will run you about $4-5.
Augie
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British Columbia, Canada
Member Since: May 13, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 10:32 AM UTC
I use a single-sided razor blade and an exatco-knife blade, but I do like the idea of using a 6inch ruler to hold the piece down. Thanks, I'm going to have to try that one!
SonOfAVet
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Illinois, United States
Member Since: January 18, 2003
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Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 07:09 AM UTC
I use a razor blade and my exacto knife....so far so good.

Sean
MLD
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Vermont, United States
Member Since: July 21, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 08:17 AM UTC
Lots of stuff, none of it as nice as my Hold and Fold... or is it Etchmate..?
To actually answer the question: I used the ruler and razorblade method, the flat jawed, square sided pliers, for longer bends I used a bench vise with either plastruct (evergreen?) stock corners or KandS Brass 90deg corners to help get sharper edges.
I even use a door hinge for a while, not attached to the door of course, lay the part down on the 'bottom' hinge face, flip the 'top' down onto it and bend with a ruler or razor blade.

Honestly, the etch folding tool I use (I'm being serious, I don't remember which I have and I am not sure it matters) turns folding etch into a TV-tray and sit-com level of exercise, much like assembling roadwheels. It is that simple and actually fun. Not like the grumbling and cursing I remember from the old days.

If you're going to use much etch over your career, I highly recommend one of this type tool.

Mike
WhistlerOne
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Texas, United States
Member Since: October 10, 2003
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Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 08:31 AM UTC
Jody,

The Etchmate is a very nice tool to have for folding pe, but it is also an expensive tool. I finally broke down and bought one and can't say enough good things about it, but I still use a pair of flat nose pliers or needle nose to work the smaller pe parts. It's quicker and easier than using the Etchmate. If you do alot of pe, you will probably want to invest in one in the future. The Etchmate is extremely handy for the longer pe pieces and the multiple fold pieces. Hope this helps!

Steve D.
A.K.A. "Whistler"
DaveCox
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England - South East, United Kingdom
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Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 08:38 AM UTC
long-nosed pliers, 6" steel rule and knife blade for me, works ok so far; and I have all the items anyway without spending more on tools!
Grumpyoldman
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Florida, United States
Member Since: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Sunday, June 27, 2004 - 08:39 AM UTC
Being extremely cheap, and not seeing any change in the future, I'll continue to use what I've been using for years. TWO Stanley utility knfe blades, one to hold it down, the other to bend, on a piece of glass, from an old picture frame.
kglack56
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Alabama, United States
Member Since: October 31, 2003
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Posted: Monday, June 28, 2004 - 05:10 AM UTC
Gee wizz Dave, you forgot to mention the Five Mile Walk in the Snow to your LHS as a child....hehe
Grumpyoldman
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Florida, United States
Member Since: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Monday, June 28, 2004 - 05:36 AM UTC
Now everyone knows that when I was a kid, it was bared footed, up hill, through the snow to get a tube of glue.... LOL
Now it's in the truck, over to the next town....LOL
Funny, when I moved to my present location, I didn't realize the hobby shop was so close. The only problem is it has summer hours now, meaning he's only open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. ..... OH well guess everyone needs time off for fishing.
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