hi i was just modelling my tank and im using a detail set (photoetched)
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY OF BENDING PHOTOETCHED PARTS???

Carefully........ It's best if you have a pair of flat, smooth, long jawed pliers. Although you could try with a razor blade and a steel rule.

Vinnie

There is also a special tool out to just that and most of my friend that do armour use it -can't remeber its name but Historex Models in dover always advertize them then look for your local supplier
ian

am i supposed to glue the photoetched parts on the model with plastic cement?

PE parts are glued with superglue

Plastic cement will not hold PE. You need to use either superglue (preferred) or epoxy.

There is a special tool called an EtchMate, (I think), but, if I remember correctly it is expensive and not really necessary. You can use pliers, but to get a nice edge, use a table edge to bend it. Hope I helped.

Blazer, one other thing...if by chance the PE is very stiff and won't bend /flex all that easy, you can remedy this by heating it until glowing red and then letting it cool. This is called anealing (sp?). After doing this the PE should be nice and pliable and do what you want it to. And yes, super glue or epoxy for attaching it to your model. "Q"

Two commericial folding aids that I know of are the "Etchmate" and "Hold-n-Fold." Both are pretty neat but pretty expensive. I use a single edge razor blade and a thin steel rule on a sheet of tempered glass. The pliers w/o the teeth that Vinnie mentioned are also useful.

Shaun

I have an Etch-Mate, and although not necessary, it does make bending PE easier, more accurate, and more fun (for me, anyway). I drop and lose a lot less PE now!!

wat superglue am i supposed to use to glue photoetched parts??????
im trying the krazy glue and its not working very well

Hi Blazer..and i would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Armorama.....

well superglue basically is a cyanoacrylate adhesive... they are manufactured round the world and have many brands. Most popular one is the one made may Loctite company and Zap.. but i'm sure u can find any other brands in your area. It's quick setting glue and harden like rock in seconds...They have two form, the gel type and the thinner liquid type. both are okay in PE application but i would prefer the thinner liquid type as it's last longer than gel type.,
some photos of superglues :







hope this helps!

go to your local walmart and pick up the superglue they have in the model kits section with all the paint, works good for me, i cant rip one of my soldiers arm off anymore

Frank

'gel' or 'gap filling' CA stuff works for me. I have not been able to figure out how to use the 'thin' stuff without it running all over the place!
capnjock

I have the 4 inch "Hold and Fold" set up I purchased directly from The Small Shop . I bought it way back and it's one of the handiest tools I've bought. They aren't cheap but IMHO well worth the money and reduced frustration. And the owner is an awsome gentleman.

Mike

Super glue is useful for PE, but you may want to invest in some soldering equipment. Very good for assembling fenders and such from Aber.