Iam new to modeling and have been doing my models out of the box.But now I want to get into better detail.I ordered A photo etched detail set.I would like to know what the best hold and fold there is out there? For a new modeler like me. thanks for eny help.

I have the Hold'n Fold 5,5 inch 5 speed tool Check it out here...
I'm very satisfied with it. It was a bit expensive, but worth the money. Last forever...

I am happy with my 4 inch version but that was before the appearance of the newer versions. If I were buying one today I would consider the 5.5 inch too. It is more versatile than mine. I think Alistair from the Small Shop described the usage of this version only last week. You may do a little search for the thread.

You also have to think about the scale of models that you will be building. There is no point to buy an 8 inch one if you are working in 1/72 only. The 4 inch Hold 'n Fold is adequate for 1/35 scale. I can only think of some long pieces like one piece fender that you may have to fiddle a little.

Hi Erin, Last week I read the thread by Alasdair about the 5.5 Hold and Fold and made the decision to buy it at once. I have been weighing up the differences between that and the etch mate, but just liked the look of this new product. I have spent too many years, ussing pliers, pencils, brass stock and all manner of things to deal with etched and was put off the whole idea after screwing up a cocpit section from a verlinden F18 update that I decided as I was told in the Army as a gunner to always use the correct tools. So I have but must keep hoping to find spares from the Discontinued verlinden update set.

John

hi there Erin, i use the etcmate from mission models and it works like a dream.have not worked with others so cant comment on them.

greetings jeroen,.

Erin,

I have the 4" Hold and Fold set-up and LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/70919&page=1. Same question.

Mike (++) (++)

I've got the 5.5 hold and fold from Alistair at the Small Shop , lovely bit of kit, faultless engineering and design, works like a dream....LOVE IT
I was so impressed ,I got the "nutter" from him at trucks n tracks last week one word ...AWESOME does what it says on the tin,but better

HTH
Andy

Just noticed these 1000 sorrys guys and a thankyou

AJ

dont do to much pe as i jsut recently got into it but the 2 inch bug was great for takeling the aber radio set for my sturmtiger

Frank

I've also got the 5Speed. I bought it because of all of the various bends and curves that it can make in PE and wire.
The only thing I've noticed that could be a flaw is that no matter how much I tighten the nobs small pieces of PE still slip around when they're place under one of the inner tongs.

Scott

try putting a piece of scrap PE under the back of the head... it should help hold it down better

I don´t have one myself, but is allso on the shearch for one and having read all the review I can find, I think im going for the Fenderbender from Ausfwerks ... but thats just me ...

heres some reviews:
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/misc/ausfwerks/ausfwerks16-04.htm

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/1718

Good luck on yor shopping

I suppose it depends on what your needs are. I have the 5" Hold 'n Fold and I love it. However, from what i've seen, the Fenderbender is also an excellent tool although perhaps more geared towards the warship modeller....

I don't really understand the comment that the FB is geared more for use with scale ship type PE...especially since, as the name implies, it's original design was aimed at fender work for armor.

I've used the Fenderbender for 1/35 armor PE, detail and otherwise, and would highly recommend it based on my personal use and the review comments. The link below shows the complex bend capability in addition to what the above reviews posted by MrMox have to say about the tool. I do agree that you need to get the right tool for your needs, both current and future, as any of the available PE tools represent an investment of sorts.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/77801&page=1

Thanks for the tip. I'm sure it will solve the problem...I feel kinda stupid for not thinking of something like that myself

Scott