Jump to content

Which photo-etch bending tool?


PhilHendry

Recommended Posts

Hi, 

 

I am a recent returnee to the hobby. In the past I always used a pair of steel rulers, clamped together, for long bends in etched brass, and a pair of flat-nosed pliers for smaller bends - with tweezers for the tiniest. However those improvised tools weren't always great. What are people using these days? I've seen various designs available on Amazon and eBay - things like the 'Hold & Fold 5 Speed'. Are they overkill for a tank modeller? Do they help?

 

Thanks,

Phil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I find for the small stuff I do in 1/72 cockpits, two razor blades are sufficient. Biggest thing I've done are SBD dive flaps, and a steel ruler and razor blade worked best. I do have a small holder/bender, but don't really use it. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Phil. Depends on what you are using them for.

 

No doubt about it the folders are much more accurate and you can perform more intricate

work. I use the Hold Flold 5 speed. I bought a cheaper make and that went in the bin. Also

have the smaller Hold and Fold which is OK but not a patch on the 5 Speed.

 

The five speed clamps from two ends so you can be sure you PE is being held firmly and

will not tend to move a little to one side as the smaller H & F does only have one clamp in the centre..

 

Also with the longer jaws it is easier to edge the PE into position and accurately. Comes

with a long blade with a sharp side bevelled back and front. This is superb in bending the PE

once held in the jaws of the 5 speed.

 

Very well engineered and heavy which is a boon for keeping the set up steady. It has 4 soft

supports underside which hold the unit still on any surface.

 

Some of the work I have achieved with the machine. The PE here is much thicker than Eduard

and would not be folded with out the machine.

 

Laurie

http://1_zpsrjovy7z0.jpg

http://A_zpsxyzhjbmf.jpg

http://selection_002_zpslskjxjfy.jpg

 

 

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have 12" bending bar, plus folding tool by Air Waves.......and various razor blades, rulers, etc, etc.  Not all accurate and on bending some of the bends were a few mil out or the bend crooked and misaligned..............so, when I purchased 1-35 Faun Tank transporter  and a Meng Caterpillar D-9r Bulldozer, decided on getting a proper bending machine The Faun had 7 whole sheets to Bend and the D-9R the same...  so like LaurieS I invested in a H&F 5 speed bending tool...........very expensive, but worth its weight in gold.........clamps parts both ends and the bends are so accurate and sharp........if your bend isnt quiet right, just slip it back into the tool and keep bending till right........with razors or rulers, even bending bars, you rarely get an exact line up the second time.....................

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sn-knVnTls

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, PhilHendry said:

Sounds like it's time to dig deep and get the H&F 5 Speed... Thanks lads!

 

Absolute fact Phil you will not ever need a replacement.

 

Forgot it also came with 3 pieces of black plastic. Very hard. Gives a  base to cut PE on plus

a plastic job to hold the PE in place while cutting.

 

Although I should add I use a CD as it does not ruin the blade so quickly. The blade an American

type razor blade. A very sharp blade one side and a thick strengthening edge the other. Much

thinner than a Morton cutting very cleanly.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-SINGLE-EDGE-RAZOR-WINDOW-SCRAPER-BLADES-0-012-Best-for-oven-cleaning-/111391514120?hash=item19ef739e08:g:dasAAOSw5ZBWI7dH

 

Laurie

Edited by LaurieS
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...