PT -117 photo-etch question

If this kit is the only one on which you plan to use PE then no, I'd say just use a solid, flat area (matt, plexiglass, glass) and use an exacto knife with either a #2 or #11 blade to bend the PE while it's being held in position by either another flat object or held down tightly by the flat section of a pair of tweezers or, if you're very certain you won't slice your finger, by one of your digits.

I have, and have used often, a little gadget called "The Bug" made by The Small Shop and I'm reasonably happy with it. It's a little pricey but it saves me some time here and there.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=the+bug+for+bending+PE&_sacat=0

Just my $.02.

I use a pair of single edged razors. Hold one, edge down on the fold line on a hard surface, slide the other one under the part and fold up.

I use a metal ruler. Slide PE under ruler, then I bend with a flat razor blade. 

I spent time making a bender much like those for sale- hardly ever use it.  I use any of several small conventional screw drivers to hold pieces down, do the bending with X-acto blade in knife.  Only use the bender for really complicated stuff like boxes or platform/leg things.  I also  sometimes bend stuff with two small-nose pliers.