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how to use photo etched detail sets...

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Sandusky Ohio, USA
Posted by Swanny on Saturday, December 13, 2003 10:12 AM
Gip has really got it down but I would include some accelerator for the CA just to make life easier.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 13, 2003 9:38 AM
Thank you very, very much for the info, guys! Now I just can't wait to order my PE set and get started on my B-1!Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 5:02 PM
One other thing to remember with PE is that you don't have to use all of it, there are times that the kit parts are just as good as the PE and its not worth the frustration to add the PE. I use PE alot but on the Soviet IL-2 I am doing now from accurate miniatures I have only used the seatbelts from the PE set. You can always have the parts for the next version of the same aircraft your building:-)
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Posted by Lufbery on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 8:31 AM
Styrene,

Those are great tips! I, too, am looking at getting my first photoetch set soon. I'm going to save this post and keep it handy.

Regards,

-Drew

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The flat lands of the Southeast
Posted by styrene on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 7:30 AM
1. There was an article on PE in a couple issues back in FSM. Check there for info.
2. Cut PE from the mount with a sharp cutter or X-acto knife. Chisel tips work real well.
Hold onto the piece or secure it with a piece of tape to keep it from flying. Once detached, the piece will need to be sanded/filed to remove the smal edges where the connection was made. I like coarse grit sandpaper, or a needle file to do that.
3. If the piece needs to be curled (such as a screen over a muffler or exhaust pipe), heat the piece briefly ( a few seconds) using a match or torch. This will anneal the metal, making it easier to form.
4. When bending, and if you dont have a bending machine, use the chisel tip or a single edge razor to hold the piece at the bend line. Then slip your X-acto or another razor blade under the piece and bend upwards.
5. Use a cyanoacrylate (CA) glue (super glue, Zap-a-Gap, etc.) to attach the PE to the kit. If the kit already has paint on it, you can glue directly over the paint with no problems, or you can remove the paint and then apply the part. Some folks attach PE with paint, white glue, and fingernail polish. You can try them, but I still think CA is the best. 2-part epoxy will also work.
6. If attaching PE to PE, again use a CA product, but first take a piece of sandpaper and scuff the surface of the PE to give the joint some tooth. Eduard PE sets have what appears to be a protective oxide coating on their sets. Sand it off if attaching PE to itself.
7. Once applied, paint away. If you are using a gloss base coat, you may want to prime any bare metal before application

This is what has worked for me. Hope it helps.
Gip Winecoff

1882: "God is dead"--F. Nietzsche

1900: "Nietzsche is dead"--God

  • Member since
    November 2005
how to use photo etched detail sets...
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 9, 2003 8:35 PM
I have never used photo etched detail sets on my models, but I am going to order one for my B-1 model. I have only read bits and pieces about the techniques used to attach PE to kits, so I would like any tips/info/instructions you have.
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