PE Questions, because i would like to use it.

QUOTE: Originally posted by rebelreenactor Well, If I buy a PE set, will it have: instructions on where to put the pe part? little indents so I know where to fold? Extras? What do I cut it with? What do I use to cut off the detail being replace with pe, (i.e. fenders on a tank) Smaller details sanding, right? Is there any prep work? Well I think that is all of my questions. For now anyways. THanks for your time and help

Wow! I guess I'll take the first stab at this one...

1) Yes, if you buy an Aber or Eduard set there are instructions. As with any kit you buy, there can be minor problems, but nothing that a little research or quick question can't answer. I can't speak to other brands.

2) Yes, most of the new photo-etch sets have pre-cut fold lines. There are sometimes cases where these occur on the inside of a fold line rather than the preferred outside, but this is not usually a big problem and the part will fold in either direction.

3) Extras? You bet, both Eduard and Aber usually have extra parts and almost always have optional parts that you can use or save for another build.

4) I cut mine with a sharp #11 x-acto and clean it up (if necessary) with a flat file.

5) Plastic parts needing removal require some creativity on your part. You can use sand paper or sticks, files, x-acto knives, files, rasps, a dremel, whatever is appropriate for the size and shape of the part you're removing. Tank fenders are typically seperate plastic parts, so you just don't use them and replace them with the PE.

6) As far as prep-work goes, it's really up to you. I use enamel paints and other than a general wash of the entire build with soapy water before painting, I usually don't do anything else. If you're using water-based paints, a good primer is probably appropriate because the paint will not stick to the metal as well as an enamel.

That's about it (I think).

Enjoy your modeling...

Rob pretty much covered the whole thing there. One thing to keep in mind is. If you use a knife to cut the parts free. Use a solid backing for support.
I also use a knife to cut parts away, but I place the fret on a piece of glass from a small picture frame. This will keep the whole fret and some of the parts from bending in the cutting process.

If you decide to get a PE set from Eduard. If you go to the link listed here.
http://www.eduard.com/

You can search for the set you want. Once found, you can actually click on the sets, there is an option to view the instructions before you go and buy it. The only thing is you need the adobe reader to to do so.

Hope this helps

Paul

Just to add, you might want to stick the part to be cut, or even the whole fret if possible, to the sticky side of a piece of tape. Sometimes PE parts tend to fly out after they are cut, and you'll waste time looking for them in the carpet or wherever, if you find them at all (which way did it go? ). The tape does a good job of averting this inconvenience. Some modelers place their PE frets inside a clear plastic bag and cut the parts through the bag -- any fly-away gets trapped inside it. Hope this helps.

Wow! Got some good info from all of you guys. Thanks alot. Now I just have to find a kit I want and try it out.
Thanks again, that was a BIG help.

QUOTE: Just to add, you might want to stick the part to be cut, or even the whole fret if possible, to the sticky side of a piece of tape.

I just cut the piece in a bowl of water.
Just hold the piece under water and cut.
it'll sink to the bottom of the bowl, and I just pick it out with tweezers.


Take that Carpet Monster!