PE tools and modeling book recommendations?

I agree that The Small Shop is the way to go. (My "small" story: The first time I tried to buy something from them, my ISP had them blacklisted as GPORN! One can only wonder.)

Suggestion: Obtain (buy if you have to) a box you can devote to PE. (I use a 4L Really Useful Box as a place for my Etch-Mate, my Bug, my Brass Assist Roller Set, various wire handling tools, etc. — I think I’ve sunk $300 on semi-dedicated PE tools.) PE tools seem to “grow legs” more often than most; having a permanent “residence” for them keeps them “home”.

As to a book recommendation: The Osprey Masterclass book Armour Modelling by John Prigent, ISBN 978-1-84176-974-5

dirkpitt- I see that I missed your post when it was 'fresh,' but since noone really recommended any books I'll throw in my  . You mentioned Shep Paine, and I couldn't agree more. I bought his Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles when I didn't really consider myself an armor modeler (I was more of an aircraft guy), and to this day I reference it as a basic modeling resource. It's available (used, good condition) for reasonable prices at amazon and half DOT com. His book on dioramas is also available reasonably at amazon.

Just to add my two cents, I also use an Exacto knife to cut PE and have had no problems at all. I find that the PE cutters are way too expensive. Save your money for a PE folder. That I find I do need. Like the Maj said, the Bug is good. But to each his own. I can't help you with books. I only build armor (the dark side).

Good luck.

Chaz

    Wow, Fermis, thanks!  Good to know.   Maybe I can save my money then for more books or other goodies.

    So, great advice all 'round on the PE front, but what about books?  Any in particular anyone wants to recommend?      

                                                         Thanks!

I've worked with my share of PE, and have never felt any need for any special tools. To remove a part, I'll put a finger on it (to keep it gounded!) and cut it off the tree with a regular exacto blade (cut against my glass work surface). Usually, the PE is soft enough that you can trim up the tab with the blade, sometimes I'll use a grinding bit in the Dremel, on LOW!!!(not recommended for tiny parts! They will disappear!). For bending, the parts already have a line in them, where they need to be bent. I just hold it with tweezers, alongside the line, and bend it with my finger.

On Hawkeye's advice, I bought the Small Shop 4" Multi-Head and really like it. Got mine from Small Shop's e-Bay listing at a much reduced price (took a few auctions to "win"). You might check to see if they still list there. There are also some good modeling books in the Bay at the moment.

mike

MAJ Mike

Check "The Small Shop" at thesmallshop.com .  They have a tool called the "Bug" which is very multi-functional and cost effective.  I forget what I paid for it, but less than $30.  A set of instructions and examples come with it.  Worth looking at.

I second The Small Shop! They also stock Xuron tools, you'll want to look at their pliers and 9180ET Pro PE Scissors.

Check "The Small Shop" at thesmallshop.com .  They have a tool called the "Bug" which is very multi-functional and cost effective.  I forget what I paid for it, but less than $30.  A set of instructions and examples come with it.  Worth looking at.