Easy way to bend photoetch metal parts

The bending jig you're referring to is for stuff like piano wire and heavier brass strips. It would be pretty useless for PE.

In addition to the methods mentioned above by The Doog, there are a number of specialised PE bending tools available.

Many people just use a pair of single-edge razor blades. Hold down the part with one blade laid flat over the part, with the edge of the blade along the line you want to bend. Slip the other blade under the part, up to the line and lift. This is the "traditional" method used before specialised bending tools became widely available.

the doog wrote:

....and for those longer strips of PE, just get a metal drafting ruler; it works just as well as any $65.00 special tool!

I bought a pair of the 6" variety just for this purpose (though I haven't used them yet).

Price? $0.60 each..

I just bought one of these from Micro-Mark for $50

It's funny how modeler's have $1,000 or more worth of kits in their stash and yet can't see paying a measly $50 for a quality PE bender.

MikeV wrote:

I just bought one of these from Micro-Mark for $50 It's funny how modeler's have $1,000 or more worth of kits in their stash and yet can't see paying a measly $50 for a quality PE bender.

I find that for what I have, I get adequate results, and if it can be done on-the-cheap, well,...why not?

MikeV wrote:

I just bought one of these from Micro-Mark for $50 It's funny how modeler's have $1,000 or more worth of kits in their stash and yet can't see paying a measly $50 for a quality PE bender.

Mike,

After reading your post about buying an Etchmate, I've waiting for something on the good and bad parts of it. Have you used it much? I've been looking at one my LHS has in stock

gary

squeakie wrote:

MikeV wrote: I just bought one of these from Micro-Mark for $50 It's funny how modeler's have $1,000 or more worth of kits in their stash and yet can't see paying a measly $50 for a quality PE bender. Mike, After reading your post about buying an Etchmate, I've waiting for something on the good and bad parts of it. Have you used it much? I've been looking at one my LHS has in stock gary

Sorry I have yet to use it.  

I have the PE tool also, it is very well made. The newer version is made from hard plastic and is $10 cheaper. My take on PE bending tool is that, no you don't need it, but if it does make your life easier with one. You can also get better results with less effort or skill. So let your budget and skill be the final judge.

Not to hijack the thread, but Doog, saw your article in the lastest issue of FSM. Fantastic looking dio. But you didnt' discribe where you got/made those screaming kids!

I use Tamiya's Photoetch Bending Pliers: http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=74067

I like them better than the Hold-n-Fold I had.  I got tired of screwing and unscrewing the Hold-n-Fold, especially if I had a lot of bends.  The Bending Pliers are really just a glorified set of regular pliers.  There are some benefits to Tamiya's Pliers:

• Spring loaded handles
• Coated handles so they won't slip
• The jaws allow bending past 90 degrees
• The jaws do not taper down so bending long pieces is easy

You can find the pliers for around $20.00.  Also, the Photoetch file and Scissors are great tools.

Jesse

Thanks everyone for the replies, I have a few coments:

1st of all doog great piece in the latest FSM. I was truly inspired at the attention to detail, I only wish that there was a better view of the skeleton soliders. Does that make me morbid?

2nd I do have a machinist rule as well as 2 different spring loaded needle nose pliers I will use them some. I havent thought about buying a hold and fold type tool, I like the idea of it, but have other tools on my list first. I am also a believer of doing things the hard way before taking the easy street (yes I still do my math on paper instead of using a calculator and use hand tools when working around the apartment). So I think I will first learn to work with the tools at hand and become proficient before buying a folding jig.

Dallas

Thanks dallasa!

There's a better photo in the "Props to doog!" thread that someone started here a couple days ago...if you can find it? Oh what the heck; here's one....!

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

IMHO the original PE bender is the best. Check out these. I use to do it the hard way with a ruler and the edge of a razor blade. PE is too expensive to dink around with to have it ruined. Given this tool will last you a lifetime, it is worth the investment.

I bought the Hold-n-Fold and the Bug. I've used the Bug more in my practicing. Also, with the little bits of PE for the Br52, Thor, and Leopold. Haven't really used the big 8" one much....yet.

Don't use me as an example though.....I've only got slightly more money than brains.

Thanks to everyobe for the input, if anyone else has something to add please feel free.

Thanks Doog for the pic, awesome detail I am amazed at the detail that is achieved in this scale

Dallas

MikeV wrote:

squeakie wrote:  MikeV wrote: I just bought one of these from Micro-Mark for $50 It's funny how modeler's have $1,000 or more worth of kits in their stash and yet can't see paying a measly $50 for a quality PE bender. Mike, After reading your post about buying an Etchmate, I've waiting for something on the good and bad parts of it. Have you used it much? I've been looking at one my LHS has in stock gary Sorry I have yet to use it.

I'm going to but one, but just can't figure out which one is the best. If I bought one from the Small Shop, I think I'd almost need two. But I like their design.

gary