Hold and Fold

Madda,

I'm looking at getting some photoetched sets for two models I just bought. Consequently, I was eyeing the ads for the Hold and Fold. I'm glad to read a good review. Thanks!

-Drew

I was bending the frets and the etched pieces when I'd cut them off the fret. I was getting fairly frustrated with the stuff, cutting it off and cleaning it up and folding was kind of a pain. It looked great, but it was a pain nonetheless.

I love this thing, if you get it, get the set, the cutting bit of it consists of solid blak acrylic squares with a smaller clear acrylic square and a handle. You press the smaller clear piece down on the fret and just apply gentle pressure, the cut is perfect and the piece doesn't go flying off into the carpet. You can see through the clear piece easily, and everything shows up nicely on the black bottom. I haven't use the rolling set yet, but I can see how it would be awfully handy. It's great.

Madda, Sounds like nice little tool to have. I was wondering were did you buy it from? I have priced the Etch-mate and really don't like the $62.00 price tag.
mark956

I got mine at the LHS, they just started carrying them before christmas. The hold and fold they had in stock (the 8 inch one I think, they were out of the 4 in ch) was $69 with tax, and the set with everything was $71. It was expensive, but I just got a bonus at work and figured I'd splurge.

Thanks Madda.
mark956

I have the one from the SmallShop... and I like it a lot. I have written sime info about it. The article was written last winter, but not much has changed -- they did improve the rolling tray a bit.

The articel is here: http://www.naplak.com/modeling/tips/tool_reviews.htm

It is a bit expensive, but I write about that too!

FWIW, I've seen ads for something that looks similar to the Hold and Fold called the Etch Mate.

Here's a review:
.
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/misc/etchmate.htm
.
Regards,

-Drew

QUOTE: Originally posted by naplak I have the one from the SmallShop... and I like it a lot. I have written sime info about it. The article was written last winter, but not much has changed -- they did improve the rolling tray a bit. The articel is here: http://www.naplak.com/modeling/tips/tool_reviews.htm It is a bit expensive, but I write about that too!

Good review Naplak. I have the exact same set, but my fold tray is shaped a bit differently than yours. I paid about 10 dollars less than you did however. I find the cutting tool to be nice, because I was bending stuff trying to cut it before.

Drew, the Hold and Fold is basically the exact same thing, except that the set that I got comes with more stuff in it. I would have considered an etch mate set, but the guy at my lhs hadn't gotten any in yet. Either way, I'm awfully happy with what I got.

Hey guys...Hey Naplac...you have got your HOLD & FOLD base upside down buddy....the bevel should be on the underside NOT the working side...
Check out their side to see how to put the tool together...

www.smallshopeu.com...check out the 4inch page mate andd you will see that it is upside down

Aj

Yea... I know... but when i was first looking at it I (mistakenly) assumed the Fly-Cut surface went down since it is not as smooth.

I have reversed it since taking that photo in the review. I will be updating the review on a new updated set in the near future.

Have a hold and fold, and I would never do PE without it again. It may be expensive, but its a one time cost and it saves you HOURS and much frustration and thats worth the price.