I picked up this Etch Mate tool about a month ago but have been too busy with other projects to even try it out until just the other day – wow, this thing is going to make life much better. I built this 1/72 scale MG131 from all photo etched pieces (4), liked it so much I imediately built a second one. Now I need to find more stuff that needs bending.
Hi Swanny,
is the Etch Mate really that good? I have been thinking about getting one, but I get put off every time I see the price of it.
Regards
Paul
Yeah, it is kind of pricey but I really like the way I can fold straight lines now without having to have three hands. I bought mine through Internet Hobbies who seemed to have about the best price. With as much PE stuff as I have it seemed like a good idea and I do not regret it.
have to agree with you swanny. I got one for Faher’s Day and have been on a real PE bender laetly (OK< OK oyu can stop groaning now) A neat tool. Going to make PE flaps a breeze.
Boy do I hear that, thinking about when I did the flaps for my Wildcat, this sure would have been nice back then.
May I suggest the White Ensign Models 1:600 Quad 0.50" Vickers for suitable practice??
Here it is on the fret (on the left hand side - 3 of them!)
… and here it is stuck to my thumb …
… and after I debonded my thumb …
but still with the barrels, second set of sights, ammo drums etc to go.
It is spendy but if you’re going to do PE, it’s really a great tool. Like Swanny says you’ll keep looking for more things to bend. Dean
Brews, I’ll need another lense for my Omnivisor before I try that one, having a tough enough time seeing these 1/72 He.115 pieces.
While you’re at it, may I recommend a pair of fly-tying scissors, available at fishing tackle shops. They’re small and have serrated blades, so the material does not slip when being cut. You can remove pieces from the fret with a single cut flush with the edge, and no twisting or bending of the part. I think mine were about $14, and along with my Small Shop PE bending set, they go a long way in compensating for my general lack of skill.
Aw crap, now I have to go to the bait shop.
Swanny, I’m sure that’s a travesty! I’d imagine you frequent that place almost as much as the LHS!
What, are you watching me from one of those google earth satellites???
HAHAHAHA Swanny you are a trip! Those Google Sattelites are kids stuff. No Swanny, I’ve been watching you via CIA sattelites. Don’t have to buy your Model DVD either… hehe
But seriously I will order one.
wow nice tiny PE stuff. I use a hold and fold myself. It works very well. I really can’t complain.
I bought a Hold-n-Fold last year, don’t know how I managed before.
Etch bending tools are certainly worth the money.
Karl
OK Matt, I’ve been looking at this thing for ages but have been too cheap, but you’ve convinced me. BTW, I got my at micromark who is selling it on sale for $49.95, with shipping anywhere in the US it comes to under $59. That’s a bit cheaper than the $65-75 before shipping cost most online stores are selling it for.
I got the last one at my hobby shop for fathers day and they just restocked… at about $7 higher. Get it now before the prices go up.
Waikong, I picked mine up from Internet Hobbies when they were on sale for about that. Currently Micro Mark does have the best price in case anyone else is interested.
just as an aside for guys in the uk,the small folding blade you get with the etch mate,if you want spares go see your local glazier he will probably give you a handfull for free as mine did.
glazier? Is that equivalent to the glass repair guy in the US?