So as I continue my adventure into modeling, I find myself wanting to do more PE to liven up my models. It started with the small amount of PE that came with my Trumpeter QE, then the eduard railings and cranes PE kit for my tamiya KGV.
I am about to pull the trigger on the full PE detail kit for my USS North Carolina. And looking through the instructions online it is obviously much more detailed and intensive than the railings kit I have for the KGV. Up to this point I have been using some other methods to bend my PE. Like tweezers, pliers, an old wooden ruler… things of that nature and have had pretty good success.
But with the amount of parts and detail with the kit for my N.C. I feel as if a bending tool will help me, especially with some of the more sophisticated parts.
I am looking at the Trumpeter photo etch parts bender (medium), and am just questioning myself on how much something like this is needed. Will it truly help my take my PE parts to the next level? Does this tool really work the way they make it sound?
Any advice on this, specifically that particular tool, is appreciated. [Y]
I don’t think so. Bought one a few years ago and can count on the fingurs how many times i have used it. handy for large parts like 35th side skirts on armour. Not for small stuff though. I use a pair of smooth flat nosed pliers.
So something like the tamiya smooth PE bending pliers would be better? I bought a speciality set of pliers for models but they arent smooth and have ridges.
Mine are just generic ones, but ye, those sound fine. I just find the tool to big and cumbersome for most of the small items i need to bend. Its just quicker and easier to grab the pliers.
Thanks Bish. Saved me about 20 bucks. I wasnt sure about the actual bending tool. But wanted something made to help with photo etch. I just ordered the full eduard PE detail set for the N.C. and the tamiya PE bending pliers.
Where I live the closest thing to a hobby store is walmart really… There is one actual hobby store but they mainly carry model trains like Lionel. They do have tamiya paints which is convienient. But anything else is scarce as far as modelling goes.
Once again, buying something with a model manufacturer’a name or logo will add to the cost of an otherwise commercially inexpensive item
not a wooden ruler, but a 6-inch stainless one, graduations in 1/32. Hardware store item
fine point compass, school geometry drafting package From an office supply store. Used to measure lengths to cut. Find logical breakpoints; gun tubs, bulkheads, ladderways, other rail runs. Resist the urge to do the entire length of the ship just because you have a piece of rail that long
a pair of single edge razor blades scraper blades. Hardware store item. To use, hold the piece to be bent down with one blade. Slide the other blade under the piece so that their blades are facing. Raise the lower blade in a hinge motion to the desired angle.
set of drills 1/8 up used for making round bends. Hardware store item.
flat & needle point pliers, small. Mine are from a discount electronics store but I’ve seen similar at hobby lobby bead dept
emory boards/sanding sticks from beauty supply store
I made one about ten years ago, and I think I used it twice. Okay for large pieces with a long bend line, but overkill for small parts. I have a set of flat nose small pliers that I find are quick and easy. I bend a lot of pe with a screwdriver and a hobby knife with a flat blade (sort of a chisel blade). I hold the piece down on a block with the (conventional) screwdriver blade, near the fold line. Then I get the knife edge under the pe piece and bend the blade upward. Works for 90 % of bends I need.
I have a small parts bender, and I find when using it under my illuminated bench magnifying glass, I can very accurately set the clamp over the bend mark on the part. I use a single edge razor blade to make the bend, after it is clamped. I would not call this a necessity to have, but I do think it provides much greater accuracy than using pliers.
I once bought a simple bending tool made out of heavy clear plastic. I used to use it when necessary but haven’t touched in some time. I do have some metal rulers, a couple I used to use at workm back when I had a job, and a coule metal rulers, each with two different scales marked on them, 1/72nd and 1/48th, the other with 1/32nd and 1/35th. I use them for fine measuring and occasionally for bending longer pieces of P.E… The regular rulers I would use just for cutting. Sometimes for bending I use a needle nose plliers to bend some small parts when necseeary.
About the only P.E. tool I have been thinking of getting would be a metal rod segmented into several diameters for parts that had to be made into a circle.
As for pliers, i got a set from Hobby lobby in their jewelry/bead section. Several pairs in the zipper pouch including a pair of flat nose nylon lined jaws. About 12- 14 bucks
It is a nice thing to have, after I found my hands aren’t strong or dextrous enough to use pliers after demolishing several pieces. So I bought The Small Shop’s “The Bug” Hold and Fold earlier this year, and have had good experiences with it.
It was $39.99 with free shipping on the Bay back when I bought it, and I had a $5 off coupon. I thought this was a great bargain just for the amount of aggravation it saves me.
Well, to be honest with you. I have three of the “Must Have” P.E.bending tools. Guess what? I still use my Jewelers Plier set and Special tweezers. And I am faster with the old tools.
I’m with Glamdring, bought The Bug from The Small Shop. I don’t remember the cost, was probably 10 years ago. I think it’s a very handy little tool and you can be very precise with it. Like most everything, lol, you can find a video on YouTube showing how to build a larger tool. Pretty simple and inexpensive to make. If I were bending longer pieces of PE that’s what I’d go with. I guess after years of running shears, punches and press brakes I just can’t help myself.
For years, I tried to use the edge of regular flat-faced pliers or the edge of tweezers when I made “square” corners of railings in 1/700. And the 90 degree corners usually weren’t 90 degrees.
I got the smallest Hold and Fold from The Small Shop and have been very much more successful with that.
Then I tried to gild the danged lily and got the Tamiya long-nosed bending pliers. A bad choice (for me) as the pivot got sloppy and the jaws stopped lining up flush, resulting in non-90 degree corners. I got a smaller one from Tamiya that has been good, but no great improvement over the Hold and Fold.
And, even though you didn’t ask, I have frequently banged my head against the problem of putting smooth, gentle curves into a piece of PE. (I think I started using PE railings in 1985) For 34 years, I got crappy gentle bends. Recently, I started using a big Pink Pearl eraser (like used by grade school kids) and I press the railing against the eraser using a curved paintbrush handle. Just like curling ribbon when wrapping a birthday present, additional pressure and/or repeats will impart a sharper curve to the run of PE. (I had been pressing against the palm of my hand, but it was too soft and the curves were less consistent.)
For those “Gentle Bends” ( sounds almost like an old T.V.show!) Well, anyway I use craft foam. It’s a sheet about an 1/8" thick. I then use the smallest super ball or dowel I have .Press the P.E. gently and Viola’ Gentle Bends!
Seems my biggest problem with PE is getting a good rounded piece to fit and look perfect. Straight bends have been no problem. I have made due and to the untrained eye, you really cant notice. But I know some of my round bends arent perfect. Some of them have turned out great, others are off a little. I imagine just like this anything else, just requires patience, and time to get the skill down. I will need all of the practice I can get, as I have the full detail set for my North Carolina coming.
You may have someone ask you what a Press Brake is. I’ll bet many don’t know. I do know I got hit by the counter ball one time. Broke my nose. Fellow came up and tried to use the thing while I was repairing it. Said he didn’t see the sign!
