I am in the process of building Revells PT-117 and have purchased WEM photo-etch. I have used a little bit of photo etch. Is it a good idea to purcase a bending tool for this amount of pieces. If so what would you guys recommend.
If this kit is the only one on which you plan to use PE then no, I’d say just use a solid, flat area (matt, plexiglass, glass) and use an exacto knife with either a #2 or #11 blade to bend the PE while it’s being held in position by either another flat object or held down tightly by the flat section of a pair of tweezers or, if you’re very certain you won’t slice your finger, by one of your digits.
I have, and have used often, a little gadget called “The Bug” made by The Small Shop and I’m reasonably happy with it. It’s a little pricey but it saves me some time here and there.
Just my $.02.
I use a pair of single edged razors. Hold one, edge down on the fold line on a hard surface, slide the other one under the part and fold up.
I use a metal ruler. Slide PE under ruler, then I bend with a flat razor blade.
I spent time making a bender much like those for sale- hardly ever use it. I use any of several small conventional screw drivers to hold pieces down, do the bending with X-acto blade in knife. Only use the bender for really complicated stuff like boxes or platform/leg things. I also sometimes bend stuff with two small-nose pliers.