anyone use the bug photoetch bender from the small shop.
bill
Their larger 5 1/2" Hold and Fold is on my list of things to get. I feel like I should get the larger size, just in case. The Bug would be my second choice, I suppose. In either case, it looks like a worthwhile tool.
I have the larger one and it works great. Most of the time the bug would be fine but there are PE pieces that sometimes exceed the bug’s modest capacity. Go for the hold and fold.
I have the 4" model, and find the long side is great for railings and other single bends, and it has a good variety of “finger” widths for more intricate bends. Very well made tool at a reasonable price.
Mike
I’ve got the bug and the 4" hold & fold. I struggled with PE, especially 1/700 stuff until I got these tools. Wouldn’t be without them.
EJ
I, too, have the “Bug” - and limited experience with PE parts. The little I’ve done though it is a super tool. Glad I bought it.
Sprue Brothers has them for $30. With me having zero experience folding PE parts, I’m gonna want to get one myself soon.
Just got mine and I think it will bend any PE I am going to run into. It is one cool little tool.
Bill
I have one of almost everything The Small Shop offers…and I use the Bug more than any of the others.
I find very little use for expensive PE bending tools.
Most are ungainly and in the way. I’ve got the Hold and Fold and it’s small and easily stored but only use it on long parts like ship’s railings. I find it much more efficient to bend PE with two carpenter’s wood chisels and various xacto blades. The chisels take up very little room and are at hand on my bench whenever I need to use them.
I use something similar, X-acto knife plus any of several screwdrivers.
I have had the “Bug” for about 4 years and use it a lot. Great tool.
Hi :
Although I think I have EVERY - P.E. bending tool known to modelers I still use the basic ones .Two Box knife blades for the average stuff and two one foot stainless rules for the long stuff . I took the rulers and created a knife edge on them with my bench grinder . They are stiff enough to get a good straight bend the first time .
For round bends I think I use everything from model car/truck wheels to paint bottles and X-Acto handles and pencils and pens as well . If the part fits who cares what you used to bend it ? Thing is we should teach the old way . Use found materials to make your bending tools , It’s cheaper nowadays !