curving photoetch parts

[Guest]

ok, before embarking on my next build where i'll using a plethora of PE parts i need some advice from the modelling gurus out there!!

ive trialled using some basic PE parts on my previous build but now i want to get my hands dirty. i have several parts that require curving, namely a strip that has to be carefully bent into a circle to surround the clutch, and another gauze part that must conform to the bend of the radiator..what is the best method to precisely bend these parts?

i was wondering about using some kind of form and whether to apply some kind of heat..if so, how?

Ive also read on another site that it is often better to use PVA instead of superglue to adhere the parts to the model..has anyone tried this method?

Thanking you in advance dear experts!

Simon

[stona]

I don't know exactly what sort of curves you are forming but I bend photoetch around anything I can find. Drill bits are favourite and come in lots of handy sizes

If its not pre-painted you can make it more pliable by heat treating it. Wave the whole sheet of parts over a gas ring until it gets nice and hot before putting it on something other than a pile of newspapers to cool down. I use one of those metal mesh things SWMBO puts cakes on to cool down. You want to heat it as evenly as you can.

There are fancy folding tools available and some swear by them. I'm a cheapskate and just bend the parts over old scalpel blades.

I always use CA glue and accelerator. I apply a small drop of glue using another home made (cheap) tool. Take a sewing needle and cut the top of the eye leaving a nice U shaped applicator. I then position the part,good tweezers are essential,and give a squirt of accelerator. Job done.

There's nothing wrong with using PVA type acrylic glues but they take a long time to dry and you have to consider whether the part will stay in place without you holding it for fifteen minutes.

Cheers

Steve

[geegad]

that sounds good advice to me..i do use some tools got the bug which is a great help some times have a look at the site shop he has got some good tools to help you

[Ian M]

CA is great for sticking things down, just as long as you get them in the right place first try. PVA glue gives you a bit of jiggle time to nudge it around a bit and the excess can be removed with a cotton bud and water; while it is wet. Gator Grip glue normally has grabbed hold of things. I use both depending on the parts to be stuck.

Steve's drill bit roller tip is top dollar, I never throw a knackered drill bit out any more, and can normally find one the right size, from 0,5mm right up to 18mm in 0,5 steps... (I use a lot of drills lol)

Folding tools are worth their weight in gold and unfortunatly this is reflected in the price. Having said that I would not sell mine for all the tea in China!!!

Ian M

[Guest]

I use a rat tail file for some bending jobs .Steve is spot on aneeling the metal makes it soooooooo much easier to work with!