Basic tools for bending & shaping photo-etch
For some photoetch can seem daunting, especially when done in 1/700 or 1/350
scale. You start to think of the expensive gadgets on the market for this task,
which is not going to help you jump in and have a go. So I have put together a
short list of items that are easy to find and even easier to use.
Flat nosed pliers
These are totally smooth on all sides with no teeth to mark your etch and
have a nice sharp flat head.
6” stainless steel rule
Precision made and therefore very straight
Single sided razor
Multiple uses, when fresh are excellent for removing tiny burs that
You always get on your p/etch after removal from the fret. When used in conjunction with the steel rule can form box
sections and angles.
Small set square
Has a similar use to that of the rule and
razor
Drill bits
These are used to create round edges and curves, plus if you make a mistake when bending the p/etch they are ideal for flattening out
Self closing tweezers
The smaller the better for those very small parts
Plate glass
This is the kind that you see used as small shelves in display units tempered so it’s safe, very flat and easy to scrape clean with a razor should you get glue on it, which you will. I also find it useful to have a few pieces of coloured paper the same size as the glass, which I place underneath whilst working. This makes it easier to see the small parts.
Needles
These are ideal as glue applicators, just snip of the end leaving a two pronged fork. When they get clogged up with glue just pass through a candle flame to clean up.
I could keep adding to this list but if I’m honest, I use the above items for
99% of the work that I do and they have never let me down. If you still feel the
need for the more exotic tools out there on the market, there are many to choose
from.
Roy Allen