My next project, Brass Kits.

Hi John,

I use Hold N Fold, I think the 5' version. Good solid tool, not the cheapest, but as mostly in live: you get what you pay for

I use the Etch Mate 3C (MicroMark) but it's also nice to also have a smaller one handy.

Joe

Hi John,
I have both of these tools and use them. They are good bending tools, Kalama “ Bug” Photo Etch Bending Tool and the Etch Mate 3C Bending Tool. BUT to me they both leave a little to be desired to me and I will explain.
Most buildings need 450 degrees in bends, that is five right angle bends. The first bend is the little glue or soldering tab, second third and forth are the basic corners. Which these benders are really great. The last bend is the problem child when using the above benders. You can not make a true 90 degree bend but have to bend the material to make it work. That is when I use pliers like a Xuron 575 Micro Bending Pliers or a T- 200 short nose pliers from Miller Engineering to finish off the bend or adjust others. (MY favorite is a smooth jaw needle nose with smooth jaws and the jaws themselves are milled to a sharp 90 degrees along the whole edge, which is really great for small adjustments and finally bends.) Made mine from Lowe’s micro needle point pliers. I use it a lot when dealing in brass .
Dwight

I too use the 5.5" Hold N Fold from the Small Shop. I also have a small bent needle nose plier that I too filed the end to a point. I use it for so many micro bends. For my Thrall's I had to machine my own bending tool. I actually use it three times while bending those confounded ribbed sides. I'd include a photo, but don't have one of it.

I have looked into getting one of the Micro-Mark benders, but have not yet.

I see myself machining a new bender for the Maxi IV wellcars I have had etched. All parts are bent using the bent needle nose plier mentioned above except the car body. Need the big bender for that.

I am working 6/7 days a week for another 2-3 more weeks. After that will have time to rest and begin working on Z again.

Depending on what you want to design for etching, you might have to design also a special bending tool.

Something I discovered, for building corners, make the building sides in 2 halves. One 90 degree corner and one 90 degree tab for each half. You won't have the problem with the last bend as mentioned it the earlier post bending a 4 sided building in one piece. Just something I discovered.

If I may be of any other assistance, my experience is at your service!

Hobo Tim

I think the name, "bending tool", is a misnomer. It's actually a bending VISE. WE'RE the bending TOOL!

Zcratchman_Joe wrote: I think the name, "bending tool", is a misnomer. It's actually a bending VISE. WE'RE the bending TOOL!

If you use a bending vise a whole bunch, I would expect that would make you a bending fool.

One last thing. DKS (David K. Smith) has some great help for working with brass located at jamesriverbranch.net/clinic_1.htm I highly recommend reading though these pages before attempting to do any brass work. The info is invaluable for anyone new to brass.

GNFan wrote:

Zcratchman_Joe wrote: I think the name, "bending tool", is a misnomer. It's actually a bending VISE. WE'RE the bending TOOL!