Bruce
Sprue Cutter
Posts: 30
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Post by Bruce on Jan 20, 2012 11:28:47 GMT
Looking at buying my first PhotoEtch bending tool. At the moment there seems to be two readily available - the Etch Mate 3c and the Hold & Fold 5-Speed.
I have heard very mixed reviews of the Etch Mate 3c with some not liking the composite materials or the groove in the base unit along the fold line. This makes me lean towards the the 5-Speed. My first choice would probably be the Ausfwerks Fender Bender but that unit is out of production.
What do others like or dislike about the respective designs - is there room for improvement, what would you like to see these units do that gives you a problem with their present design?
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Paul T
Sprue Cutter
.........is it finished yet?
Posts: 10
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Post by Paul T on Jan 22, 2012 19:36:22 GMT
I bought my first one about two years ago from Little-Cars.com. Its very similar in appearance to the etch-mate but made from aluminium and doesnt have the groove that you mention on the fold line. It has been absolutely fine and does get a lot of use. If I remember rightly it was about £15 cheaper than the etch-mate at the time. Its called the 'hold and fold' and made by a US company called The Small Shop. sounds like it could be a relative of the Hold and Fold five speed you mention. All I can say is that mine has been fine and does 'exactly what it says on the tin' and I'm not looking to change it!
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Bruce
Sprue Cutter
Posts: 30
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Post by Bruce on Jan 23, 2012 10:32:46 GMT
Thanks Paul,
I am aware of The Small Shop, they actually make five different sizes of the Hold & Fold, one of which is the 5.5inch - also known as the 5-Speed. It seems to be presently regarded as the best one on the market at the present time with the Fender Bender out of production.
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Post by John Tapsell on Jan 23, 2012 21:19:48 GMT
Hold and Fold was the original product - others have come onto the market since then and perform the same function.
I bought my Hold and Fold way back in 2001 on a trip to the USA (actually at the 2001 IPMS-USA Convention). The guy who made them was struggling to satisfy demand and I believe he sold the 'rights' to someone shortly afterwards.
I don't use my Hold and Fold all that often but it's an excellent tool and more than justifies a place in my toolbox.
Regards,
John
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Bruce
Sprue Cutter
Posts: 30
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Post by Bruce on Jan 24, 2012 9:44:31 GMT
One of the reasons that I'm asking these questions is that I work with a company that specializes in precision machining. With the 'Fender Bender' being out of production I started wondering if there was a need to design and manufacture a new tool aimed at the top-end of the market.
What do people find lacking - if anything, in the tools currently available?
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Post by John Tapsell on Jan 24, 2012 18:42:16 GMT
A couple of things spring to mind:
1) a good quality sub-miniature punch and die set. The only one I know of is the Waldron set and it isn't easy to track down in the UK.
2) a good pair of 'helping hands' with adjustable (screw-threaded?) clamps - most of the ones on the market have sprung crocodile clips that are too agressive for some of the stuff I do.
Regards,
John
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Post by fastcat on Feb 22, 2012 20:05:48 GMT
Hi Bruce,
Have to agree with John re the punch and die set, I'd love one but it would have to be "affordable".
Waldron's is over £50 I think and for that only caters for six sizes. If more are needed, it's the same again for a different set.
Regarding the bending tool, I have the Flip-R5. I use it only rarely as I find it quicker and less fuss to use fine pliers for most applications.
I make car models including 1/43 and for the most part get by OK. On very rare occasions a bending tool is invaluable such as when bending a gurneyflap or wickerbill as it's sometimes called across the pond.
I certainly wouldn't want to part with over £50 for the pleasure of bending a bit of metal when with a bit of ingenuity one can get by.
Just my three haporth!
Whatever you do, good luck with your project.
Regards
Dave
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