The Small Shop

"Hold and Fold" Photoetch Bending Tool

Tools 'n' Tips Article by Steve Filak, Sr. in 2001

 

 

Once in a while, a tool comes along that really makes your life easier, especially when it helps you out with a task that you're not particularly fond of.  For many years, I had a sort of aversion to using photoetch parts, just for the simple fact that they can be difficult to work with.  Granted, they do add a new dimension to modeling, but sometimes, trying to bend a flat, small piece of metal into complex, convoluted shapes can be a nightmare. 

This is particularly true with small parts.  Recently, I was working on some of the Flightpath photoetch parts for my A-10 project, and some of these parts are REALLY tiny.  Not wanting to lose any of these delicate parts, I had them taped down to my workbench while trying to bend them with a knife blade and a metal straightedge.  The results of these parts was rewarding in terms of the detail that they added, but it was also nerve wracking trying not to lose any of them in the process! 

As things happen, I went out to the mailbox the same day, and what do I find, but a "Hold and Fold" photoetch tool.  Being very anxious to try it out, I opened the box and headed back to the cellar.  The results were outstanding.  I could now shape small parts with ease, and the toolhead kept everything in place without any fear of losing parts.  Even really small parts were no problem to shape.  The toolhead has a number of smaller areas on the reverse side which allow you to get into really tight spots to bend small parts, which worked out great.

 

The toolhead can be reversed to accommodate tiny parts.

 

Basically, it works like this:  the toolhead screws down over the part to be bent, and locks it in place on top of the 'table' area of the tool (which is a minutely grooved, non-skid surface).  The supplied razor is then slid underneath the part and bent to the desired angle.  When you're done, unscrew the toolhead, and remove the part - that's it.  It's that simple.  I've been testing this tool for several weeks now, and I haven't found a photoetch part yet that couldn't be easily manipulated by the "Hold and Fold".

 

A close-up of the toolhead.

 

If you have any problems working with photoetch, I highly recommend this tool - to me, the "Hold and Fold" is to photoetch what liquid cement was to styrene kits years ago.  I just can't say enough about it, and has really turned me around in terms of my former aversion to etched parts.  The only downside at all is that the tool is a little expensive, but this is the type of tool that you'll only have to buy once - it's construction is very sturdy, and should last you through several lifetimes of modeling!

 

A ten second job with "Hold and Fold"!  The Flightpath 1/48 A-10 HUD.

 

I'd like to sincerely thank The Small Shop for providing this review sample, and I encourage you to visit their site by clicking on their link below.  Their mailing address is:

Kalama Precision Machine is The Small Shop
PO Box 580

Kalama WA 98625

Phone: 360-673-1255 

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Comments about the "Hold and Fold" from Steve Bamford

Well, I must admit to being quite impressed by quality of this tool.  It's is made from machined aluminum and it's plain to see the creator and manufacturer of this tool has a very good understanding of machining metal.  The edges are VERY crisp...almost sharp and this produces a level of exactness that all modellers crave.  I have done my fair share of Photo Etched and I've always be disappointed by not bending parts where I wanted to as well and the bends being less than sharp or square.  Then the final insult is for the part to launch itself across the room to be lost in the carpet forever.  I had heard of the "Hold and Fold", but I had serious doubts.....obviously it can't be as good and useful as everyone says.......well darn it all.....it actually is as good and as necessary as everyone says....probably more so.  One feature that grabbed my attention is a spring that's installed under the top plate.  After you bend your PE part....you unscrew the knob on top and the top plate is gently lifted by the spring to carefully reveal your freshly folded part.  Without this spring, you'd be struggling to lift this plate to remove your part without your part landing in the carpet below your modelling desk.  But this spring saves you all that grief and is a perfect example of the attention to detail and thought that went into this tool.  The all metal construction means this tool will last much much longer than me.....even the knob on top....although not metal...does have a brass sleeve inside to make sure the threads inside the knob don't stress and crumble over time with use.  This is a very high quality tool and a must for anyone that's serious about using Photo Etched parts to dress up their latest kit.  

You will also find a couple of complimentary products for working with Photo Etched parts at The Small Shop website.   

Steve Filak, Sr.

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.