97xx Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 I've tended to use parallel pliers and other such devices to do etch folding, or steel rule plus razor blade etc. It's worked, but, in most cases it feels like a bit of a bodge. I'd like to treat myself to a Hold & Fold tool - I say 'treat' as it will be something to make life easier rather than a necessity, and it's expensive. Having read many posts, what I'm seeing is a hearty recommendation to have one. But which size? I'm 00, and locos and wagons will make up most of what I do, but then again I do have an autotrailer on the shelf calling out "make me". Thoughts welcome! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 I have a small H&F and medium size H&F. I think they are a good idea but do have a few limitations so I purchased and used the Midland Railway Centre folding bars as well. (midrailcentre.com)/sheet-metal-mini-folders-bending-bars ) Gordon A Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano747 Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 If you have an auto-trailer to build, and can afford it then go big! I have the 14" one from Eileen's and wouldn't be without it. (7mm modeller) I also bought some cheaper 4 and 8 inch versions just for smaller work but rarely use them! Regards, Deano Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Bucoops Posted December 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 5, 2020 I went straight for the biggest - but I got lucky with an unused one on ebay for a very good price. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
97xx Posted December 5, 2020 Author Share Posted December 5, 2020 So, if I buy the biggest (14") then will it do all the smaller jobs, albeit if it's a bit unwieldy occasionally? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Bucoops Posted December 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 5, 2020 I've done a few small fiddly jobs with it - plenty of notches in it to fit small parts around. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
97xx Posted December 6, 2020 Author Share Posted December 6, 2020 (edited) Great, thanks. Will bite the bullet and get the 14" one. Edited December 6, 2020 by 97xx Spelling...! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium polybear Posted December 6, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 6, 2020 2 hours ago, 97xx said: Great, thanks. Will bite the bullet and get the 14" one. Before taking the plunge it's worth taking a look at ebay - search for "etched brass bending (or folding)" etc. There's a fair few out there as the plastic modellers use them too. You may save a lot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian G Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 I use a 2'' & 14'' for all my etch brass forming Ian G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Asterix2012 Posted December 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 6, 2020 26 minutes ago, polybear said: Before taking the plunge it's worth taking a look at ebay - search for "etched brass bending (or folding)" etc. There's a fair few out there as the plastic modellers use them too. You may save a lot. I searched as you suggested and also found this very interesting tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Photo-Etch-Bending-Rolling-Deluxe-Brass-Assist/193667227511?pageci=249e0e0f-2f07-435f-a443-07aa75aade87 “Photo Etch Bending & Rolling Deluxe Brass Assist “True” cylinders tie downs hinges clamps brackets & grab handles all with one tool. Features Made in the USA Excellent for shaping radius U-Shape or cylinder parts. Includes one each Aluminum rods 3/4″ 1/2″ & 1/4″ Includes one each Stainless Steel rods 3/16″ & 1/8″ 4″x4″ CNC Machined Rolling Base High grade aluminum hard anodized in a clear finish. Machined channels are perfect for your rolling needs! Soft rolling deck enables ‘true’ cylinders to be rolled Beams to form tie downs hinges tool clamps & brackets Bending Comb – Matched Grab Handles every time! Designed for use with soft copper or brass wire. Semi-hard wire should first be annealed “heat to dull red and allow to air cool”. Not for use with hard wire.” Sorry I could not copy an image Any thoughts on this tool? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
97xx Posted December 6, 2020 Author Share Posted December 6, 2020 (edited) Have a look here for the range that comes from: https://historexagents.com/#product-gallery Edited December 6, 2020 by 97xx Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano747 Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Asterix2012 said: I searched as you suggested and also found this very interesting tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Photo-Etch-Bending-Rolling-Deluxe-Brass-Assist/193667227511?pageci=249e0e0f-2f07-435f-a443-07aa75aade87 “Photo Etch Bending & Rolling Deluxe Brass Assist “True” cylinders tie downs hinges clamps brackets & grab handles all with one tool. Features Made in the USA Excellent for shaping radius U-Shape or cylinder parts. Includes one each Aluminum rods 3/4″ 1/2″ & 1/4″ Includes one each Stainless Steel rods 3/16″ & 1/8″ 4″x4″ CNC Machined Rolling Base High grade aluminum hard anodized in a clear finish. Machined channels are perfect for your rolling needs! Soft rolling deck enables ‘true’ cylinders to be rolled Beams to form tie downs hinges tool clamps & brackets Bending Comb – Matched Grab Handles every time! Designed for use with soft copper or brass wire. Semi-hard wire should first be annealed “heat to dull red and allow to air cool”. Not for use with hard wire.” Sorry I could not copy an image Any thoughts on this tool? At 4" x 4" I think too small. Also I cannot see how you would clamp and bend straight lengths of sheet material? Regards, Deano. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazz Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 Deano, I use the Midland Railway Centre folding and bending bars formerly sold by Metalsmith. The hold and fold are 12" and perfect for folding along the etched fold lines. I also use the same tool for making gentle bends. Their bending bars are also excellent. But not long enough for coach building. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano747 Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 (edited) 18 hours ago, jazz said: Deano, I use the Midland Railway Centre folding and bending bars formerly sold by Metalsmith. The hold and fold are 12" and perfect for folding along the etched fold lines. I also use the same tool for making gentle bends. Their bending bars are also excellent. But not long enough for coach building. Hi Ken I have the Midland large drill table with round bars; very useful. I also have Eileen's 14" hold and fold; wouldn't be without it. Anything longer, which is unlikely for me, two lengths of aluminium angle clamped together. Regards, Deano. Edited December 7, 2020 by Deano747 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazz Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 Sounds good to me. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMW Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 1 hour ago, Deano747 said: two lengths of aluminium angle clamped together. ditto, though I don't do much bending but have found this to be an excellent option. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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