New to PE, need suggestion about tools to fold

[Jsks76]

Hi

 

Due to pandemic, I'm stuck at home and starting to build models again after a 20 year break.  I am looking to start a build on the Tamiya Premium Yamato 78025, and from my research I realise I need to learn how to work with PE.  I have never work with PE before, what would be a/some good PE tools to pick up (folding, glue (crazy glue???), or what else I may need).  I also probably need some practice, so maybe I can practice on some PE addon for a 1945 Missouri that I just finished with no PE (suggestions for 1945 Missouri PE addon?).

Thank you for your help and suggestions.

[No Idea]

I asked a mate thats into PE and he uses something like this for bending

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ExcLent-Model-Photo-Bending-Parts/dp/B07VCRVJMN/ref=asc_df_B07VCRVJMN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=480823740401&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9107795329982163659&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045455&hvtargid=pla-1068787235182&psc=1

[bruce d]

This is how it was done before the specialist tools were available:

Hold the piece of brass PE down with a steel ruler. Align the edge of the ruler with the intended fold line. Press down and slide a scalpel under the protruding bit of PE all the way to the ruler.

Now, without relaxing the pressure on the ruler, twist the scalpel. Stop at 90 degrees. You have folded the PE. If you need to go further than 90 degrees, remove the ruler, place the scalpel inside the bend (where the ruler was) and use the ruler to push the PE as far as it needs to go. The ruler should be standing on edge and twisted, much as the you did with the scalplel, and just rotate it down onto the PE.

It works. Practice on a bit of scrap, concentrate and be aware stainless steel PE (not common anymore) will need more force.

I have made thousands of bends like this, large and small.

[Landlubber Mike]

Take a look here - they have a lot of hold and folds in various sizes.  Very good quality:  https://thesmallshop.com/

 

The PE I have been using thus far has been really small and with openings or carve outs along the fold line, so I haven't needed to use any of the Hold and Folds.  Generally I use tweezers for the very small stuff, or these Tamiya PE bending pliers as my go-to:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HBJ2YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VZR6IM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited January 9, 2021 by Landlubber Mike

[ERS Rich]

After trying a plastic folding product, and steel rule and razor blade, finally purchased Small Shop hold and fold and the set of rods for forming circles.  Small shop hold and fold worked the best for me.  Hold and fold produced precise right angles.  Small shop may cost more but will save time and frustration.  The old adage “a cheap tool is an expensive tool” certainly applies in this situation.

-Rich

[Canute]

I'd second all of Mike's suggestions. The Tamiya tools are good working with the smaller parts.

[kurtvd19]

Drill bits you already have can be used for rounding/curving parts - no $ outlay.  But if you are into tools.....

[Jsks76]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.  It is much appreciated.