Well John, probably not. For delicate work, you need a rather different set of implements.
I recommend a set of flat and square-ended pliers. The Stanley set shown above came from a Pound Shop somewhere in Birmingham over 15 years ago. They are perfect for bending kit parts along the half-etch line that should be on the back on them (always have the line inside the fold).
For longer folds, a set of bending bars is nice touch, but a pair of steel rulers in a vice will work perfectly well.
I wrote a bit more in the subject in 2010.
And on the Hold'n'Fold tool last year.
Happy folding!
3 comments:
If you can afford one I'd certainly advise a hold and fold over pliers. You might be lucky and have a nice square ended/sided set (with smooth jaws so as not to damage the soft metal) like Phil's but that isn't the case for most sets of pliers. Certainly the hold and fold was one of the best modelling investments I ever made.
Also, while Phil is right in that the etched line is always inside the fold, please do always check the instructions before making the folds as I know of at least one kit (one I designed) where that isn't true -- the exception to the rule! As a rule, the fold only goes on the outside if you need to fold two pieces flat against each other.
My final bit of advice. Always think through the sequence of folds in your head before starting. Whilst good instructions will make the order clear not all do, and there are cases where once you've made one fold it's then very difficult to hold the part properly to make subsequent folds.
All good advice. I've occasionally been caught out by the fold being on the outside, but it is incredibly rare.
Yes, I think I've only ever seen one other example of the fold on the outside, so as you say very very rare. The piece I used the idea on was very strange looking!
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