Comparing the small shop PE rolling tools

[SteveAFV]

I'm looking for a tool to help rolling hinges, straps and partial tubes (rather than actual tubes). I first thought about the Brass Assist from The Small Shop but I see there are two and quite a difference in cost. As I have Small Shop Force 5 bending tool I may have some of the deluxe roller....

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxpr ... ode=SMS014

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxpr ... ode=SMS006

Any advice on if the deluxe is worth the extra?

Thanks,

Steve.

[digger303]

deluxe version is 2 tools in one. A tie down former with a small channel for forming small rod to 45's. I personally prefer the rolling pins to have a little weight to them rather than the wood ones. However I think that maybe a personal choice if I remember correctly Burnie uses wood rollers and seemed happy with that......

[SteveAFV]

deluxe version is 2 tools in one. A tie down former with a small channel for forming small rod to 45's. I personally prefer the rolling pins to have a little weight to them rather than the wood ones. However I think that maybe a personal choice if I remember correctly Burnie uses wood rollers and seemed happy with that......

Noted that it has additional uses. One task that I really was unsure if either tool would help with is a working hinge that has a tight roll at the end of a flat area where a 0.3mm rod goes through. How would one go about that? I should point out I only have the use of one arm.

Update: Found this a neat idea! http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/showt ... 755&page=5

[digger303]

very difficult I should imagine. I don't think this rolling tool would help for such small hinges. A PE bending tool like the hold and fold MIGHT. You could clamp it and then fold at least 70 % of the way then reverse it...clamp... slide the o.3 to it's spot then continue the bend holding the wire and bending with other finger. I know I don't paint a good picture...English literature was never my strong suite.
At least that's how I imagine it.
PE is so light it will flick all over the place as your trying to correctly place it.It is hard enough for me using all my digits.

Ps...I should add I have never made PE hinges...On my too learn and do list.

[SteveAFV]

very difficult I should imagine. I don't think this rolling tool would help for such small hinges. A PE bending tool like the hold and fold MIGHT. You could clamp it and then fold at least 70 % of the way then reverse it...clamp... slide the o.3 to it's spot then continue the bend holding the wire and bending with other finger. I know I don't paint a good picture...English literature was never my strong suite.
At least that's how I imagine it.
PE is so light it will flick all over the place as your trying to correctly place it.It is hard enough for me using all my digits.

Ps...I should add I have never made PE hinges...On my too learn and do list.

Check out that link I posted for a neat way to do hinges then. I think I'll try that first. I appreciate your advice.

[digger303]

very difficult I should imagine. I don't think this rolling tool would help for such small hinges. A PE bending tool like the hold and fold MIGHT. You could clamp it and then fold at least 70 % of the way then reverse it...clamp... slide the o.3 to it's spot then continue the bend holding the wire and bending with other finger. I know I don't paint a good picture...English literature was never my strong suite.
At least that's how I imagine it.
PE is so light it will flick all over the place as your trying to correctly place it.It is hard enough for me using all my digits.

Ps...I should add I have never made PE hinges...On my too learn and do list.

Check out that link I posted for a neat way to do hinges then. I think I'll try that first. I appreciate your advice.

Yes that is a good way of doing it. Mine was crap after seeing that.
One thing I did not see was the initial bend to 30 degree's, but I'm assuming it was done on the sprue before full removal.

[SteveAFV]

Yes that is a good way of doing it. Mine was crap after seeing that.
One thing I did not see was the initial bend to 30 degree's, but I'm assuming it was done on the sprue before full removal.

Hey, I'm going to try everything at least once so no "crap" ideas in my book. I think that technique needs a video. Maybe I'll try to do one if I like the it.

I found another link where they use tape and it makes it clearer how the initial fold is done to get the interleave. http://www.kiwimodeller.com/index.php/4 ... tch-hinges

Clearly tape would be better than CA for longer hinges. I though of using debonder to remove the hinges from the glass to get a tidier finish, could prove expensive in debonder but the CA rehardens after it evaporates I've read so could be a neat way to just lift and apply to model rather than reapplying more CA?

In the end I agreed with you that although the roller would be great for tubes and curves I can live without it. I'll grab some brass or wood rod offcuts to use as rollers on a soft rubber mat. As I was buying from Historex Agents anyway I found this cheap tool which I'm also going to try. http://www.griffonmodel.com/product_vie ... &classid=4

[digger303]

Yes that is a good way of doing it. Mine was crap after seeing that.
One thing I did not see was the initial bend to 30 degree's, but I'm assuming it was done on the sprue before full removal.

Hey, I'm going to try everything at least once so no "crap" ideas in my book. I think that technique needs a video. Maybe I'll try to do one if I like the it.

being kind...thanks...but it is still crap

In the end I agreed with you that although the roller would be great for tubes and curves I can live without it. I'll grab some brass or wood rod offcuts to use as rollers on a soft rubber mat. As I was buying from Historex Agents anyway I found this cheap tool which I'm also going to try. http://www.griffonmodel.com/product_vie ... &classid=4

Looked at that tool some time ago and being PE thickness of the tool might be an issue. They only mentioned the use of soft copper. If you wanted to bend brass rod then it may not stand up to the rigors of it.

[SteveAFV]

Looked at that tool some time ago and being PE thickness of the tool might be an issue. They only mentioned the use of soft copper. If you wanted to bend brass rod then it may not stand up to the rigors of it.

Oh yes it's not a heavy weight tool and I'd only use it for soft copper. It was cheap.