Quoted Text
Quoted Text
part 7, that's a q-tip stretched over a candle, and cut in the middle. Cut the cotton ends off, then you got 2 mini funnels.
Saw this Tip on your page Brian and I intended to try it out soon. Like I said I've bookmarked your page to refer back to it next time I try to solder.
I'm beginning to think that maybe there should be a sticky topic in the Tools Forum on soldering so everyone can put in their little tidbits. I've picked up some good pointers just from the input here and this was a thread on a DVD release that may or may not be bad advice.
Cheers, John
@Brain: I like that Q-tip "tip"! I can see how that could easily work like a quil pen and be used to lay down a line of CA vice just small drops for long linear glue joints.
@John: In regards to electrical rosin core solder and flux - I'd suggest that you also use a flux (either paste or liquid) and not depend on the rosin core to ensure good flow. I only mentioned the rosin core solder above because it's easy to source when compared to the more specialty solders.
You might have some luck finding other solders on-line and expanding your search to include "jewelry," "jewler's" and "metalsmithing supplies." The're only so much that the supply houses for the construction (trades) industry will carry. Here's a quick find just searching for "low temp solder":
Shore International I should imagine that someone on your side of the world offers similar supplies for jewelery makers, jewelers, and craft / artist metalsmiths.
I've never used any of the "paste solders" that combine the solder and flux into one compound, so I can't offer any advice or opinions on those.
Finally, in regards to the "Hold 'n Fold," I don't know of any set of instructions or tips that has been compiled to offer step-by-step in making various folds or bends.
I started using PE back in the '80's when "On the Mark Models" came out with the first widely available sets for armor models. At that time, bending tools consisted of metal rulers, flat nose pliars, tweezers and bending jigs hand-ground out of of K&S brass stock. So, when Mission Models released their original Etch-Mate, I'd pretty much "cracked the code" on bending PE and was really just happy to have a tool that simplified clean, long bends for fenders, etc.
I'd submit that the "Hold 'n Fold's" main advantages over the "Etch Mate" (at least IMO) are its very fine bending edges, either the hollow-ground edges or the sharp angled edges. Both of these shapes allow bending beyond 90 degrees. (The "Etch Mate" is still nice for 90 degree bends since its bending edges give you something to bend against.) This allows the "Hold 'n Fold" to make shallow "U" bends where the "Etch Mate" cannot.
Also, use the "Hold 'n Fold's" capability to clamp along its "open" edges and ends and not just over the bending "table." This allows you to make "Z" folds by first making the "L" on one side / end of the part, then allowing the leg of the "L" to hang off the open edge to fold up or down for the second leg of the "Z."
I'd also suggest that the smaller "fingers" are best for bending smaller parts as they give you more visibility, control, and room for your bending tools and levers.
One disadvantage that the "hold 'n Fold" has when compared to the "Etch Mate" is the lack of a "fulcrum" groove along the clamping line. This groove allows the bending lever / tool (usually a razor blade) to forcefully bend against the clamp edge to make sharpe, tight bends. With the "Hold 'n Fold," you must subtitute lateral force from your hands to compensate. On the other hand. I've found that this groove on the "Etch Mate" prevents the clamping of many very small PE parts which will fall into it. So, neither tool is perfect, IMO, but the "Hold 'n Fold" is generally more useful for more folding tasks.
In the end, you really just have to experiment and "mentally pre-bend" most of your PE parts. Also, realize that the bending tool is only one of many tools that you have available, so if there's some simpler, faster, or easier way to bend a part, don't stubornly stick with the bending tool just because.
HTH,
