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Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1894 |
| Messages | 8730 |
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| Subject: | Re: Tool Clasps construction |  |
| Date: | Jun 22, 2006 |
| From: | John Martin | |
Gary
Am currently working on a DML early Jagdpanther with the Voyager photoetch set.
Are you using a photoetch folding tool - Hold-and-fold, Etchmate, etc? That is helpful, but to be honest, I use a pair of smooth-faced bull-nose pliers for the clamps.
First, I arch the outside, hinged piece - often I use the handle of an Xacto knife. Set that piece aside. Next, fold one side of the welded base to 90 degrees. The opposite side I fold to about 45 degrees.
Now comes the tricky part. I use strong (not fine tipped) tweezers - insert the hinged piece into the hole on the 90 degree side of the base. While holding it there with one hand, use the tweezers to pinch the 45 degree to 90 degrees. It is critical to trap the opposite side in the hole. Do not pinch too hard or you can guess the mess you will make of both pieces.
Suggestion: I do not pinch the one side all the way to 90 degrees in one action. The first pinch just get the hinged piece stable so it will not fall out. Then come from the underside of the base and squeeze gently until the sides of the base are parallel and trap the hinge plate.
Suggestion: I have used double-sided tape to hold the clamp base from sliding around while pinching - a drop of thinner will release the glue and the completed clamp.
It works for me and trust it will work for you and others.
Can you be a bit more specific on the fenders? I have noted that each manufacturer makes the distance between fender supports different so you cannot use an Aber side armor set with the Voyager fenders. Other than that I had no problems with my fenders. I take a very small, paper-thin piece of brass soldered under each fender panel and make a continuous length for each side. Then I glue on each end (fore and aft), glue on the fender and then the supports inbetween the ends for a razor sharp fender line. Alternatively, have soldered up the whole fender, then attached to the vehicle.
Hope this helps.
John |
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