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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: phil2015 on March 01, 2021, 11:15:05 PM

Title: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: phil2015 on March 01, 2021, 11:15:05 PM

I'm working on an  Eduard Alb DIII 1/48.  It comes with photo-etch cooling jackets for the machine guns.  I'm wondering how best to bend them to make them absolutely round.  Any tips?  Once I get them in shape I'd like to solder them to hold them, but to do that I need some good way to hold them without distorting them.  But perhaps there is a better way to complete the join.

Thanks,
Phil

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: RLWP on March 01, 2021, 11:17:12 PM

I roller then around the shank of a drill. If you are careful, you can roll them on a cutting mat with the drill inside - I don't always get away with that!

Don't bother soldering them, you'll end up with solder in the holes. Just stick them on the gun body

Richard

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: Bughunter on March 02, 2021, 06:32:13 AM

I have a box of very cheap HSS drills from 0.4mm to 3.2mm in 0.1mm steps (ebay). The drills are bad and unusable, but the shafts are great for those tasks. And you will always have the right size 8)

Cheers,
Frank

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: phil2015 on March 02, 2021, 08:24:46 AM

Thanks, folks.

Should I anneal first?  Do you just bend it around with your fingers?  I have rolled PE on a mouse pad before with mixed results.

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: WD on March 02, 2021, 11:00:47 AM

Phil,
       In the past, I've annealed them over a flame, and then rolled them with a drill bit over something that has some give to it. I had a piece of styrofoam, but currently I'm using a strip cut off from an old mouse pad to do this.

HTH!

WD

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: phil2015 on March 02, 2021, 11:16:48 AM

Thanks to everyone.  All of your input has helped.  All additional input welcomed.

I guess the bigger picture question is whether springing for the gaspatch resin guns are an even better option?

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: Alexis on March 02, 2021, 11:45:44 AM

Yes , the Gaspatch sets are worth it going towards any build .  ;)

Alexis

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: Dave J on March 03, 2021, 05:08:40 AM

If your rolling 32nd scale Barrels there is a tool on the WNW Sprues for this.

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: gcn on March 03, 2021, 05:40:05 AM

Bend using tool of choice.

Try and assemble the gun

End up with flat spots and a dogs dinner

Buy pre made ones from Master models

That’s my usual checklist.

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: phil2015 on March 04, 2021, 06:03:29 AM

Thanks for the master models tip.  Those look nice!

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: RLWP on March 04, 2021, 07:08:23 AM

Quote from: gcn on March 03, 2021, 05:40:05 AM

Bend using tool of choice.

Try and assemble the gun

End up with flat spots and a dogs dinner

Buy pre made ones from Master models Gaspatch

That’s my usual checklist.

Your amended checklist is my usual method...

Richard

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: Berman on March 04, 2021, 11:37:20 PM

 As an alternative Karaya sells pre-formed photoetched jackets along with other details in both 1/48th and 1/32nd scale. I assume his and Master Barrel's equipment, on a smaller scale, is similar to the multi stage method used by tube manufacturers to form tubes from flat stock before the welding and grinding process.

Title: Re: bending MG metal cooling jackets
Post by: phil2015 on March 05, 2021, 11:18:19 PM

Another great pointer!  Looks like we are spoiled for choice here.