bending MG metal cooling jackets

[phil2015]

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

[RLWP]

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

[Bughunter]

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

Cheers,
Frank

[phil2015]

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.

[WD]

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

[phil2015]

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?

[Alexis]

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

Alexis

[Dave J]

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

[gcn]

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.

[phil2015]

Thanks for the master models tip.  Those look nice!

[RLWP]

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

[Berman]

 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.

[phil2015]

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