SPA Modeler

Gents, I looked the Net up and down, but fail to find a How-To on bending tiny PE parts to get working hinges for my SS-23 kit. I have Voyager´s "Workable Hinges & Handles Folding Tool", but honestly, I am not impressed. It´s more like a fixing for holding wire, while it´s on you to try to bend the latches of tiny PE hinges around this wire. The wire is flexible, as is the PE part...

Anybody with some information about how such PE hinges can be done without loosing one´s hair?

Hi Thomas!

1) CA the hinges to glass (mating the halves together);

2) Lay the wire; interlock the spurs around the wire (X-Acto blade to bend);

3) Pull the wire down or up so one end is “flush,” then trim the other;

4) Slice the complete hinge free of the glass with a razor blade.

I hope that helps.

- Kari

Bruce, thank you! I tried it as you told me, but unfortunately it didn´t work for me...
After trying to assemble thos ultra-tiny hinges I decided to keep the moulded ones. They look the same or better, and save me some nerves...

Thomas,

Sorry to hear that the system proposed did not help you, though. Perhaps the size of these hinges is a factor for success. I am glad you found an acceptable alternative, and look forward to more of your progress. All the best!

Regarding PE hinges...

Found this site, on "KiwiModeller.Com"

Cool information!

Looks so easy I would want to try it myself ! :-)
But knowing of course that in reality "it ain't that easy"

- Kari

Kari,
I knew this one from your link already. Should work for "larger" hinge parts. But the ones in my Voyager set for the SS-23 are more then tiny, and the comprise one part with one finger, with the second part having two fingers.
I will try again with larger hinges, when I cross their path one day.

Thanks Thomas,

I was thinking you might have known that already, but thought would still make sense to share it, great instructions for bigger hinges !

- Kari