Scale Model Basics: Dos and don'ts with photo-etched metal parts

[@paulsawyer2326]

Very helpful tips. Using the sticky note tip was the best one. I would never have thought of that.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@69bird3]

Great video! Inexpensive diamond needle files work great for sanding the nubs off PE parts. They remove material on the forward and back stroke and won't snag and bend the PE part like steel files can.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you! And your file comment is right on.

[@douglasstreet7304]

I'm glad you left that blooper in the video, we've ALL been there. Good tips too.

[@bobrivett7645]

Very nice, realy the pick up tip with tooth pick an blue tac. Keep these tips coming FSM, its great ti share the know how.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

More to come!

[@danknispel4588]

Gotta thank you.. there were a couple of really great tips that I'd never heard of (like the post-it note) and will now be using.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Awesome! Glad we could help!

[@charleswillis2509]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@PartsTreeC]

That ziplock bag is a great tip that I will use for clipping plastic parts too

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Excellent! Glad to help.

[@trekguy66]

Great tips, especially for those that enjoy building those Metal Earth kits.

[@discordian23]

Good stuff. I do about all of that. But my pain is attaching PE to PE. Especially the stuff that can’t be soldered.

[@MattFaneuf]

Thank you I’ve just gotten a few kits with pe and have been looking for some tips!! You did that.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You're welcome!

[@dariosmodelbuilds]

I have yet to tackle a model with PE but look forward to trying one someday (soon I hope), Those are all EXCELLENT tips and address the issues I hear people complaining about PE. Thanks!

[@PlasticImaginationWorkshop]

Another great video! I didn't know you could use liquid model cement on these parts, so I learned a valuable tip today-thank you. I've always relied on super glue or clear varnish. By the way, if you're looking for a fun addition to your modeling gear, don't forget to check out the 'Don't Feed the Carpet Monster!' T-shirt in my online shop! (Shameless plug, I know!) 😜 Have a great weekend! -David

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Simple tutorial, great tips! 👍 I prefer epoxies for attaching pe, more working time and doesn't become brittle, like cyano.

[@rcrawford42]

I've been using E6000 to attach larger parts like metal barrels. I may try it on some PE as well. It claims to adhere to any material, and while it was originally a construction adhesive, it comes in "hobby sized" tube now.

[@RESlusher]

Good stuff, Aaron! Thanks for sharing!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcooke2559]

Very nice tips on using photo etch parts. Thanks for sharing.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you. You're welcome!

[@scottbuildsthemall5124]

Great tips Aaron! I personally prefer the Xuron PE nippers as I have little or no clean-up afterwards on the removed parts. I have also recently come to appreciate Ammo by Mig Ultra Glue for attaching PE parts as it allows some time for positioning and will not fog clear parts nearby.

[@patrickcamp8076]

Thank you Aaron. The sticky area of Post-It notes are good for placing your removed parts as well. The pesky things otherwise have a tendency to get lost if you just leave them on your work area. I like Ultra-Glue for attaching PE - especially if there is a good amount of surface to glue. It's easier to position the part and then clean off any surplus glue with a paint brush.

[@BigFred1925]

As usual, great tips.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad you like them!

[@MorrowindES17]

Thank you for the advice wasn't going to start my first PE kit with out learning about them first.

[@joesanchez979]

Great tips😊

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks! 😊

[@LucaBignone]

I found this video/tutorial very interesting and useful. I was wondering if you have already done one on how to cut, mask and paint vac-u-form clears or possibly if you could post one on this topic. Thank you and forgive my bad English.

[@CarlosTorres-ow9qr]

Thanks for those tips appreciate it

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Happy to help!

[@harveykeeler2661]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Our pleasure!

[@ChadTruss]

Very good information, Aaron. I always struggle with PE.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks, Chad!

[@dach829]

2:44 bag trick os great

[@jravelo2]

Good thing i've gotten over my fear of PE, thry aren't that dreadful, just need a little more patience due to butterfingers lol. Oh and that shirt rocks!

[@flightis3dollars]

Good tips.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad you think so!

[@jamesbr8704]

The Sailor Moon shirt is fire!!!

[@itsafroggytime]

thank you for the tips! (also i love your sailor moon shirt :)) )

[@donvnielsen]

👍👍 Space 1999 Eagle model in background.

[@dk-bw4gk]

Pro tip: I'm not a pro but here's a tip. You guys that have ladies getting their nails done, get the files. They can't legally reuse them for sanitary reasons and they will gladly give them to you. They usually have two grits on each side and you can cut them too whatever shape you want.

[@ericjohnson8364]

Great tips

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnathan133]

Instead of sanding you can also use a metal etching primer. Mr Metal Primer, Tamiya Metal primer, and others.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Definitely another route you can take. Good share!

[@JosephSuskin]

Vinegar etches the PE helps glue better

[@Eugene-t6v]

I also use vinegar to wash the p/e

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Also a viable option.

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

The whole reason i got really good with replicating parts is using tweezers with photoetch.😂

[@RedViking2020]

What is lacquer thinner? Is that the same as crylic thinners or the acrylic lacquer paint thinner aka Tamiya or Mr.Hobby?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You can get lacquer thinner at your local hardware store. Every brand has its own proprietary mix, but basically it is a paint thinner/stripper that can dissolve paints up to and including lacquers.

[@rcrawford42]

There are wax pencils that are good for picking up small parts. The room can't be too cool, though, because the wax has to be soft to be tacky. The biggest problem I have is with essential tremors -- involuntary shaking of my dominant hand caused by an inherited nervous disorder. Any advice on how to place PE parts more accurately with this condition would be welcome.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

A wax pencil will work, too, and we definitely employ them around the FSM workshop. As for your tremors, a lot of modelers suffer from hand shakes, so it is not as uncommon as some people may think. There are a couple of things you can do: First, do not place your PE part while holding the model in one hand and your wax pencil/tweezers in the other. Make sure the model is positioned on a stable surface and the only thing moving is the tool with the PE part. Second, try to get the most comfortable angle for placing the PE part. If you're uncomfortable--twisted, contorted, hunched, etc.--you're going to tire quicker and be more stressed, which will exacerbate your tremor. Third, use your free hand to steady the hand you're holding the tool and part with. This could mean cupping your hand/wrist with your free hand or using your free hand as a guide near the end of the tool where you're going to place the part. Fourth, use a rest for the hand holding the tool. This can be as simple as a rolled hand or body towel on your workbench surface, or, if you need more height, a block of wood with pad or rolled towel on top of it. Hope these suggestions help!

[@brianhanson9367]

Looked like parts from USS texas

[@brianhanson9367]

Cut pe parts on a thick piece of tempered glass.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

That works, too, but anything hard should prevent deformation.

[@PiperStart]

3.06 ... file, not sand.

[@charleshenderson-j1s]

I bet you lose pieces

[@paulreichelt1259]

I must be tired but Aaron's accent sounds American and Australian lol.....i am tired..

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You are not tired ... it is both Australian and American.

[@shawnshuler2286]

Sticky note tip is BRILLIANT!! Why didn't I know that?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you!

[@martinaalderink7773]

And now an episode about repairing/shaping babbitt metal parts that come deformed. I learned some the hard way. For thin parts, a lighter is enough for example.