Mission Models
Etch Mate 3C Photo Etch Bending Tool
Stock Number: MIO-21
Reviewed By  James Kelley, IPMS# 42106
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MSRP: $59.99
Available direct from Mission Models (www.missionmodels.com) .

(blíng):"Bling bling" (usually shortened to "bling") is a hip hop slang which refers to expensive jewelry and other accoutrements, and also to an entire lifestyle built around excess spending and ostentation. In its essence, the term refers to the exterior manifestation of one's interior state of character, normally displayed through various forms of visual stimuli.
I love bling. Really. I'm all about the stuff. No, not the kind you're rolling your eyes about. Stop it! I mean Modeler's Bling … you know, Photoetch detail sets! I've actually bought kits just so I had something to put the "Gotta Have" PE set I bought for no reason into. Or onto. Or get around to! God, I need help…!

Mission Models, of Burbank, California has made a name for themselves over the past few years with competitive pricing, selection, customer service, and a handy little tool called the "Etchmate". Essentially a miniature bending brake, the Etchmate made the often tedious task of adding photoetch detail parts to modeling projects something that even modelers with little experience could be comfortable with. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the original Etchmate set the standard for photo-etch detail parts management. It caught on quickly, and led to other items by Mission Models such as the "Grabhandler", the "Microchisel", and so forth. Their newest addition to the AMS-afflicted modeler's armamentarium is the "Etchmate 3C".

Based on the concept of the Etchmate, the "-3C" is a step forward in technology and ease of use. No longer cast in aluminum, the Etchmate 3C is a blend of composite materials that to the unaided eye appears to be plastic-like. But rest assured it's not. When picked up and held, the Etchmate 3C is clearly comprised of a tough, rugged, and very light material that will, with proper care, last a lifetime. Mission Models backs up their outstanding line of tools with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects, and the -3C is no exception.

Made in a light grey color, the 6-1/2" x 3-1/2" working "deck" is wide open for unimpeded photo-etch bending nirvana. When re-designed, the -3C had incorporated into it several features that the original did not have:
· New shape upper folding head with outboard adjustable clamp knobs
· New high tech composite material replaces low-tech aluminum
· Exclusive folding channel
· 360-degree reversible spring-loaded folding head
· Non-reflective surface
· 6-1/2 x 3-1/2 unobstructed work surface
· Pre-assembled, with folding blade and instructions
· Create straight square foolproof folds each and every time.
· Quick efficient photo etch alignment
· All surfaces utilized for folding
· Excellent for all aspects of scale modeling
· Only one size needed for all scales
· Lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects!
· 100% made in the USA.

The heart of the tool, the "foot" that holds the parts, is precision-seated along the posterior aspect of the deck, with six differently sized "fingers" that should accommodate any scale parts. [review image] [review image] For the larger, or rather longer parts, such as armored AFV fenders or skirts, ship railings, ladders, and the like (re-released Natter launch tower, anyone?!) simply unscrew the two smaller thumbscrews on either end and the larger middle thumbscrew, lift the entire foot up and off, rotate 180-deg, and replace on the mounting bars. Re-tighten the thumbscrews, and you've got a 6" long bending brake! When working with smaller parts singly, the middle thumbscrew is often the only one that need be loosened; the two end ones are more for "fine tuning" the holding pressure of the "foot" for extra holding stability.

[review image] Also new to the new Etchmate 3C is the "V-shaped channel". Running along the entire length of the work deck, immediately in front of the "foot's" edge, the "channel" exists to accept the blade edge of the "Safety Blades" included with the tool. [review image] The three safety blades are bright orange, designed to contrast with the matte grey work deck. They appear to be made of a nylon-type material, and are shaped like razor blades. Three different sizes make them compatible with all scales and sizes of photoetch parts. On each blade the trademarked "Mission Models" is molded in raised letters. Although tiny, the letters are raised enough to catch on most parts, so make sure that you have that side of the blades facing down towards the deck when you slip it under the part to be bent.

Once the part is securely under the foot where you want it to bend, the modeler need only to slide the fine edge of the blade under the part, and slowly bend it about 45-deg up … at this point, the 'Blade's edge should be securely seated in the channel, providing an extra measure of insurance that the bend will be perfect, every time, as there is little to no chance of the levering blade edge slipping or sliding out of place. A very simple, yet highly thoughtful and effective engineering!
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The accompanying photos show just how effective the Etchmate 3C is, and how simple it is to use. Having built several of the excellent DML 1:35 range of AFV kits, I now have an envelope full of unused photoetch parts. These are what I used in the photos for demonstrative purposes. With a price tag of $59.95, this tool, like any other quality, precision-made tool, should be considered an investment. And it's an investment that any modeler, who intends to stick with the hobby, and to use photoetch detailing in any amount, shouldn't be without. And for those modelers, such as me, who are hopelessly pathologic about scale modeling and buy kits to go with the cool new Eduard PE detail set I had to have … you deserve one. Go head, order it … you know you want to …. And be all about the bling … Peace, out!

I highly recommend this tool without any reservations whatsoever. My thanks to IPMS/USA and Mission Models of Burbank, California, USA for allowing me to review this outstanding precision tool.
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