ModelcraftPTK3030 Plank Bending Tool Kit

Being a builder of wooden ship models I decided to finally give in and buy one of these tools. No more soaking strips of wood in water and then attaching them wet to the frame, with this tool you can apply heat and use the supplied former to get pretty close to most curves you need without the need to soak everything. The application of heat works great on the veneers without the need for soaking but for thicker strakes you will still need to soak them before trying to bend them with this tool to avoid cracking or splitting the strips.The tool heats up reasonable quickly, stays hot and usable for a good 10 minutes after being unplugged, but again I would only be forming veneers if its cooling down and not be trying to form a thicker wooden strip. As with all heat based tools there is a need to be careful about where you use this, the trailing lead can become the unwanted plaything of a curious cat, or small child. The tool comes with a stand, its not the best and if you are struggling for space to work on then yo might need to take care when using the tool that you have enough room to place the tool on its stand so that it doesn't interfere with what you're working on.Also, because it takes a while to fully cool down take care when putting it away that it doesn't scorch or damage anything else because you've put it away before its fully cooled.All in all a great tool and priced well with other tools in this category. If you want a plank bender for one or two projects then this is a great choice that will serve you very well indeed.

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I am using this bending tool with 2mm thick planks which must be soaked for at least 20 minutes before applying heat. The wooden forming block provides a wide range of curves. You must keep the hot iron moving all the time to avoid scorching the wood and remember to rotate it from time to time. Allow 10 minutes for the iron to reach maximum temperature.

This tool is brilliant, shapes planking for model boats perfectly. I have never been so pleased with a product. Easy to use and with included former bends planks to the exact required shape.

Brilliant. Just what’s needed for speedy bend forming without boiling the kettle.

So simple to use, gets up to temperature quickly enough, had no problems with it at all, and would certainly buy again.

Easy to use

slow to charge up and consumes quite a bit.. but make no mistake it will get the job done! had to purchase it as my old one got broken due to misuse, and I'm quite happy with it! the shape is nice and comfortable to work with/ my only down point is really how long it takes to heat up for a quick fix, and the consumption.Overall, I do recommend!