Electric Plank Bender for Hobby Model Ships by Model Shipways - MS7205

Works perfectly

Well made product and a good price

Takes some getting used to ,,but works pretty good

Works like a charm , for bending model ship planks, excellent value.

I've only used this on the planking on my Model Shipways USS Constitution, which I started doing late last year. It worked fine until early last week when it stopped heating up. I took it apart to see if there was a replaceable fuse. There is not. I also could see no visible reason for this to stop working. In a rush to get a replacement, I ordered another one at Amazon. ...then it struck me that all I needed to get back to planking more quickly was to get a replacement soldering iron. Went to Home Depot and got a Weller soldering iron that allowed for the same diameter as on the bulbous end of the Model Shipways Plank Bender. (FYI, it's not the $60ish one with the stand and on/off switch, rather the $30ish one with the halo light ring (60 watt? sorry, I tossed the packaging)) The fit was better than whatever base soldering iron Model Shipways used. and the build in light helps me to remember to shut it off when I'm done using it. You'll need to order this one to get the plank bending bulb insert, but if yours fails like mine did, save yourself some money and shop soldering irons. It helps in this case to go to a brick and mortar store to make sure the hole at the end of the soldering iron accepts the shaft in the plank bender. Oh well, I now have two plank benders. With only 27 strakes to go, I should be good to go.

Good

Exactly what I needed to assist me with my ship.

Quality product arrived on time.

This is great for bending planks on model boats. First soak the plank(s) then apply the heated appliance to the plank using the pre curved formers to match the design for your ship. Once the plank is dry it should set in the curve desired. If worried you can pin the plank to a cork board or similar to retain its shape. The only criticism I have is that you will need an adapter to convert 240 volts to 120 with the requisite SQUARE contacts. Fortunately I procured one from Amazon which arrived the next day. Note that in addition there is an adaptive "spear" to replace the moulding tool for spot fusing metalwork. Some models require representative wire cabling so this is a boon.

I recommend this for model ship plank bending rather than using my wifes clothes iron,

Arrived on time works a treat

Expensive but works well

A gift for a friend who is just starting out on his hobby.