Paper Cylinders Advice?

[drg]

Guys,

I've built three ship models out of paper, but always get frustrated with small diameter tubes (less than say 5mm dia.). Masts are especially difficult.

I usually wrap the part around an appropriately sized micro drill shank, secure along the join with tape and then fill the inside with pva. Pre-curving by rolling over the flat part with a drill shank helps, but the paper often splits when rolled, making consistent results difficult. Multiple pieces of small diameter parts are...tedious.

Does anyone have any tips for this kind of work?

Thanks.

[SCEtoAUX]

It sometimes helps to start with a diameter that is larger than the final diameter wanted. It kind of gives the fibers of the card or paper some memory and reduces the unwanted bends and cracks that sometimes form. Continue using smaller diameters to roll the tube until you get the diameter you want.

If you are going to remove the tube before securing the seam make sure the last rolling is a smaller diameter than the final diameter needed. That helps with some with the spring back you will get.

[KCStephens]

Rolling small diameter tubes can be a challenge.

Before rolling and forming the tube, try softening the paper by brushing on a small amount of regular rubbing alcohol. This will make the paper easy to roll and glue. The alcohol will evaporate off pretty quickly and the paper will again become rigid.

You could also try sanding the back side of the part using a nail file to reduce the thickness of the paper. If its a digital model that you are working with try printing on a lighter weight paper.

[drg]

Thanks guys.

Presumably the rubbing alcohol won't discolour or damage printed ink?

[JohnGay]

A recent tip I came across was to lightly dampen the BACK of the piece before rolling to help it curve rather than crease.
Another tip I've seen promoted was to make holes in scraps of card stock the size of the outside diameter or the tube to slip over the rolled up paper to help keep the shape while the glue dries.