Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections How To Make A Kydex Press? - Homey Gears DIY Primer on How to Get Started Working with KYDEX These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. At this point, yours should still be considerably oversized, like mine is. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. The handle is attached on the top so the you can maneuver it when needed. What the devil is that?!" i can hear a few of you screaming at your monitor. I don't have any foam to sell you today. Kydex does not have a memory, so that once it has cooled; it retains the shape it was molded to fit. They are quite pricey. 15 Kydex press & Holster Making ideas | kydex, holster, kydex holster I hope this article is of some help to those who might be interested in making their own KYDEX sheaths. You can find this stuff on amazon, ebay, knifemaking supply places, even tandy leather has it. Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. This is one side repeat for the other side. Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. In my case, the piece of kydex i was working off was small enough all i really needed to do was cut it in half at the bandsaw. Its cheap, rugged, non-marring of your guns finish, moldable for good retention, smooth for a consistent draw, and does not react to normal temperatures or gun solvents or oils. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. Eyelet Setter. Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. 8 Steps. KYDEX Molding Presses & Kydex Press Foam | Holster Making Press Simply glue the two pieces of sheath making foam to the two pieces of plywood, allow to dry and there you have it. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems. You dont need to invest in special machines to build one of these. It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. This rod will be the base of your press. Easy DIY Vacuum Former : 7 Steps - Instructables Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. You dont need a lot in the way of specialized tools, odds are you already have most of what you need laying around the house. When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. Do you have access to a Black and Decker Workmate? CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. The color and texture. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! Don't worry these are 3" screws I later went back and put in 2 1/2" screws and the no longer stick out. You want the .080 thick stuff, 2. I'm starting to make my own kydex sheaths but standing on the kydex to form it onto the blade isn't producing the results I want. Use your heat gun to heat the KYDEX until it becomes pliable. The secret is to heat it up first. For this I used a belt sander, it removes the burs and can be used for final shaping of the KYDEX. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. You need to be quick and precise when placing the pistol, Kydex, and spacer into the mold, it might take some experimenting, and don't be afraid to re-heat the Kydex in the oven if you didn't get it right the first time. Being a DIY enthusiast, it did not take me long to want to try my hand at molding Kydex. Knowledge Base. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. This is to show proper assembly. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. Fun With KYDEX!!! : 7 Steps - Instructables Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (8x12x1), Vacuum Forming Membrane - Commercial Grade Silicone - (49" Width), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 24), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Xtreme Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Xtreme Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 24), HolsterMolds - Curved Jig - Large Radius - (w/Xtreme Foam), HolsterMolds - Curved Jig - Medium Radius - (w/Xtreme Foam), KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - Press Only, KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - w/Maxx Center Foam, KYDEX Taco Press - (6 x 12) - w/Xtreme Center Foam, Scissortail Custom - Bender Angled Jig (w/Xtreme Foam), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Maxx Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Maxx Form) - (8x12x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Mega Form) - (24 x 3.75 x 1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1.5), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1), Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (24 x 3.75 x 1). But when Im not spending time with my hobby, Im here, writing about Knives and Sharpeners on KnifePulse to share with you what I learn along the way. DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Once youve got that all attached, meet me at the saw! Adding the rivets and using the flaring die is pretty self explanatory just remember when setting the rivets one good tap with the hammer on the flaring die is better than a lot of little taps. [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. It could affect the molding of the kydex. Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. A good kydex sheath will be every bit as functional as a hand-tooled leather sheath, if not as good looking. -------------- Molding the belt clip is simple. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. For longer knives, add a few more. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. Experiment. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! To use this tool, simply heat your thermoplastic material to 300-375 degrees (depending on heating time and oven used). Now, mark out the spots for the rest of the eyelets. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. This process can take a few moments or days, depending on how much you update your creation. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. 1 1/4" Hole saw or drill bit Weather strip Big cardboard box Aluminum foil Caulk Garage Heater Shop Vac Plastic of your choice (ABS, Lexan, Polystyrene.) The best part? Cut the belt slots Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. Now, you should have one bun for the proverbial hamburger. Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. You can buy the presses pre-assembled for a little under $100, or you can do what i did, get some heat-resistant foam and some plywood and make your own. I've taken all of the guesswork out of making these magazine / handcuff combo carriers yourself. (in order to get one formed side and one flat side) Is there a common type of foam or rubber heat resistant that I can pick up at a store? Because Kydex does not have a lot of directions, this process can be tricky. Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. It may not display this or other websites correctly. JavaScript is disabled. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) weve eliminated annoying ads and content. I bet that works great! Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. I also countersunk the screw heads so they are flush with the plywood. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. Thanks for posting. Then, using the knife, spread the leather slightly apart and down until you have created a hollow space where your mold will go. Then, mark where one side of the press meets one edge of the hollow space to create a guide for removing the press later. Leave it in the press for 3 or 4 minutes. What im planning on doing is the following: the problem you may have with putting weight on the mould, or that I've had using clamps is that you only have several seconds before the kydex cools to the point which it will not form well. Thanks BD. That is a gorgeous blade with a really cool handle! This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. Thanks a bunch for the tutorial, Tracy. Assuming both halfs of your sheath look good, lets get them stuck together! Notice the Aluminum is sandwiched between for rigidity. Great info by the way i like your gloveslol. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. Then cover or wrap your item with the heated material (see our video tutorials for examples). How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ You must log in or register to reply here. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press - Bench Model - (8 x 12) | KnifeKits.com i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press . Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". Being a carry permit holder I have a thing for gun holsters, being a big guy, I spend a lot of time baking sure that my holsters are comfortable and work well with the clothing I wear. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! You should also have your Vice/C-Clamps and Foam Press within arms reach. This may seem overly generous, but the materials cheap and while you can always cut some off later, you cant add it. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. Kydex Rotating Knife Sheath : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. 6. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-banner-1-0');But why Kydex? Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. While the back side with the belt loop is fairly flat. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. I leave it there until it softens enough for me to bend it around. Im not going to tell you where to buy a hammer, you know where to find one, 5. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. Homemade Vacuum Press Table | LumberJocks Woodworking Forum (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse 7. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. For making a sheath by using two pieces of KYDEX the process is pretty much the same as above, you just need to be careful during the molding process because the two pieces will want to shift while you are clamping them together. Kit Instructions Pinch Forming Press Forming Vacuum Forming Molding Foams New Products For April Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1.5) $29.95 View Buy The suction will force the material to mold itself around the gun mold. The right foam will be durable enough to withstand the pressure of the press, as well as flexible enough to mold to the shape of your project. You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. It also comes with a 3-piece hardened ram set that will assist with pin flaring and other shop chores (see image). Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. Kydex Press. Get your oven plugged in and all your gear laid out and ready. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. Enough food, back to business. The only thing I could add to this great tutorial is, For some of my smaller knives, I only have foam on the top half of the press. I chose to go with about a 1" spacing along that guideline. Tip To make a holster the Kydex will be heated to 350 degrees and then the gun mold will be placed on the vacuum table and the Kydex placed over it. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. An avid outdoorsman, shooter, fly fisherman and fellow connoisseur of BOSS Coffee! And there you have it! I see the idea of wood vise. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Now that you have 1 side drilled, use some squeezy clamps to clamp the 2 halves together with the knife inserted, to keep everything lined up. Get the stack assembled and get some pressure on it. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. After about ten minutes you can remove the sheath from the mold. Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. Making a Simple Kydex Knife Sheath - Instructables Click here to view the full KYDEX photo set on Flickr. Now that youve got that line laid out, cut to it. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. I love the griddle idea. You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. For one, every knife needs a sheath. Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) - YouTube 0:00 / 6:22 Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) The Bolt and the Beautiful 7.72K subscribers Subscribe 13K. Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press. Dont trim it to the exact size yet. Dont let any of that fool you though, just because its cheap doesnt mean its crap. You can put weights on top to do this, or use clamps to hold it shut. Ditto with the eyelets. It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees. Layer of Kydex. To do this, I place my Kydex sheets on my electric grill. These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. If not, leave it in there longer. Click the Learn More button below for details. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. The way I see it, life's no fun if you take it too seriously. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. What kind of foam for kydex press? | Candle Power Flashlight Forum 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[emailprotected]. More foam. Kydex layer numero dos. I made mine to follow the profile of the knife, pretty easy to do. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. How to Make a Kydex Knife Sheath - IN YOUR KITCHEN Now is the time to add your decorations! The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. I got mine from Tandy Leather. Cut the template 2. After some web searching I came across www.knifekits.com. Building a Kydex press and making a Kydex Sheath Tutorial The order is - 1. Amateur Bladesmith, hobbiest woodworker, and a bloody good cook, Mobile Workshop Sink With Easy DIY Parts Washer. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! Im sure most of the people here know of KYDEX and many of you probably own a KYDEX sheath or holster that was either sold with a blade or purchased for a hand gun. Chosen for its high performance in the fabrication process; not only does it produce more detail in formed parts, it can be used on both sides but of its skin. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Kydex. You'll see our clamps will now be used to apply pressure when using the press. You will love it! You made it so simple and that jsut cleared up all my questions. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). Seal the Kydex. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. This will morph the flat sheets into the shape of the knife. Reply If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above. Not too shabby, eh? Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. At its simplest a Kydex press is a rigid board with a thick piece of foam glued to it as a base, with top made the same way. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSz. 8. If you do, theres a chance your cut will end up too small. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums, http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/CategoryOverview.aspx?cPath=1496.1506, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42494. For those interested in just making a sheath or two, theres no need to purchase an expensive arbor press and other specialty tools, a lot of the work can be done with some tools that you probably already own. Keep the rougher sides on the outside. Kydex needs to be heated up before it becomes pliable enough to shape and mold. Press the Kydex. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. The important thing to note here is that where you put the 2 fasteners closest to the throat, where you insert the knife, changes how well the sheath will retain said knife. But I don't seem to find any cheap ones like the article says. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. I had a few knives that I really liked but loathed the sheaths they were supplied with, so I decided to make my own from KYDEX. or do you have a kydex stater kit.. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. During the molding process, you'll use your hands and fingers to manipulate the hot Kydex. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. "Thermowhatsit? Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. Kydex press (from knifekits.com) Rivet Press (I prefer the hand set tools) The steps to make this holster are: 1. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120. Our Master Series press also comes with (2) Allen wrenches for making press adjustments and securing set screw in tool holder. 1 year ago. If you don't have any, Harbor Freight is an excellent source, 3 inch C clamps are only a few bucks and are extremely useful, Sorry, that should read "doesn't require buying extra materials than what's listed". How do you know where to put the eyelets? If they are open, put something over them to prevent air and water from coming in and out. I have bought most of my supplies from Tracy and he got them to me quick and everything was right. It's difficult to explain how hard you need to press the Kydex. Drill the holes far enough away from the edge of the blade so that when you add the rivets they will not pinch the cutting edge of your knife. Cutting tool (not pictured). Ive seen that. You must log in or register to reply here. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Here are the parts needed. Whats kydex you ask? Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press.Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSzWatch More Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSzFollow Simple Little Life:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplelittleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplelittlFollow Homestead Knives:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsknives/Official Website: www.simplelittlelife.caKnife Store: www.homesteadknives.comWatch More Simple Little Life:Latest Uploads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPJJPopular Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPJJKnife Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aXywDIY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_2eyAbout Simple Little Life:This channel has sort of turned (inadvertently) into a knife making channel. I will in a few weeks. Oh My Hell!!!!!! At the very least i recommend using some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges, they can be a little rough from the saw cut. 9. 5. The majority of holsters I use on a daily basis are either Kydex or combinations of both leather and Kydex. 6 years ago, 1) Probably. Hammer. JavaScript is disabled. I use a $20 Walmart griddle to heat the kydex, its easy and cheap. Either way, they must be the same length! The disk must also be folded over in order for the pressure to apply. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. Nicely done 'ible, very detailed in the process.I have two questions for you:1) Can this be done effectively to a 10 inch blade on the same budget?
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