DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. How To Mold Kydex Holster - MoldProTips.com I was not real sure about the hinge part but that is a simple awesome way. The heated Kydex is wrapped around whatever it will sheathe, and then sandwiched between the two pieces and then clamped or weighted heavily until the plastic cools. Since the padding touching the hot kydex has "give", you want as large a surface area of pressure that you can get so that you have as much force against the entire area of the sheath without crushing anything. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! -------------- 8. Please do not put any dangerous materials in your Kydex due to the risk of fire or burn formation. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. The order is -. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. Duh. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. While the back side with the belt loop is fairly flat. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Foam Layer. (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? The handle is attached on the top so the you can maneuver it when needed. 3. I made my own press out of a few hunks of 3/4" plywood ,I purchased a couple of big hinges I attached the hinges to one end and I use a fast close clamp for woodworking. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. If its a large knife I would recommend using two pieces of KYDEX riveted together on each side of the blade to allow for more stable mounting options, but for medium and small knives one piece of KYDEX wrapped around the blade is sufficient. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. You need to heat Kydex using a home oven or heat gun before you can begin to mold it to whatever shape you choose. Then take your eyelet, eyelet setter, and hammer, and get to work. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). I got mine from Tandy Leather. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. Easy DIY Vacuum Former : 7 Steps - Instructables Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. Normally I find the oven works best to begin the project, and I use a heat gun to spot heat for adjustments. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. 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. Yeah, I know! Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. The secret is to heat it up first. Do you have access to a Black and Decker Workmate? I apologize for the poor video quality, this was done with m. These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. Instead, Im going to teach you how to make your very own Kydex sheath. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. Once your Kydex is sealed, all theres left to do is trim it. Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? You need something to cut the kydex. Time to mold! Great info by the way i like your gloveslol. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. Assuming all went well in the dry run, now for the wet run, which involves no water. Step 1: Tools and Materials. Our Master Series press also comes with (2) Allen wrenches for making press adjustments and securing set screw in tool holder. The lid is clamped shut and the vacuum turned on. Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. How to Build a Homemade Kydex Press | Tennessee Gun 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. Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. The Black and Decker Workmate is my workaroundnot a wood vise, per se; but it has the length, at least; and you can augment that with 2x4s for surface area. Youve now got a very functional knife sheath, ready for whatever you can throw at it. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. I voted for you I think. However, what makes Kydex so useful is that unlike plastics, Kydex doesnt off gas toxic fumes at forming temperatures. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. The finished product!!! Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) You can find this stuff on amazon, ebay, knifemaking supply places, even tandy leather has it. 2. Leather/Kydex Holster : 10 Steps - Instructables 5. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Press the Kydex. What do you think? 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. Holster Making Presses & Forming Supplies | KYDEX Molding Press The materials are pretty simple for this kydex press. Thanks for posting. Enough food, back to business. How do you know where to put the eyelets? If you were to drill all the holes at once, you run the risk of mis-drilling a hole and messing everything up. 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.) Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. One hole is quite a bit larger. The heated Kydex is wrapped around whatever it will sheathe, and then sandwiched between the two pieces and then clamped or weighted heavily until the plastic cools. Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');To make a Kydex sheath, you will need: With these, you are ready to start making your Kydex sheath. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. A kydex press is a great way to make some extra money as a skilled make-yourselfkydex sheaths. Rough-cut the leather 6. 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). How to Make a Kydex Knife Sheath - IN YOUR KITCHEN The way I see it, life's no fun if you take it too seriously. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. More foam. 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. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. See more ideas about kydex, holster, kydex holster. Being a DIY enthusiast, it did not take me long to want to try my hand at molding Kydex. No issues, heat it back up and try again, kydex is awesome like that! The order is - 1. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. Bottom press board. I like doing this one half at a time, just to make sure everything lines up properly. There are several options for MOLLE or belt mounting hardware including making your own out of another piece of KYDEX, this is where the Chicago screws can come in handy. Kydex layer numero dos. Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. 1 year ago. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. Molding the belt clip is simple. Trim the leather 8. Thanks a bunch for the tutorial, Tracy. Great tutorial Tracy!!! For the wrap around style of sheath first lay your knife flat on the KYDEX about one inch from the edge and roll the knife over once then add another inch, this will give you the proper width of KYDEX to fully wrap around the blade and should leave you with some extra screw up material. There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself. *saw/sander/grinder *drill *Kydex sheet *sharpie marker Ask Question Step 2: Preparation. So take scissors or a cutter and remove all the excess Kydex. Go cut another just like it, and meet me at the next step, Now for the fun part, making the flat sheet of kydex fit your knife. Scribe a line around the outline of the knife, with about a 1/4" offset, like the picture. Simple DIY Kydex Press - YouTube This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material. Standing head and shoulders above all Im James, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. When you press the tip of the knife into the kydex, it should be grinded to a point. Our KYDEX press foams are used in every level of holster making, from professional kydex presses all the the way to DIY kydex presses, and even homemade kydex press designs. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. 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. Click here to view the full KYDEX photo set on Flickr. Share it with us! Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. 9. This is one side repeat for the other side. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. 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. What is a cheap wood vise? First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. With a utility knife and straight edge (two tools that I forgot to mention above), score the KYDEX and snap it off. Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. The KYDEX Taco Press | 1-Piece Holster Presses and Thermoform M You could substitute rivets if you like, i like eyelets because they allow easy attachment of belt clips, lanyards, etc. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! I have had the wood cut the foam bought and have been going to make one of these for months now but have been kinda stuck on how to put it all togethor. The plywood will do that to a certain extent; however, if you have all of the pressure on one spot at the point where a narrow vice's jaws meet, you could have quite a bit less pressure the farther away from the meeting point. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. You are using an out of date browser. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. 8 Steps. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany Work on one eyelet at a time. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. Now, im making what im going to call a 'hamburger' style sheath, theres a layer of kydex (bun), the knife (patty), then another layer of kydex (other bun). Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! Seal the Kydex. Either way, you need some way to squish the kydex to shape, 6. To form this stuff, use a paint remover heat gun, around $20. And there you have it! Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSz. This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. Hole-making device. Knife. Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. Heat it on high setting moving the heat gun constantly. I hope this article is of some help to those who might be interested in making their own KYDEX sheaths. I don't have any foam to sell you today. Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. The flaring dies and sheath making foam can be found at knifekits.com, but all other tools (and hardware below) can be found at a hardware store. This is one side repeat for the other side. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. 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 Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. *razor knife *oven/heat gun *foam padding (medium stiff) *large, flat, stiff object (book, board, etc.) You should make a YouTube video. 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? To make a kydex sheath you really only need 7 ingredients: A section of Kydex sheeting Some rivets and rivet punch A Belt fastener (for carrying your knife on a belt) An oven or toaster oven A drill with some bits Hobby saw or Band Saw A foam press for pressure molding the heated/soft kydex around your knife (homemade) Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Youll also need a 1/4 drill bit, preferably a brad point bit. 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". Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. Whelp, its a short list: 1. I want the special protective taped index finger and thumb vent kind . I bet that works great! Attach the leather 7. Now that you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source.