how to make a kydex press

Once youve got that all attached, meet me at the saw! I went a little more complicated, as I put a set of hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. 2. They also supply tools, instructional books and all the hardware needed to complete just about any KYDEX related DIY project. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. (For a taco sheath: do the same thing, but put the Kydex on the press, place the blade on the Kydex, and fold the Kydex over the knife so that the crease very closely follows the spine of the blade.) Assuming all went well in the dry run, now for the wet run, which involves no water. Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. All Rights Reserved. If you want to experiment with kydex you need a kydex press like all my projects, I wanted something cheap and simple to test out before I invested in quality tools this posts kydex press is just such a tool. Kydex Press. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. I apologize for the poor video quality, this was done with m. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. If they are open, put something over them to prevent air and water from coming in and out. I've taken all of the guesswork out of making these magazine / handcuff combo carriers yourself. Awesome Instructable! Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. Sometimes referred to as a "fold-over" or "1-piece" holster, the taco-style holster and/or taco knife sheath is one of the simplest and most versatile holster designs in the business. 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. Its a lot easier than most people think. I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. You want the .080 thick stuff, 2. So take scissors or a cutter and remove all the excess Kydex. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. 3. Without it, your Kydex may get deformed. Now, you should have one bun for the proverbial hamburger. Here they are: I do not. The order is - 1. "Thermowhatsit? Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. Leave it in the press for 3 or 4 minutes. Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. Cut the belt slots If you are using an armored leather such as Kydex or a more rugged leather such as tup Olive Dras then it is recommended that the leather is thicker to provide more support. i can hear a few of you screaming at your monitor. After about ten minutes you can remove the sheath from the mold. At the very least i recommend using some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges, they can be a little rough from the saw cut. 5. This is reasonably low compared to average cooking and is intended to make the Kydex easier to handle sooner post-heating. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. 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. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. 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. 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. The pressing force is created by the two press wings and fixed in position by an optional 12 . First off, stop screaming, youre freaking out the neighbors. It's not about the money, it's about getting the most value from the work I do to improving the life of my family.Some preparedness, DIY, building quality things with your hands, guns, gear, and outdoor exploration. They are quite pricey. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). 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) Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. 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 should also have your Vice/C-Clamps and Foam Press within arms reach. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. Trim the leather 8. So, why kydex? Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? Luckily, we have a few tips to make your second press perfect! i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. Alright, youve got 2 halves now, time to stick em together to make a whole! So cut two pieces a little bigger than the blade itself. Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. Also, by being connected, it gives me more leverage for clamping. But before you do this, make sure you tape your blade with masking tape first. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. Once the Kydex is formed, you can add your patterns or decorations! Dont trim it to the exact size yet. Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. If I was making a press for larger items like gun holsters I would make modifications. If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. 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. 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. I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. Here is the bottom. Built your press, and bought a griddle. 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. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. 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. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Thanks for posting. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. And there you have it! Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. The majority of holsters I use on a daily basis are either Kydex or combinations of both leather and Kydex. Kydex is especially pliable while heated. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. Seriously, youre done. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. The handle is attached on the top so the you can maneuver it when needed. This is to show proper assembly. Whats kydex you ask? 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. 8-8 Eyelets. Cut the template 2. Shape the kydex 5. Moving up to a 10 inch blade doesn't really require extra materials, just a little extra work, 2) Sitting on it would work, if you had 10 or 15 minutes to kill. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. Place your leather in the hollow space and wrap it securely in place with more leather. It works, just not that great. Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. To form this stuff, use a paint remover heat gun, around $20. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . 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. 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). 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. Drilling the belt clip. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Make your own Adjustable Kydex Magazine / Handcuff Combo Carrier. As a completely optional step, use a felt wheel or loose cotton wheel with some white compound to give a little polish to the edges. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. This may seem overly generous, but the materials cheap and while you can always cut some off later, you cant add it. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. Usually grips over a larger surface area than a regular viseyou want that to put as even pressure as possible over the length of the sheath. You have almost everything you need to make this in your house! Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. Now that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. Then, using the knife, spread the leather slightly apart and down until you have created a hollow space where your mold will go. These not only allow you to carry your knife wherever you go, but they also protect the steel from the elements.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Unfortunately, not all knives come with sheaths. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. The disk must also be folded over in order for the pressure to apply. 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.) After 10ish or so minutes, the kydex should be cool and holding its shape, which should be the shape of the knife with a fair degree of detail. I have bought most of my supplies from Tracy and he got them to me quick and everything was right. Book could work, if you have a lot of them. So, what do we need for this, youre probably asking. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. When it comes to creating custom holsters and sheaths, finding the best foam for your kydex press is essential. I want the special protective taped index finger and thumb vent kind . Not too shabby, eh? This process can take a few moments or days, depending on how much you update your creation. Especially on a behind-the-back sheath, it's a good idea to have wider lips because you can't see to sheath. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. Consult the pictures for more detail on how it should look. 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. For longer knives, add a few more. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. Can a 7-Year-Old Vehicle Bag Stand Up to Texas Heat? 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. JavaScript is disabled. Keep the rougher sides on the outside. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! You may want to move to a higher grit paper to smooth off the edge, you can also buff the edge just by rubbing it on your jeans. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. Before we get into the how, let me first answer the why. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. This is one side repeat for the other side. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. Standing head and shoulders above all Im James, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Reply 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. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. 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. When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. If it doesnt, increase the heat to 275, wait 10 more minutes and try again. Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. Get your oven plugged in and all your gear laid out and ready. This impression wasn't all that crisp. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. To do this, bore holes around the blade. How do you know where to put the eyelets? To do this, I place my Kydex sheets on my electric grill. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. Does it make my butt look big? Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. This only takes 30 seconds. Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. Really though, I recommend clamps. boy you made that look easy. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . Once you press, keep it that way for about 10 minutes. You are using an out of date browser. 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.

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