how to make a kydex press

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". what kind of foam and where can i get it. Takes some time for the kydex to cool, the foam is a good insulator. Heat it on high setting moving the heat gun constantly. There are some sites that list these colors so that you can find ones that work for you. (no stitching required, I suck at that.) If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". During the molding process, you'll use your hands and fingers to manipulate the hot Kydex. If I was making a press for larger items like gun holsters I would make modifications. Rough-cut the leather 6. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. Dont let any of that fool you though, just because its cheap doesnt mean its crap. I made mine to follow the profile of the knife, pretty easy to do. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. 2. Did you make this project? Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. Please do not put any dangerous materials in your Kydex due to the risk of fire or burn formation. Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. 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. Its a lot easier than most people think. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives. Attach the leather 7. Pinch Forming Press Forming Vacuum Forming Molding Foams New Products For April Thermoform Molding Foam For KYDEX Holster Making - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1) $19.95 View Buy Basic Knife History Hole-making device. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. 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. Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. These substances could damage the Kydex and cause it to collapse upon itself. You want the .080 thick stuff, 2. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. 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? 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. The kydex really fits this knife's style quite well! Really though, I recommend clamps. The Aluminum is acting as a skeleton and giving structural support. When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. Cut the belt slots The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. The tape will give a little breathing room for your knife in the finished product. Most people use either an oven or a heat gun. 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. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. Because i said so. You see? However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. 6 years ago, 1) Probably. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. You should make a YouTube video. This to say, the outside of the sheath will have all the curves. Kydex. Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications, Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections, Consider the Three Ps Before Packing for Your Next Trip, Hack Saw or Coping Saw, a band saw would be ideal, Vice or other type of clamps that you can tighten down, Two pieces of plywood, 12 x 12 square should be sufficient for most knife sheath projects, KYDEX sheeting, different sizes and thicknesses are available, Rivets get the proper size for the KYDEX you intend to use. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. It also comes with a 3-piece hardened ram set that will assist with pin flaring and other shop chores (see image). Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. If you're not careful, you might end up scorching more than just the plastic. DIY Primer on How to Get Started Working with KYDEX - ITS Tactical The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation What to Keep in Your Aid Bag Can a 7-Year-Old Vehicle Bag Stand Up to Texas Heat? Check that the blade is secure but not overly difficult to remove from the sheath, remember that the sheath will tighten up when you add the rivets. JavaScript is disabled. Not too shabby, eh? Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! 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. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. An avid outdoorsman, shooter, fly fisherman and fellow connoisseur of BOSS Coffee! 1 year ago. Great info by the way i like your gloveslol. Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source. I apologize for the poor video quality, this was done with m. I have bought most of my supplies from Tracy and he got them to me quick and everything was right. At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. Instead, find another way to make custom kydex sheaths! Use a couple squeezy clamps to hold the 2 halves together, then move them to different spots on the sheath until you find the ideal point for blade retention. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Once youve got that all attached, meet me at the saw! Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! Bend the wings 9. I got mine from Tandy Leather. Book could work, if you have a lot of them. Click the Learn More button below for details. Work on one eyelet at a time. Here are the parts needed. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). This rod will be the base of your press. 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. 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. JavaScript is disabled. 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. It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. Double up a couple layers and glue them to some boards. going to build that tomorrow. 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. This may seem overly generous, but the materials cheap and while you can always cut some off later, you cant add it. (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? 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. I love the griddle idea. 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. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. Insert an eyelet in that hole, secure it (the eyelet setting tool should com with instructions, if not Tandy has an excellent video) then drill a second hole. 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. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. Being a DIY enthusiast, it did not take me long to want to try my hand at molding Kydex. They offer KYDEX in various colors and thicknesses. These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. With the KYDEX still hot, sandwich the knife between the two foam molds and clamp the entire unit down tight. How do you know where to put the eyelets? Do the gloves come free with purchase?,.. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. You made it so simple and that jsut cleared up all my questions. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. Seal the Kydex. KYDEX is a forgiving material, should you have any screw ups during the molding process you can always reheat and try again. Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. Now, with the exception of the first 2 by the throat, the eyelet position really doesnt matter, just make it look good. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. More foam. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. I was not real sure about the hinge part but that is a simple awesome way. Best damn advice I've gotten for kydex. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Kydex press (from knifekits.com) Rivet Press (I prefer the hand set tools) The steps to make this holster are: 1. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Ditto with the eyelets. 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? Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press. This is one side repeat for the other side. Knife Terminology There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself. Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. This impression wasn't all that crisp. 8 Steps. 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. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. I bet that works great! What You Need To Craft Your Own Kydex Sheath, link to Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives, link to Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. Make sure it is the same size and thickness as the first one! You have almost everything you need to make this in your house! This is a short how to article for anyone interested in working with KYDEX. Assuming all went well in the dry run, now for the wet run, which involves no water. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. These two suggestions may not apply to all wallets, but we will discuss them here! All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Get the stack assembled and get some pressure on it. If they are open, put something over them to prevent air and water from coming in and out. Here are the parts needed. Now walk away and let it cool. Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. 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. You will use this wood to brace your kydex sheet against when pressing the release button on your wallet or card. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. If not, leave it in there longer. You must take care of your new investment to keep it working, so do not purchase one if you do not intend to use it regularly! I had lost some heat taking pictures but it will work just fine. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. 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. Take your piece of KYDEX and lay it flat on a work bench. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. This time around, im going to show you how to make a basic sheath from a material called kydex, so you actually have a place to store your stabby new toy. Either way, they must be the same length! What is a cheap wood vise? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Now that you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. When the KYDEX is sufficiently pliable, lay your knife on the surface with the spine of the blade in the center then fold the KYDEX over the blade. 8. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. 9. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. That is no surprise when you look at the benefits of Kydex. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. Shape the kydex 5. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. With a utility knife and straight edge (two tools that I forgot to mention above), score the KYDEX and snap it off. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knifepulse_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-leader-1-0');Remember, this is a rough cut. Instead, Im going to teach you how to make your very own Kydex sheath. 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. Whelp, its a short list: 1. Now that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. The suction will force the material to mold itself around the gun mold. Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. I need to make a simple kydex press out of 2 sheets of MDF hinge and a handle and need to apply foam to one side. Kydex is a thermoforming plastic made for use in gun holsters and knife sheaths. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections Its possible the reason your moulds were not coming out well is that you waited a little too long and it wasn't flexible enough. 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). 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. boy you made that look easy. Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Step 1: Tools and Materials. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. 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. Here are the materials youll need: First you will need to make the molding blocks that you will use to form the KYDEX around your knife. Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. Be careful if you do, too much force on the buff will melt the kydex. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. The hot glue kept it in place well! If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. You will love it! All Rights Reserved. I don't have any foam to sell you today. At least until I got enough skill to try more complicated gun holsters. 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. 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. Hammer. 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 Youve now got a very functional knife sheath, ready for whatever you can throw at it. Standing head and shoulders above all Im James, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Built your press, and bought a griddle. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[emailprotected]. When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. 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. 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. The KYDEX Taco Holster press is similar in design to a book press. They are quite pricey. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Now you need to decide if you want to make your sheath from two pieces of KYDEX (a front and back) or from one piece wrapped around the blade. A sheath will give you so much convenience, and also prolong the life of your knife. So, what do we need for this, youre probably asking. 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'm building one this week. 3. This molding foam is for use in press molding sheet materials, such as KYDEXTM, HOLSTEXTM and BoltaronTM. For one, every knife needs a sheath.
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