how to make a kydex press

The tape will give a little breathing room for your knife in the finished product. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! This is one side repeat for the other side. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! A little heat on the sheath lips after the sheath is assembled will allow you to open them slightly to make inserting the knife a little easier. If I was making a press for larger items like gun holsters I would make modifications. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! However, it is a lot cheaper and easier to make a sheath with. You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. Its a lot easier than most people think. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. I'd stopped doing them because of my press sucking, and my wife hating the smell in her oven. My personal experience working with KYDEX is somewhat limited and there may be others here with more experience and knowledge on the subject, so feel free to add your thoughts. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Cut off a piece of Kydex 3. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. i can hear a few of you screaming at your monitor. More foam. It could affect the molding of the kydex. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. 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. Now is the time to add your decorations! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. First, make sure the back of your first press is flush with the back of your new one. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press . This rod will be the base of your press. Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. Notice the Aluminum is sandwiched between for rigidity. These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. Leather/Kydex Holster : 10 Steps - Instructables Chemically formulated for low memory artifacts with durability to last longer. You will love it! 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. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Dont let any of that fool you though, just because its cheap doesnt mean its crap. I ran 2 Screws in each end. Knowledge Base. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. 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. 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. 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. When it comes to multi-tools there are only two brands to seriously consider the Swiss Army knife (the original multi-tool) and the tools from Leatherman. Im not going to tell you where to buy a hammer, you know where to find one, 5. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. Do the gloves come free with purchase?,.. Don't worry these are 3" screws I later went back and put in 2 1/2" screws and the no longer stick out. Layer of Kydex. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above. 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? Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. What kind of foam for kydex press? | Candle Power Flashlight Forum The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. A hand drill would work just as well. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. Simple DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. 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. Ive seen that. 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. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. 6. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! Photo Gallery #2 Now, technically, if you work the saw right, this is your last step. 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. Then cover or wrap your item with the heated material (see our video tutorials for examples). At the very least i recommend using some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges, they can be a little rough from the saw cut. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. You should also have your Vice/C-Clamps and Foam Press within arms reach. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. You need something to cut the kydex. You will use this wood to brace your kydex sheet against when pressing the release button on your wallet or card. How To Mold Kydex Holster - MoldProTips.com Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. 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. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. Did you make this project? Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1.5), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x.5), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Mega Form) - (8x12x1), *CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Mega Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 24), *CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press (w/Xtreme Foam) - Bench Model - (8 x 12), *CKK 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), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Maxx Form) - (12x11.5x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Maxx Form) - (8x12x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Mega Form) - (12x11.5x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Mega Form) - (24x3.75x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x.5), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1.5), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (12x11.5x1), Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (24x3.75x 1), Vacuum Forming Membrane - Commercial Grade Silicone - (49" Width), Photo Gallery #1 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. Once youve found a good spot, mark it. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. Work on one eyelet at a time. Once you press, keep it that way for about 10 minutes. 5. That is a gorgeous blade with a really cool handle! And there you have it! To use this tool, simply heat your thermoplastic material to 300-375 degrees (depending on heating time and oven used). 2) Can I sit/push down, or set books on top of the foam setup, instead of clamping it while it cools? Remember, the shiny side of the kydex should be touching the knife, the rough side should be facing outward. So cut two pieces a little bigger than the blade itself. (no stitching required, I suck at that.) To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. Building a Kydex press and making a Kydex Sheath Tutorial Not too shabby, eh? If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. You need a way to heat the kydex to make it floppy. Without it, your Kydex may get deformed. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. Now, drill 1 hole, but just one. It's difficult to explain how hard you need to press the Kydex. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. At least until I got enough skill to try more complicated gun holsters. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. Once your Kydex is sealed, all theres left to do is trim it. Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. Dont trim it to the exact size yet. Before we get into the how, let me first answer the why. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. Kydex Rotating Knife Sheath : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables 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. 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. At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. A sheath will give you so much convenience, and also prolong the life of your knife. Form the kydex 4. I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). 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. You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) An avid outdoorsman, shooter, fly fisherman and fellow connoisseur of BOSS Coffee! The best part? Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. 8 Steps. Put the eyelets too far down the blade and the knife falls right out, put them too far up the handle and youll never get the knife out. Bend the wings 9. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. Thanks now I can finish mine! With bare hands, it could be too hot to handle. 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. 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. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. Hole-making device. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. Assuming both halfs of your sheath look good, lets get them stuck together! 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. With a recent purchase of a little piece of the Alberta prairie, we're looking to sell our nice suburban home in search of a more meaningful life beyond chasing the \"American dream\" working for some big company and making someone else rich. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. Now that youve got that line laid out, cut to it. Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. What is a cheap wood vise? 1 year ago. 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 hole is quite a bit larger. They are quite pricey. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. 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. It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. Be sure to check out his great photos on Flickr! These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. So, why kydex? If you are using a smooth, soft leather such as peau dorange, then it is recommended that you choose a texture that has some line-work or lining. Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives. *razor knife *oven/heat gun *foam padding (medium stiff) *large, flat, stiff object (book, board, etc.) Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. You see? Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. Keep the rougher sides on the outside. Basic Knife History The suction will force the material to mold itself around the gun mold. 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. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. 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. It is low cost and easy to learn. Does it make my butt look big? I like doing this one half at a time, just to make sure everything lines up properly. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! Enough food, back to business. Either I would not add a hinge, or I would make the hinge adjustable. 8. 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. Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? Do you have access to a Black and Decker Workmate? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. When youre ready to make your first kydex press, the first thing to do is find a steel rod. 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". Top press board. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. Instead, find another way to make custom kydex sheaths! You can put weights on top to do this, or use clamps to hold it shut. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. The material itself is available for $3-4 a sheet, the fasterners are about the same for a bag of 100, you get the point. All you need is some Kydex and youre good to go! If not, leave it in there longer. 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. 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. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Kit Instructions I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Being a DIY enthusiast, it did not take me long to want to try my hand at molding Kydex. I don't have any foam to sell you today. This is reasonably low compared to average cooking and is intended to make the Kydex easier to handle sooner post-heating. 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. You should make a YouTube video. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections 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. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. A Kydex press normally costs from $80 to $180 depending on size, but it is a simple tool that I decided to make one myself. 7. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. Cutting tool (not pictured). Great tutorial Tracy!!! I use a $20 Walmart griddle to heat the kydex, its easy and cheap. 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. Hammer. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. Consult the pictures for more detail on how it should look. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). It should flex easy, under its own weight. (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse To do this, bore holes around the blade. This is a short how to article for anyone interested in working with KYDEX. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. Make the mold using the knife and leather, Use your press to make custom kydex sheaths. 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. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. 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. 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. DIY Kydex Press - YouTube And great sense of humor. 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. Kydex is especially pliable while heated. Seal the Kydex. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. Make your own Adjustable Kydex Magazine / Handcuff Combo Carrier. CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press - Bench Model - (8 x 12) | KnifeKits.com 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. i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. 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. Attach the leather 7. How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. Heat it on high setting moving the heat gun constantly. It really depends on the thickness of the Kydex your working with. But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. 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. 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. "Thermowhatsit? As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. Heat Source. very cool press i will have to make me one. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany Methods for Molding Kydex | eHow After some web searching I came across www.knifekits.com. 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. Making a Simple Kydex Knife Sheath - Instructables A rubber mallet may also prove useful! I went a little more complicated, as I put a set of hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces. 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 During the molding process, you'll use your hands and fingers to manipulate the hot Kydex. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. 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) 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. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. 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.

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