Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. 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. You want the .080 thick stuff, 2. Also, by being connected, it gives me more leverage for clamping. The KYDEX Taco Holster press is similar in design to a book press. Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. 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. Top press board. Cut the template 2. For this I used a belt sander, it removes the burs and can be used for final shaping of the KYDEX. Most people use either an oven or a heat gun. 6. CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath This will morph the flat sheets into the shape of the knife. I use a $20 Walmart griddle to heat the kydex, its easy and cheap. 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. This is one side repeat for the other side. You need something to cut the kydex. To do this, I place my Kydex sheets on my electric grill. Step 1: Tools and Materials. 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. 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 see the idea of wood vise. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. That is a gorgeous blade with a really cool handle! Chemically formulated for low memory artifacts with durability to last longer. Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. Kit Instructions These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. 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 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. 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. Make your own Adjustable Kydex Magazine / Handcuff Combo Carrier. Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSz. If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. Press the Kydex. I chose to go with about a 1" spacing along that guideline. You will love it! I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. Kydex Press. 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? Building a Kydex press and making a Kydex Sheath Tutorial Sharpie, preferably red. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. What the devil is that?!" 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 used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. Because Kydex does not have a lot of directions, this process can be tricky. These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. Then cover or wrap your item with the heated material (see our video tutorials for examples). The secret is to heat it up first. I had lost some heat taking pictures but it will work just fine. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press - Bench Model - (8 x 12) | KnifeKits.com Why not something like leather? For one, every knife needs a sheath. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. KYDEX Molding Presses & Kydex Press Foam | Holster Making Press Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. You can put weights on top to do this, or use clamps to hold it shut. I went a little more complicated, as I put a set of hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces. Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. 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. 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. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! And there you have it! Seal the Kydex. You have almost everything you need to make this in your house! Can a 7-Year-Old Vehicle Bag Stand Up to Texas Heat? 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. Thanks now I can finish mine! Now that you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Kydex Rotating Knife Sheath : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables Kydex layer numero dos. The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. 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. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. Once the Kydex is formed, you can add your patterns or decorations! If you were to drill all the holes at once, you run the risk of mis-drilling a hole and messing everything up. The disk must also be folded over in order for the pressure to apply. Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. What do you think? Once you press, keep it that way for about 10 minutes. We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems. Double up a couple layers and glue them to some boards. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. I like doing this one half at a time, just to make sure everything lines up properly. Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. Its a lot easier than most people think. I will in a few weeks. 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 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. This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process. It should flex easy, under its own weight. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. Awesome Instructable! Its rigid and strong, but when heated it becomes pliable. All Rights Reserved. The KYDEX Taco Press | 1-Piece Holster Presses and Thermoform M Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections The Kydex can be placed either directly on the rack or on a cookie sheet if you prefer. You must log in or register to reply here. I don't have any foam to sell you today. To use this tool, simply heat your thermoplastic material to 300-375 degrees (depending on heating time and oven used). Drilling the belt clip. 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. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! 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 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 Notice the Aluminum is sandwiched between for rigidity. 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. It's difficult to explain how hard you need to press the Kydex. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform 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. very cool press i will have to make me one. If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above. Either way, you need some way to squish the kydex to shape, 6. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. Cut off a piece of Kydex 3. Kydex. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. 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. 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. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. The kydex really fits this knife's style quite well! Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. DIY Primer on How to Get Started Working with KYDEX This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. Knowledge Base. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. 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. i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. (Top 10) Best Foam For Kydex Press in 2023 Based On Customer Feedback Methods for Molding Kydex | eHow Then, mark where one side of the press meets one edge of the hollow space to create a guide for removing the press later. You should also have your Vice/C-Clamps and Foam Press within arms reach. It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. Best damn advice I've gotten for kydex. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. Remember, the shiny side of the kydex should be touching the knife, the rough side should be facing outward. 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. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. This rod will be the base of your press. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. 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. Before we get into the how, let me first answer the why. If your knife is short, 5-6 should be enough. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. Use your heat gun to heat the KYDEX until it becomes pliable. You dont need to invest in special machines to build one of these. Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. 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. Because i said so. You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. Once youve got that all attached, meet me at the saw! A hand drill would work just as well. It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. So, what do we need for this, youre probably asking. 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. Book could work, if you have a lot of them. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. I ran 2 Screws in each end. I was not real sure about the hinge part but that is a simple awesome way. Get the stack assembled and get some pressure on it. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. The order is - 1. Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! How To Make A Kydex Press? - Homey Gears Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. One hole is quite a bit larger. Time 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! 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. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. You are using an out of date browser. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. Great tutorial Tracy!!! Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . Now that youve got that line laid out, cut to it. Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. The order is -. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! The first step is to draw out a line to cut to. 4. 8-8 Eyelets. Simply glue the two pieces of sheath making foam to the two pieces of plywood, allow to dry and there you have it. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. Why DIY Kydex Holsters Don't Work - Rounded by Concealment Express Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. Ive seen that. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. 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. However, it is a lot cheaper and easier to make a sheath with. 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". You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. First off, stop screaming, youre freaking out the neighbors. Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. If you're not careful, you might end up scorching more than just the plastic. I made mine to follow the profile of the knife, pretty easy to do. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. 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. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. The majority of holsters I use on a daily basis are either Kydex or combinations of both leather and Kydex. It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees. You are using an out of date browser. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. You could substitute rivets if you like, i like eyelets because they allow easy attachment of belt clips, lanyards, etc. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). 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 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. Make sure there is plenty of pressure since you are molding the Kydex. 3. How to Build a Homemade Kydex Press | Tennessee Gun Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. 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. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. It also comes with a 3-piece hardened ram set that will assist with pin flaring and other shop chores (see image). Either way, they must be the same length! Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. Does it make my butt look big? What kind of foam for kydex press? | Candle Power Flashlight Forum 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. Seriously, youre done. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. Kydex is a thermoforming plastic made for use in gun holsters and knife sheaths. 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. 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.
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