I put rubber screw on chair feet to prevent sliding. If your knife is short, 5-6 should be enough. Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. 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. A good kydex sheath will be every bit as functional as a hand-tooled leather sheath, if not as good looking. 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". But before you do this, make sure you tape your blade with masking tape first. It should flex easy, under its own weight. The secret is to heat it up first. These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. Whelp, its a short list: 1. And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. what kind of foam and where can i get it. Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). They range from $75 to $150 or so, depending on the model. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. The way I see it, life's no fun if you take it too seriously. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. All Rights Reserved. Once your Kydex is sealed, all theres left to do is trim it. 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. Share it with us! Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. You should also have your Vice/C-Clamps and Foam Press within arms reach. Make sure there is plenty of pressure since you are molding the Kydex. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. Thanks now I can finish mine! 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. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. The pressing force is created by the two press wings and fixed in position by an optional 12 . Yours doesnt look that way, did the kydex not properly take the shape of the knife? We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. If you do, theres a chance your cut will end up too small. However, it is a lot cheaper and easier to make a sheath with. This is a short how to article for anyone interested in working with KYDEX. If you have an oven toaster, you can also use this. How to make a Kydex Concealed Holster at Home? - Legionary 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) Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? 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? Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. And great sense of humor. You are using an out of date browser. You will love it! Now you have the location for 2 holes in the right general place. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. I've taken all of the guesswork out of making these magazine / handcuff combo carriers yourself. The KYDEX Taco Press | 1-Piece Holster Presses and Thermoform M Whaddup denizens of the internet, its ya boy guz- wait, wrong intro. 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. 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. Drilling the belt clip. 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. What the devil is that?!" Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives. Kydex layer numero dos. Knife Terminology Get your oven plugged in and all your gear laid out and ready. Trim the leather 8. Its a lot easier than most people think. So cut two pieces a little bigger than the blade itself. DIY - How To Make Kydex Holsters - Triangle Tactical Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. For one, every knife needs a sheath. The color and texture. 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. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Here are the parts needed. Im not going to tell you where to buy a hammer, you know where to find one, 5. What do you think? 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. If it doesnt, increase the heat to 275, wait 10 more minutes and try again. Its so cheap and easy, anyone can make their own Kydex sheath. The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. Dont skip this part, its a lot easier to find out a piece is undersize now, rather than when its hot and floppy. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. The suction will force the material to mold itself around the gun mold. This is one side repeat for the other side. Make sure it is the same size and thickness as the first one! You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. How To Mold Kydex Holster - MoldProTips.com Be sure to check out his great photos on Flickr! 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 first step is to draw out a line to cut to. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. But I don't seem to find any cheap ones like the article says. 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. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. 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. All you need is some Kydex and youre good to go! Especially on a behind-the-back sheath, it's a good idea to have wider lips because you can't see to sheath. Because i said so. 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. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. After 10 minutes, check and see if its nice and floppy. 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. Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source. A hand drill would work just as well. 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. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. (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? Cut the belt slots Hammer. Methods for Molding Kydex | eHow It also comes with a 3-piece hardened ram set that will assist with pin flaring and other shop chores (see image). These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. That is no surprise when you look at the benefits of Kydex. I hope this article is of some help to those who might be interested in making their own KYDEX sheaths. This molding foam is for use in press molding sheet materials, such as KYDEXTM, HOLSTEXTM and BoltaronTM. Awesome Instructable! Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. That way, you can stop walking around with it in your hands constantly, you creep. I voted for you I think. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding the belt clip is simple. Then, mark where one side of the press meets one edge of the hollow space to create a guide for removing the press later. The tape will give a little breathing room for your knife in the finished product. You must log in or register to reply here. Holster Making Presses & Forming Supplies | KYDEX Molding Press Here is the bottom. Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. They are quite pricey. Be careful if you do, too much force on the buff will melt the kydex. I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! 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. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). And there you have it! Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. Now, drill 1 hole, but just one. So, what do we need for this, youre probably asking. Now is the time to add your decorations! 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. When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. For this I used a belt sander, it removes the burs and can be used for final shaping of the KYDEX. 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. I don't have any foam to sell you today. Put an eyelet in the second hole, then proceed to drill the rest. Ive seen that. Heat Source. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! This will morph the flat sheets into the shape of the knife. Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than youll need. 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. What kind of foam for kydex press? | Candle Power Flashlight Forum For making a sheath by using two pieces of KYDEX the process is pretty much the same as above, you just need to be careful during the molding process because the two pieces will want to shift while you are clamping them together. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany What im planning on doing is the following: the problem you may have with putting weight on the mould, or that I've had using clamps is that you only have several seconds before the kydex cools to the point which it will not form well. An avid outdoorsman, shooter, fly fisherman and fellow connoisseur of BOSS Coffee! It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). 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 Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! After about ten minutes you can remove the sheath from the mold. Then take your eyelet, eyelet setter, and hammer, and get to work. Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. Knife. 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 Steps. Once the Kydex is formed, you can add your patterns or decorations! 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. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. To do this, I place my Kydex sheets on my electric grill. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections Now, with the exception of the first 2 by the throat, the eyelet position really doesnt matter, just make it look good. This is reasonably low compared to average cooking and is intended to make the Kydex easier to handle sooner post-heating. They also supply tools, instructional books and all the hardware needed to complete just about any KYDEX related DIY project. 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. Why not something like leather? Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. i need to buy all the tools from you to do the rivots you need to make a kit. Thanks a bunch for the tutorial, Tracy. 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? 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. Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . To do this, bore holes around the blade. Youll also need a 1/4 drill bit, preferably a brad point bit. For longer knives, add a few more. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. The best part? I chose to go with about a 1" spacing along that guideline. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. (no stitching required, I suck at that.) 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! It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. Its rigid and strong, but when heated it becomes pliable. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. How do you know where to put the eyelets? Don't worry these are 3" screws I later went back and put in 2 1/2" screws and the no longer stick out. General Knife Safety For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. 4. Kydex needs to be heated up before it becomes pliable enough to shape and mold. 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. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Does it make my butt look big? 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[emailprotected]. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. Consult the pictures for more detail on how it should look. I love the griddle idea. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) weve eliminated annoying ads and content. I ran 2 Screws in each end. 1 year ago. This impression wasn't all that crisp. Click here to view the full KYDEX photo set on Flickr. You can find this stuff on amazon, ebay, knifemaking supply places, even tandy leather has it. How to make a kydex holster/sheath press - B+C Guides Just simply slide your foam in between the top and bottom and your done! More foam. 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. The majority of holsters I use on a daily basis are either Kydex or combinations of both leather and Kydex. Without it, your Kydex may get deformed. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). 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. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. KYDEX Molding Presses & Kydex Press Foam | Holster Making Press 6. Double up a couple layers and glue them to some boards. When you press the tip of the knife into the kydex, it should be grinded to a point. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. Show more Show more Shop the Simple Little Life store 8-8 Eyelets. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. 15 Kydex press & Holster Making ideas | kydex, holster, kydex holster Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. Photo Gallery #2 Reply Thanks BD. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. With bare hands, it could be too hot to handle. That is so you can get a screw driver in to tighten the chicago screw that mounts the clip to the sheath. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. There are some sites that list these colors so that you can find ones that work for you. Assuming both halfs of your sheath look good, lets get them stuck together! Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. 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. This rod will be the base of your press. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. 2. Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. 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 see? While the back side with the belt loop is fairly flat. It is low cost and easy to learn. The hardest thing to come by was the foam ,I found some knealing pads at a farm co-op near my work they sell them for milking cows they were $2 each but you could get some at any store with a garden center at a higher cost. Kit Instructions So take scissors or a cutter and remove all the excess Kydex. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Bend the wings 9. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! At least until I got enough skill to try more complicated gun holsters. CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press - Bench Model - (8 x 12) | KnifeKits.com When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. If not, leave it in there longer. I'm building one this week. After some web searching I came across www.knifekits.com. Simply glue the two pieces of sheath making foam to the two pieces of plywood, allow to dry and there you have it. 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 that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. Thanks for posting. Best damn advice I've gotten for kydex. [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. I bet that works great! You must log in or register to reply here.
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