how to make a kydex press

8 Steps. Amateur Bladesmith, hobbiest woodworker, and a bloody good cook, Mobile Workshop Sink With Easy DIY Parts Washer. Do you have access to a Black and Decker Workmate? Chemically formulated for low memory artifacts with durability to last longer. No issues, heat it back up and try again, kydex is awesome like that! Contrast this to a 'taco" style sheath, which is made like a taco. Please do not put any dangerous materials in your Kydex due to the risk of fire or burn formation. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. A sheath will give you so much convenience, and also prolong the life of your knife. You will love it! 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. 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. Being a DIY enthusiast, it did not take me long to want to try my hand at molding Kydex. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! Do you sell Tek-Lok belt clips? 6. Make sure there is plenty of pressure since you are molding the Kydex. 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. This is one side repeat for the other side. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! Show more Show more Shop the Simple Little Life store Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. Take your leather puncher and put holes where you need it. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! How to Make a Kydex Knife Sheath - IN YOUR KITCHEN Molding the belt clip is simple. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. Bit selection is important, the brad point bit will make a nice, clean hole in the kydex, a twist drill tends to tear it up. Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. This is one side repeat for the other side. It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees. Kydex Press. Experiment. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120. Simple DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. I went a little more complicated, as I put a set of hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces. Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! You need to heat Kydex using a home oven or heat gun before you can begin to mold it to whatever shape you choose. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself. Ive seen that. It may not display this or other websites correctly. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com Now that you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. You could substitute rivets if you like, i like eyelets because they allow easy attachment of belt clips, lanyards, etc. Nakiri Vs Santoku Knife: The Battle of the Japanese Knives. I chose to go with about a 1" spacing along that guideline. Once youve found a good spot, mark it. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. When it comes to creating custom holsters and sheaths, finding the best foam for your kydex press is essential. Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ Shape the kydex 5. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. I see the idea of wood vise. If you do, theres a chance your cut will end up too small. You are using an out of date browser. When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. 7. And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. 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. Click here to view the full KYDEX photo set on Flickr. The way I see it, life's no fun if you take it too seriously. A hand drill would work just as well. 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. 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. 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. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical I also countersunk the screw heads so they are flush with the plywood. 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. Trim the leather 8. 4. They are quite pricey. This only takes 30 seconds. Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. First off, stop screaming, youre freaking out the neighbors. Yours doesnt look that way, did the kydex not properly take the shape of the knife? Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. Place your leather in the hollow space and wrap it securely in place with more leather. Heat it on high setting moving the heat gun constantly. You'll see our clamps will now be used to apply pressure when using the press. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. Then cover or wrap your item with the heated material (see our video tutorials for examples). This only takes 30 seconds. They range from $75 to $150 or so, depending on the model. One hole is quite a bit larger. 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) 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. How to make a Kydex Concealed Holster at Home? - Legionary It works, just not that great. 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. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. 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. All you need is some Kydex and youre good to go! I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. Im working off a smaller scrap of kydex here, but odds are, youll be starting with a full sheet, so the first step is to cut what you need. Tip Youll also need a 1/4 drill bit, preferably a brad point bit. 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. Now that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. I apologize for the poor video quality, this was done with m. Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. After some web searching I came across www.knifekits.com. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. 5. It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. You need something to cut the kydex. 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. Take your piece of KYDEX and lay it flat on a work bench. If you want you can substitute the Aluminum for another sheet of plywood 3/4". Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg *razor knife *oven/heat gun *foam padding (medium stiff) *large, flat, stiff object (book, board, etc.) Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. Normally I find the oven works best to begin the project, and I use a heat gun to spot heat for adjustments. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. 9. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. It could affect the molding of the kydex. Then take your eyelet, eyelet setter, and hammer, and get to work. Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than youll need. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections 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 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. going to build that tomorrow. To form this stuff, use a paint remover heat gun, around $20. The materials are pretty simple for this kydex press. But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. That is so you can get a screw driver in to tighten the chicago screw that mounts the clip to the sheath. So, why kydex? With a utility knife and straight edge (two tools that I forgot to mention above), score the KYDEX and snap it off. boy you made that look easy. JavaScript is disabled. I got mine from Tandy Leather. 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. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. Sharpie, preferably red. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. -------------- 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. The finished product!!! I've taken all of the guesswork out of making these magazine / handcuff combo carriers yourself. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. Instead, Im going to teach you how to make your very own Kydex sheath. Now is the time to add your decorations! 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. If you were to drill all the holes at once, you run the risk of mis-drilling a hole and messing everything up. Color wise, there are some colors that do not work with each other. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. Now to use them. I use a $20 Walmart griddle to heat the kydex, its easy and cheap. You dont have to spend a lot of money to find a sheath that fits your knife anymore. Im using a drill press because, hey, burn em if youve got em. 8. Its a lot easier than most people think. 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. 8-8 Eyelets. Especially on a behind-the-back sheath, it's a good idea to have wider lips because you can't see to sheath. To do this, bore holes around the blade. CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath 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. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. DIY - How To Make Kydex Holsters - Triangle Tactical 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. For one, every knife needs a sheath. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee . Work on one eyelet at a time. JavaScript is disabled. I had lost some heat taking pictures but it will work just fine. You are using an out of date browser. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. Be careful if you do, too much force on the buff will melt the kydex. This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. Im not going to tell you where to buy a hammer, you know where to find one, 5. Why not something like leather? Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . 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. 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. You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. 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. Most people use either an oven or a heat gun. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. I voted for you I think. Also, by being connected, it gives me more leverage for clamping. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. I will in a few weeks. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Heat Source. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. The first step is to draw out a line to cut to. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. 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. Takes some time for the kydex to cool, the foam is a good insulator. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. You made it so simple and that jsut cleared up all my questions. You must log in or register to reply here. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. 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. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Time to mold! We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems.

Jonathan Lawson Colonial Penn, Articles H