Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. 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. If you have an oven toaster, you can also use this. I used a hack saw for this but a band saw would be ideal. Cut the template 2. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. Make sure it is the same size and thickness as the first one! This only takes 30 seconds. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. 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. 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. Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. The hot glue kept it in place well! 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. Once you press, keep it that way for about 10 minutes. very cool press i will have to make me one. Im not going to tell you where to buy a hammer, you know where to find one, 5. DIY - How To Make Kydex Holsters - Triangle Tactical Oh My Hell!!!!!! 6. Remember, the shiny side of the kydex should be touching the knife, the rough side should be facing outward. Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. Now, technically, if you work the saw right, this is your last step. Yes, this is necessary. There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself. Click the Learn More button below for details. Dont trim it to the exact size yet. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. For one, every knife needs a sheath. I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. If not, leave it in there longer. 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. 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. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. 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. How To Mold Kydex Holster - MoldProTips.com Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. The top is assembled in the same fashion but with only one 2x4 centered for a clamping point. Knife. Thanks a bunch for the tutorial, Tracy. You are using an out of date browser. Building a Kydex press and making a Kydex Sheath Tutorial For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. Normally I find the oven works best to begin the project, and I use a heat gun to spot heat for adjustments. Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. 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. Methods for Molding Kydex | eHow Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifepulse_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-medrectangle-4-0');But theres no need to worry. Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. So, why kydex? 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. Now that the sheath is roughed out you can sand down the burs. Does it make my butt look big? Make sure you space these holes evenly. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany 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 utility knife and straight edge (two tools that I forgot to mention above), score the KYDEX and snap it off. Standing head and shoulders above all Im James, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ Either way, you need some way to squish the kydex to shape, 6. Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). Just simply slide your foam in between the top and bottom and your done! All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. To make the decoration sheets, I used leftover hot glue and cuttings from plants. Consult the pictures for more detail on how it should look. Whelp, its a short list: 1. 2) Can I sit/push down, or set books on top of the foam setup, instead of clamping it while it cools? Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. I'd stopped doing them because of my press sucking, and my wife hating the smell in her oven. Kydex is a thermoforming plastic made for use in gun holsters and knife 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. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. Make sure there is plenty of pressure since you are molding the Kydex. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. They offer KYDEX in various colors and thicknesses. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. 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. The kydex really fits this knife's style quite well! i can hear a few of you screaming at your monitor. Make the mold using the knife and leather, Use your press to make custom kydex sheaths. (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. Now that youve got that line laid out, cut to it. General Knife Safety I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. The Aluminum is acting as a skeleton and giving structural support. Kydex. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Because i said so. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. Get your oven plugged in and all your gear laid out and ready. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. Either way, they must be the same length! These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. 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 Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections More foam. 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Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. Kydex needs to be heated up before it becomes pliable enough to shape and mold. The first step is to draw out a line to cut to. Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. The KYDEX Taco Holster press is similar in design to a book press. Now, mark out the spots for the rest of the eyelets. To do this, bore holes around the blade. 6 years ago, 1) Probably. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. I got mine from Tandy Leather. 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. Because Kydex does not have a lot of directions, this process can be tricky. Show more Show more Shop the Simple Little Life store 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. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Fun With KYDEX!!! : 7 Steps - Instructables Get the stack assembled and get some pressure on it. DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Duh. Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than youll need. You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. Put an eyelet in the second hole, then proceed to drill the rest. JavaScript is disabled. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press . Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. For this I used a belt sander, it removes the burs and can be used for final shaping of the KYDEX. So cut two pieces a little bigger than the blade itself. Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. With the KYDEX still hot, sandwich the knife between the two foam molds and clamp the entire unit down tight. -------------- Without it, your Kydex may get deformed. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems. I see the idea of wood vise. I don't have any foam to sell you today. Kydex Press. Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. Once your Kydex is sealed, all theres left to do is trim it. The lid is clamped shut and the vacuum turned on. Ask Question Download Step 2: I Try to Place Everything Correctly and Close the Press Within 15 Seconds. It should flex easy, under its own weight. Cut off a piece of Kydex 3. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! How To Make A Kydex Press? - Homey Gears What the devil is that?!" When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. Hammer. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. This is one side repeat for the other side. A good kydex sheath will be every bit as functional as a hand-tooled leather sheath, if not as good looking. Notice the Aluminum is sandwiched between for rigidity. If you were to drill all the holes at once, you run the risk of mis-drilling a hole and messing everything up. (no stitching required, I suck at that.) A rubber mallet may also prove useful! You see? I put rubber screw on chair feet to prevent sliding. How to make a kydex holster/sheath press - B+C Guides Do you have access to a Black and Decker Workmate? As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. Also, by being connected, it gives me more leverage for clamping. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. I have bought most of my supplies from Tracy and he got them to me quick and everything was right. The materials are pretty simple for this kydex press. You will love it! Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Awesome Instructable! Ditto with the eyelets. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. But I don't seem to find any cheap ones like the article says. 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. Yeah, I know! After that, it should be floppy. 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. Luckily, we have a few tips to make your second press perfect! Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. Having a sheath to hold your knife and keep it safe is a wonderful thing. After 10 minutes, check and see if its nice and floppy.