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. "Thermowhatsit? Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. The Kydex can be placed either directly on the rack or on a cookie sheet if you prefer. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader. Bend the wings 9. So cut two pieces a little bigger than the blade itself. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. Its rigid and strong, but when heated it becomes pliable. First off, stop screaming, youre freaking out the neighbors. 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. 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. You should make a YouTube video. Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany The lid is clamped shut and the vacuum turned on. You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. Be sure to check out his great photos on Flickr! Sandwich your knife in between the two hot pieces of Kydex and press! Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. Instead, find another way to make custom kydex sheaths! Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. Knowledge Base. going to build that tomorrow. Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. Either way, you need some way to squish the kydex to shape, 6. The order is -. Color wise, there are some colors that do not work with each other. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! You are using an out of date browser. I have bought most of my supplies from Tracy and he got them to me quick and everything was right. Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. 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. Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. This impression wasn't all that crisp. Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. This is a short how to article for anyone interested in working with KYDEX. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. You'll see our clamps will now be used to apply pressure when using the press. Voodoo Resins - Handle Scale Set - Absinthe - Luminescent - (6.0 x 2.0 x .250), Elite Survival Systems - Belt Slide Holster - Size 8 - Left Hand. KYDEX Molding Presses & Kydex Press Foam | Holster Making Press First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. I had lost some heat taking pictures but it will work just fine. That way, you can stop walking around with it in your hands constantly, you creep. Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. I will sometimes lay down a 3/16" thick piece of felt to slightly conforum the back. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. 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. 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. Cutting tool (not pictured). You can put weights on top to do this, or use clamps to hold it shut. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! I also countersunk the screw heads so they are flush with the plywood. 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. Please do not put any dangerous materials in your Kydex due to the risk of fire or burn formation. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match. After about ten minutes you can remove the sheath from the mold. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I will in a few weeks. Now, use your cutting implement of choice and cut along that line you traced. 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. Kydex press (from knifekits.com) Rivet Press (I prefer the hand set tools) The steps to make this holster are: 1. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. 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. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. 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. With a utility knife and straight edge (two tools that I forgot to mention above), score the KYDEX and snap it off. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. Now you just need to get them in exactly the right place. JavaScript is disabled. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. Second off, thermoforming means you get it hot, it gets flexible and you can bend it to shape. Also, before you press, make sure the shiny sides of your Kydex sheets are on the inside of the sandwich. Often I use a goodwill toaster oven. However, what makes Kydex so useful is that unlike plastics, Kydex doesnt off gas toxic fumes at forming temperatures. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. 8 Steps. When Kydex is heated, it becomes soft and moldable. 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. Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. Seriously, youre done. Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. The disk must also be folded over in order for the pressure to apply. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. Make the mold using the knife and leather, Use your press to make custom kydex sheaths. It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. Book could work, if you have a lot of them. When youre ready to make your first kydex press, the first thing to do is find a steel rod. I voted for you I think. 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Foam Layer. What is a cheap wood vise? So, why kydex? Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. Now, you should have one bun for the proverbial hamburger. Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical Over the last 20 years, we have developed the number one selling steel design KYDEX molding press systems in the 12"- and 24"-inch KYDEX press. 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. 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. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. One hole is quite a bit larger. You must log in or register to reply here. Once youve got that all attached, meet me at the saw! Whelp, its a short list: 1. 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. They offer KYDEX in various colors and thicknesses. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. You dont have to spend a lot of money to find a sheath that fits your knife anymore. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. This is to show proper assembly. Hammer. Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. Yeah, I know! 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. 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. But before you do this, make sure you tape your blade with masking tape first. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences.
