No issues, heat it back up and try again, kydex is awesome like that! 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. Put the eyelets too far down the blade and the knife falls right out, put them too far up the handle and youll never get the knife out. There are some sites that list these colors so that you can find ones that work for you. Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. Make your own Adjustable Kydex Magazine / Handcuff Combo Carrier. Duh. Really though, I recommend clamps. Then use the hydraulic press to press down on the Kydex and blade. DIY Kydex Press - YouTube A quick how-to on building your own press for making Kydex holsters, sheaths, and mag carriers. That is so you can get a screw driver in to tighten the chicago screw that mounts the clip to the sheath. Assuming both halfs of your sheath look good, lets get them stuck together! These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. Instead, Im going to teach you how to make your very own Kydex sheath. You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. Cutting tool (not pictured). Chemically formulated for low memory artifacts with durability to last longer. When you press the tip of the knife into the kydex, it should be grinded to a point. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. 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. boy you made that look easy. Color wise, there are some colors that do not work with each other. To make the decoration sheets, I used leftover hot glue and cuttings from plants. Holster Making - Tools | KnifeKits.com Place your Kydex sheets in at 250 degrees for ten minutes. 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. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. 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. You see? 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. 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. Today, we arent going to buy a sheath. You dont need to invest in special machines to build one of these. The best part? I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above. 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. With those 5 easy steps, you can make your very own Kydex sheath. So take scissors or a cutter and remove all the excess Kydex. 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. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). Pushing it down or squeezing it likely wouldnt work, it takes some force. Photo Gallery #2 I connected them this way because I plan on making knife sheaths. There are many different ones, so let your creativity take you! We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. At the very least i recommend using some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges, they can be a little rough from the saw cut. Homemade Kydex Press? | BladeForums.com After that, it should be floppy. Amateur Bladesmith, hobbiest woodworker, and a bloody good cook, Mobile Workshop Sink With Easy DIY Parts Washer. 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. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. 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. After 10 minutes, check and see if its nice and floppy. Oh My Hell!!!!!! Awesome Instructable! 7. CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. 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. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. These are what hold the 2 parts of the sheath together. You must log in or register to reply here. Great tutorial Tracy!!! The order is - 1. Im using a toaster oven, but a regular over or a heat gun would work as well, 7. Put an eyelet in the second hole, then proceed to drill the rest. All Rights Reserved. You should make a YouTube video. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Best damn advice I've gotten for kydex. 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. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). -------------- Form the kydex 4. Be sure to check out his great photos on Flickr! Voting on the iOS app is a little weird. Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) - YouTube To do this, I place my Kydex sheets on my electric grill. I love the griddle idea. 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? What kind of foam for kydex press? | Candle Power Flashlight Forum You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. 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. Its so cheap and easy, anyone can make their own Kydex sheath. Also, before you press, make sure the shiny sides of your Kydex sheets are on the inside of the sandwich. Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. 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. When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. And it isnt easy to buy a sheath that fits either since every blade is different. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. Okay.I'm making a new rig for my CCW piece. Simple DIY Kydex Press - YouTube Click the Learn More button below for details. Hammer. 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 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 could substitute rivets if you like, i like eyelets because they allow easy attachment of belt clips, lanyards, etc. It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. Hole-making device. During the molding process, you'll use your hands and fingers to manipulate the hot Kydex. Once your Kydex is sealed, all theres left to do is trim it. 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) Besides a heat source, gloves, and trimming tools, one of the most basic tools to mold Kydex is a press. Thanks for posting. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. If your knife is short, 5-6 should be enough. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea. 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 handle is attached on the top so the you can maneuver it when needed. 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. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. Subscribe to Simple Little Life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSz. 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. I was not real sure about the hinge part but that is a simple awesome way. Thanks now I can finish mine! Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. Gallery 481530.jpg 98.2 KB Views: 119 481531.jpg 116.3 KB Views: 64 481532.jpg Now, drill 1 hole, but just one. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go. 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. I put rubber screw on chair feet to prevent sliding. Whelp, its a short list: 1. 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. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. Work on one eyelet at a time. 8. 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 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. It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees. Official Simple Little Life video of a simple DIY Kydex Press. Once youve found a good spot, mark it. Youll also need a 1/4 drill bit, preferably a brad point bit. (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse How do you know where to put the eyelets? Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source. (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? A kydex press is a great way to make some extra money as a skilled make-yourselfkydex sheaths. 2.0 1" neoprene foam 11.5 x 11.5 usaknifemaker.com. Once this is done, place the wrapped item in the molding press and apply pressure (chain locking optional). Simply glue the two pieces of sheath making foam to the two pieces of plywood, allow to dry and there you have it. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. 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. Time to mold! Why DIY Kydex Holsters Don't Work - Rounded by Concealment Express Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. 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. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. This process can take a few moments or days, depending on how much you update your creation. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over. Cut the template 2. 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. KYDEX is a forgiving material, should you have any screw ups during the molding process you can always reheat and try again. 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 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. That is no surprise when you look at the benefits of Kydex. But before you do this, make sure you tape your blade with masking tape first. A hacksaw could do in a pinch. 8-8 Eyelets. Seriously, youre done. 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". It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knifepulse_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifepulse_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The concept is the same for whatever you have. Sometimes referred to as a "fold-over" or "1-piece" holster, the taco-style holster and/or taco knife sheath is one of the simplest and most versatile holster designs in the business. At least until I got enough skill to try more complicated gun holsters. Here are the parts needed. Takes some time for the kydex to cool, the foam is a good insulator. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. Either I would not add a hinge, or I would make the hinge adjustable. I voted for you I think. Fun With KYDEX!!! : 7 Steps - Instructables 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. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections Dont skip this part, its a lot easier to find out a piece is undersize now, rather than when its hot and floppy. The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. i can hear a few of you screaming at your monitor. A hand drill would work just as well. Leather/Kydex Holster : 10 Steps - Instructables Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition to this you will need a drill and a few drill bits. Editor-in-Chiefs Note:Please join us in welcoming Justin Spindler as a contributing author on ITS Tactical! You are using an out of date browser. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. Now, you should have one bun for the proverbial hamburger. Here is the bottom. Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) Kydex does not have a memory, so that once it has cooled; it retains the shape it was molded to fit. Holster Making Presses & Forming Supplies | KYDEX Molding Press Heat Source. Foam Layer. Youve now got a very functional knife sheath, ready for whatever you can throw at it. 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. Lay your knife onto your kydex, then trace a line around the profile, leaving about 1.25" between the line and the knife. Kydex is a thermoforming plastic made for use in gun holsters and knife sheaths. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. When it comes to creating custom holsters and sheaths, finding the best foam for your kydex press is essential. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Don't worry these are 3" screws I later went back and put in 2 1/2" screws and the no longer stick out. To begin, start by measuring and cutting your sheet. I should mention here, if you dont have my patented Heat-Proof Hands, wear some thin cotton gloves to protect yourself. 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. Eyelet Setter. For this I used a belt sander, it removes the burs and can be used for final shaping of the KYDEX. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. And there you have it! For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. This only takes 30 seconds. Experiment. Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. Im using a drill press because, hey, burn em if youve got em. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. They range from $75 to $150 or so, depending on the model. I chose to go with about a 1" spacing along that guideline. 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. I am using 2ea 1" thick pieces of neoprene for the mold foam. I went with it because it seemed to be a material I could work with easily. You have almost everything you need to make this in your house! Whaddup denizens of the internet, its ya boy guz- wait, wrong intro. Make sure you can center the knife in the piece of kydex, with a generous border around it as shown in the pictures. Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. (For a taco sheath: do the same thing, but put the Kydex on the press, place the blade on the Kydex, and fold the Kydex over the knife so that the crease very closely follows the spine of the blade.) Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. With the KYDEX still hot, sandwich the knife between the two foam molds and clamp the entire unit down tight. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Using one piece wrapped around the blade is the easiest way to go and it creates a more narrow, lower profile sheath. Does it make my butt look big? The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material. The color and texture. I wouldnt say that Kydex is better than leather. The finished product!!! If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I hope this article is of some help to those who might be interested in making their own KYDEX sheaths. This impression wasn't all that crisp. The lid is clamped shut and the vacuum turned on. An avid outdoorsman, shooter, fly fisherman and fellow connoisseur of BOSS Coffee! These two suggestions may not apply to all wallets, but we will discuss them here! It only takes 5 easy steps to do this. The Kydex can be placed either directly on the rack or on a cookie sheet if you prefer. This will morph the flat sheets into the shape of the knife. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ 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. But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. We carry a full line of KYDEX presses and vacuum forming systems. The next step is to drill the holes for the rivets and mounting hardware. Whats kydex you ask? This is reasonably low compared to average cooking and is intended to make the Kydex easier to handle sooner post-heating. The KYDEX Taco Press | 1-Piece Holster Presses and Thermoform M 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. This rod will be the base of your press. 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. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. 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. Take your piece of KYDEX and lay it flat on a work bench. This is one side repeat for the other side. I got mine from Tandy Leather. I don't have any foam to sell you today. When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. It should flex easy, under its own weight. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. I'm building one this week. 8 Steps. 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. Keep the rougher sides on the outside. To start, you can preheat your oven to between 200-250 degrees. 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! Homemade Vacuum Press Table | LumberJocks Woodworking Forum Without it, your Kydex may get deformed. When it comes to multi-tools there are only two brands to seriously consider the Swiss Army knife (the original multi-tool) and the tools from Leatherman. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. Make sure it is the same size and thickness as the first one! I made mine to follow the profile of the knife, pretty easy to do. 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. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. And great sense of humor. 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. After about ten minutes you can remove the sheath from the mold. That is a gorgeous blade with a really cool handle! I will in a few weeks. 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 must log in or register to reply here. A good kydex sheath will be every bit as functional as a hand-tooled leather sheath, if not as good looking. I went a little more complicated, as I put a set of hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces. 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. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. Then cover or wrap your item with the heated material (see our video tutorials for examples). Aspiring chefs who are getting around to learning more about Japanese knives will appreciate how they can improve your overall culinary skills. Reply Maybe $30 in startup costs, $4 a sheath after that if even, and less than an hour of time . You will want to make sure that you keep pressure on the mold long enough for it to form correctly. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Trim the leather 8. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process. Layer of Kydex. Kinda like spagetti, but, you know, not. Attach the leather 7. To form this stuff, use a paint remover heat gun, around $20. Now, with the exception of the first 2 by the throat, the eyelet position really doesnt matter, just make it look good. If you have an oven toaster, you can also use this. DIY - How To Make Kydex Holsters - Triangle Tactical It works, just not that great. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. You'll see our clamps will now be used to apply pressure when using the press. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader.
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