Make the mold using the knife and leather, Use your press to make custom kydex sheaths. Most people use either an oven or a heat gun. 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. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. This is one side repeat for the other side. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. This rod will be the base of your press. I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. Now is the time to add your decorations! No issues, heat it back up and try again, kydex is awesome like that! 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 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. 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. Use your clamps to hold the frame together while drilling the holes. I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! How to Make a Kydex Sheath - Knife Life - Blade HQ Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. I made mine to follow the profile of the knife, pretty easy to do. I pre-drilled the holes in the ends so the wood did not split. Does it make my butt look big? Cutting tool (not pictured). Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. Leather/Kydex Holster : 10 Steps - Instructables Now, technically, if you work the saw right, this is your last step. The first step is to draw out a line to cut to. Make sure you give the eyelets some room to the edge, 1/8 to 1/4 should do. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. You need something to cut the kydex. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Step 2: The Base I first started out by cutting my 1X3 boards and making a frame. All Rights Reserved. But for those who are unsure about which knife will be Swiss Army Vs Leatherman: 6 Astonishing Differences. I voted for you I think. You made it so simple and that jsut cleared up all my questions. The majority of holsters I use on a daily basis are either Kydex or combinations of both leather and Kydex. The only thing I could add to this great tutorial is, For some of my smaller knives, I only have foam on the top half of the press. Its so cheap and easy, anyone can make their own Kydex sheath. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather. Our KYDEX press foams are used in every level of holster making, from professional kydex presses all the the way to DIY kydex presses, and even homemade kydex press designs. 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. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. 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 must log in or register to reply here. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. Pinch Forming Press Forming Vacuum Forming Molding Foams New Products For April Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform Molding - (Xtreme Form) - (8x12x1.5) $29.95 View Buy boy you made that look easy. 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. So, why kydex? Then, using the knife, spread the leather slightly apart and down until you have created a hollow space where your mold will go. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding 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. Just simply slide your foam in between the top and bottom and your done! Participated in the Knives and Blades Challenge. You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. But the original idea behind what we wanted it to be is this description below:Videos on our journey to homesteading. Yeah, I know! Enough food, back to business. See more ideas about kydex, holster, kydex holster. The secret is to heat it up first. 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. Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. Attach these boards to a cheap wood vise and you have your Kydex press for under $30. This way, its easy to slip your knife in and out of the sheath. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. All of my measurements are precise and designed to fit your Peerless Chain, Peerless 801 Hinge, ASP Hinged, or Smith & Wesson chain cuffs perfectly. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Anyway, move over to your toaster oven and set it to 250 degrees, then pop both kydex pieces in for about 10 minutes. While the Kydex is still hot, place it in your Kydex press (or makeshift press). 8. These substances could damage the Kydex and cause it to collapse upon itself. Kydex Press. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. Simply glue the two pieces of sheath making foam to the two pieces of plywood, allow to dry and there you have it. 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 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. More foam. Yours doesnt look that way, did the kydex not properly take the shape of the knife? They also supply tools, instructional books and all the hardware needed to complete just about any KYDEX related DIY project. 8-8 Eyelets. 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. Be sure to check out his great photos on Flickr! 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. Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. Remember, the shiny side of the kydex should be touching the knife, the rough side should be facing outward. You dont have to spend a lot of money to find a sheath that fits your knife anymore. Scribe a line around the outline of the knife, with about a 1/4" offset, like the picture. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. When you first get ahold of Kydex, you might wonder how you are supposed to shape this. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. Molding the belt clip is simple. It's a vice with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it. Dont let any of that fool you though, just because its cheap doesnt mean its crap. They offer KYDEX in various colors and thicknesses. Im using a drill press because, hey, burn em if youve got em. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. After that, it should be floppy. The order is - 1. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. Hammer. Youll also need a 1/4 drill bit, preferably a brad point bit. Once youve found a good spot, mark it. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. 9. Leave it in the press for 3 or 4 minutes. And there you have it! Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. Again, making a Kydex sheath is a lot easier than you may think. However, it is a lot cheaper and easier to make a sheath with. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. 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? So take scissors or a cutter and remove all the excess Kydex. 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 Work on one eyelet at a time. Here are the parts needed. Press the Kydex. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. One of the few specialized tools you need, but well worth the $10. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I ran 2 Screws in each end. "Thermowhatsit? 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. Im sure most of the people here know of KYDEX and many of you probably own a KYDEX sheath or holster that was either sold with a blade or purchased for a hand gun. A kydex press is a great way to make some extra money as a skilled make-yourselfkydex sheaths. The color and texture. The 2x4's will act as feet for the bottom. Step 1 Heat the Kydex. Im always trying to improve my cleaning and sharpening process, and always on the hunt for the next best knife. 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) Nor do you have to leave your knife out in the open, exposed to all the elements. (DIY) How to Make a Kydex Sheath - 5 Easy Steps | Knife Pulse 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. 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 you have the locations marked, time to make some holes. During the molding process, you'll use your hands and fingers to manipulate the hot Kydex. What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. Once you press, keep it that way for about 10 minutes. The pressing force is created by the two press wings and fixed in position by an optional 12 . Make sure there is plenty of pressure since you are molding the Kydex. You'll see our clamps will now be used to apply pressure when using the press. But I don't seem to find any cheap ones like the article says. Alright, youve got 2 halves now, time to stick em together to make a whole! 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. Youve now got a very functional knife sheath, ready for whatever you can throw at it. Aug 20, 2018 - Explore Arcturus Enterprises's board "Kydex press & Holster Making" on Pinterest. With the KYDEX still hot, sandwich the knife between the two foam molds and clamp the entire unit down tight. Photo Gallery #2 This is to show proper assembly. Fun With KYDEX!!! : 7 Steps - Instructables With bare hands, it could be too hot to handle. *razor knife *oven/heat gun *foam padding (medium stiff) *large, flat, stiff object (book, board, etc.) Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany Doing the first 2 holes like this helps to keep everything lined up like it should be. I bet that works great! It is low cost and easy to learn. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. 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. First things first, you need to decide where to put the holes (teehee, puns). First, make sure the back of your first press is flush with the back of your new one. You will love it! You are using an out of date browser. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas.
