Specifications Master Series Flaring Press 22 LBS Pre-Tapped Set Screw = Yes (for holding top die) What I do is cut two pieces of Kydex sheet, then attach them together to form the sheath. 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. As you can see I drilled 3 holes and placed the tee nuts and screwed the pieces together tightly. 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. Yes, this is necessary. Your sense of humor would be awesome to see. If you pick up the KYDEX and its floppy, then its ready to mold. (Top 10) Best Foam For Kydex Press in 2023 Based On Customer Feedback Built your press, and bought a griddle. Take your piece of KYDEX and lay it flat on a work bench. Hows it going lads and lasses, in a previous instructable i walked you through how to make a simple cord-wrapped tactical knife. This is a short how to article for anyone interested in working with KYDEX. We recommend starting with a KYDEX Molding Press. 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. You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. Even if you dont have the tools, the other benefit of kydex is just how cheap it is to work with. 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. If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. 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. 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. 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. Kydex is usually sold in 8x12 sheets, so the price for the kydex would be the same on a longer blade. No issues, heat it back up and try again, kydex is awesome like that! Easy DIY Vacuum Former : 7 Steps - Instructables You need to heat Kydex using a home oven or heat gun before you can begin to mold it to whatever shape you choose. Do the gloves come free with purchase?,.. Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. More foam. JavaScript is disabled. 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. 2) Can I sit/push down, or set books on top of the foam setup, instead of clamping it while it cools? At least until I got enough skill to try more complicated gun holsters. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. A rubber mallet may also prove useful! The order is -. Work on one eyelet at a time. Rounded over the corners, beveled the edges, got rid of anything that could snag, made sure the knife slid securely. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for. Hold the heat gun about four to six inches away from the KYDEX and fan it over the surface. CKK Sheath/Holster Molding Press - Bench Model - (8 x 12) | KnifeKits.com or do you have a kydex stater kit.. How to Make a Kydex Knife Sheath - IN YOUR KITCHEN Kydex is not the only plastic compound that has this property. 4. Press the Kydex. I'm building one this week. KYDEX is a forgiving material, should you have any screw ups during the molding process you can always reheat and try again. I've taken all of the guesswork out of making these magazine / handcuff combo carriers yourself. 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. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader. Move quick, if you let the kydex cool too much it wont form like it should. Scribe a line around the outline of the knife, with about a 1/4" offset, like the picture. However, it is a lot cheaper and easier to make a sheath with. Especially on a behind-the-back sheath, it's a good idea to have wider lips because you can't see to sheath. This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material. 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. First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Kydex layer numero dos. Amazon.com : 2 Sheets of Sheath/Holster Making Foam - Thermoform This is one side repeat for the other side. 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. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started. Remember that the knife should be in the sheath as you do this. Ive owned several types of knives and sharpeners over the last few years and have become obsessed with everything to do with knives. Foam Layer. Im using a bandsaw, but for those of us who are power-tool challenged, a coping saw would work just as well. Kydex is especially pliable while heated. After some web searching I came across www.knifekits.com. Once the Kydex is formed, you can add your patterns or decorations! Step 1: Cut the Kydex Most Kydex sheets are quite big, bigger than you'll need. Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Now, you should have one bun for the proverbial hamburger. You dont need to invest in special machines to build one of these. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match. 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. This only takes 30 seconds. Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them. 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. 7. At the very least i recommend using some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges, they can be a little rough from the saw cut. Attach the leather 7. 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. Yeah, I know! *saw/sander/grinder *drill *Kydex sheet *sharpie marker Ask Question Step 2: Preparation. Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! Seal the Kydex. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. 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. Not only will this look better, but it will also make your Kydex sheath stronger. The best part? Don't worry these are 3" screws I later went back and put in 2 1/2" screws and the no longer stick out. 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 It is a hard material, one that you cant bend easily. Kydex Holster Making Molds | DIY Tactical Gear | Oxcreek Tactical 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. Tip At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. 5. Anyway, now that the kydex is nice and malleable, move it to the press the exact same way as before. Im Ahmed, the guy behind Knifepulse.com. However, what makes Kydex so useful is that unlike plastics, Kydex doesnt off gas toxic fumes at forming temperatures. These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases. Color wise, there are some colors that do not work with each other. 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. Its a lot easier than most people think. Here again, amazon, ebay, etc. I used my bandsaw to make short work of it, here again a coping saw would do. To make the decoration sheets, I used leftover hot glue and cuttings from plants. For those of you that do not know, Kydex is the trade name for a propriety thermoplastic sheet. There are many different ones, so let your creativity take you! 1 1/4" Hole saw or drill bit Weather strip Big cardboard box Aluminum foil Caulk Garage Heater Shop Vac Plastic of your choice (ABS, Lexan, Polystyrene.) Best damn advice I've gotten for kydex. The pressing force is created by the two press wings and fixed in position by an optional 12 . Here are the parts needed. Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) - YouTube 0:00 / 6:22 Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) The Bolt and the Beautiful 7.72K subscribers Subscribe 13K. Here they are: I do not. First things first, do a dry run at the press, just to make sure everything fits properly. Wrap it and press in another piece of metal to form the bend. After that, it should be floppy. Now is the time to add your decorations! I've considered doing videos, but unfortunately my recording equipment (read that as phone) isn't up to par, maybe in the future though! At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. You can now use a saw to remove the excess KYDEX and shape the sheath to your liking. However, it leaves less material available for mounting hardware. CKK KYDEX Eyelet Flaring Press - Master Series - For KYDEX Sheath Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. Just make sure you dont burn your Kydex in the process! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Step 1: Heat the Kydex Until It Has the Consistency of Wet Leather, the Griddle Does a Great Job of Heating the Kydex Evenly. Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You will love it! Kit Instructions If I was making a press for larger items like gun holsters I would make modifications. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hybrid Holster Making Kit w/Cowhide Leather Backer - (KYDEX) - (Black) - (Medium) - (RH), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (Butterfly). I also countersunk the screw heads so they are flush with the plywood. You can go up to about 300 degrees, but best to start low. When it comes to creating custom holsters and sheaths, finding the best foam for your kydex press is essential. The first step is to draw out a line to cut to. 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. It's what you use under your sleeping bag. 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. Most people use either an oven or a heat gun. Make sure you add some space for the eyelets as well. 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. [flickrset id=72157625796975779 thumbnail=square overlay=true size=large]. 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. Kydex Rotating Knife Sheath : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables Top press board. Photo Gallery #2 It is low cost and easy to learn. 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. 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. I bet that works great! boy you made that look easy. Something I have noticed gun guys is that we all have a box of old holsters. Thanks BD. Seriously though, kydex is a great choice if youve never made a sheath before because of how easy it is to work with. 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. 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. Make sure to get the 8-8 eyelets, as those are just the right length for a double layer of .080 kydex, 3. At this point, yours should still be considerably oversized, like mine is. Dont let any of that fool you though, just because its cheap doesnt mean its crap. 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. This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process. Alrighty, now that everything's stuck together, time to bring the sheath down to size. You should make a YouTube video. Personally, i wanted a smoother look, so i turned to my 2x72 belt grinder and refined the shape a little. Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. The right foam will be durable enough to withstand the pressure of the press, as well as flexible enough to mold to the shape of your project. How to make a kydex holster/sheath press - B+C Guides You can use any heat source to soften your Kydex sheet. The two Kydex sheets are now stuck together, but they need to be sealed. If you stop here, youll have quite an ugly sheath. Layer of Kydex. Aug 30, 2004 #2 chrisse242 Enlightened Joined Dec 12, 2003 Messages 899 Location Germany Start with the half you did the layout on, and make the holes using a 1/4" brad point drill bit. What is a cheap wood vise? 2009-2023 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. You are using an out of date browser. Making a $21 Kydex Press (And my first kydex sheath) - YouTube If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one! Great info by the way i like your gloveslol. Amateur Bladesmith, hobbiest woodworker, and a bloody good cook, Mobile Workshop Sink With Easy DIY Parts Washer. Its rigid and strong, but when heated it becomes pliable. 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! Also, before you press, make sure the shiny sides of your Kydex sheets are on the inside of the sandwich. Oh My Hell!!!!!! Here is the back of the sheath with the clip mounted. You dont have to spend a lot of money to find a sheath that fits your knife anymore. Since the padding touching the hot kydex has "give", you want as large a surface area of pressure that you can get so that you have as much force against the entire area of the sheath without crushing anything. Now you need to decide if you want to make your sheath from two pieces of KYDEX (a front and back) or from one piece wrapped around the blade. Thanks Tracy for the tutorial. You made it so simple and that jsut cleared up all my questions. Seriously, youre done. Great tutorial Tracy!!! The suction will force the material to mold itself around the gun mold. Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. 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. You have almost everything you need to make this in your house! Why not something like leather? Once you open your Kydex press, youll find that the Kydex has shapeshifted into a sheath. Also the size of the piece your molding will impact on your heat source. Kydex Press. 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". Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. Theres a lot of reasons why making your own Kydex sheath is a great idea.
Gary Torgow Net Worth, St Anthony Basketball Alumni, Delinquent Taxes Hays County, Articles H