Kydex Help

That's a good question, I originially did not know how hard the foam had to be, so I used the mattress foam padding and that didn't work well at all. Make sure it's a good stiff pad. Other than checking with an upholstry strore, I'm not sure where you could get it, maybe Hobby Lobby.

Good luck, I think you'll really enjoy kydex.

Had a friend that made a vacuum press out of a shop vac and some plywood... google time!

I don't see a vacuum press as really viable, though I don't know I've seen anyone try.

You need to set your press up so you can get it set and pressure on very quickly before the Kydex cools.

Plywood and cut-up sections of foam camp sleeping mat (roll-up mattress) work pretty well for the press, with a big pile of heavy "C" clamps or hand-screw clamps.

Good luck!

I have built a bunch of holsters and magazine carriers out of Kydex. Kleerdex gave me a 4’X4’ X.125” sample that I build quite a few out of 1800 325 3133.


First thing you have to do is make a pattern I used thin cardboard. Next you have to cut the shape out of Kydex. I have found a scroll saw ideal for this job. Note: Kydex has a grain side and smooth side if you lay it out and cut it backwards you’ll have a left handed “blank“ instead of a right. I used 250 degree oven temp an a non browning cookie sheet with foil on top of it and never left it in there for more than 2 minutes at a time. Balsa wood helps for some forms like the, Glock 34 with light, holster I built to take up dead space so the pistol draws smoothly. I also used ¼” aluminum bar stock that I milled to go over the front sight and into the rear this along with a ½ aluminum channel were used to form the channel for the front sight (first step and it remained in place until the end so the channel is not destorted and it helps line up the two sides). Wood T nuts hold everything together and I used fuel line between the flaps for adjustment rubbers. I also built little fixtures to make the Z bends in the holders so they don’t slip off the belt. A heat gun is invaluable for the final touch up work. I leave the “blank” a bit over sized until finished and sand both sides at the same time with a belt sander when finished so everything looks even.


Leather gloves are a good plan and have fun if you mess up forming just chunk it back in the oven until it’s flat again.

I don't use any foam/press but here are a few I have built.



The sight channel comes out looking like this.



I bent up an aluminum jig to make the "Z's" for mag holders like this one.

When I was working with Kydex I used a homemade press using foam yoga pads. Worked great for what I was using it for. Just make sure to clamp it down pretty good to get the correct pressure on the Kydex.

make sure to use gloves and when working with Kydex make sure NOT TO over heat or you will end up with shiny spots. Once you have it warmed up you can use a heat gun to touch up on spots that may need more attention - just make sure to go in small doses.

Be safe,
Doc

Another option for the foam ... the kneeling pads often sold in gardening departments.

I'll echo the "don't overheat" advice and add that Kydex releases toxic vapors at temps in excess of about 400° F. I keep my toaster oven set at 350°.

For clamps, I use QuickGrip-style bar clamps like the one pictured below.