Does anyone use this kydex moulding press?

J

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Aug 23, 2003
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185
CKK Sheath Molding Press

http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=41_57&products_id=636

my current setup is somewhat similar, foam pads and steel plates, but I like the idea of a hinged press, and one that doesn't require the multiple clamps I'm using now. I'm looking for a quicker and easier way of moulding, and this one seems very interesting.

Does anyone use this specific press? Any feedback on the performance? How does the foam stand up to repeated use? The foam on my press starts to retain the shape of the stuff I mold after a few pieces.
 
I have yet to use the press from knifekits.com, but I purchased one last week. I'm currently waiting on my shipment of kydex and as soon as I get it and put the press to use I'll give you an update. This press has to be better than the one I've been using (I hope).

Murph
 
I have been using this press for about a year and really like it. I don't use the chain choosing instead to stand on it and it really does the job.

Marcel
 
Knife Kits e-mailed my kydex shipment confirmation today as did my other supplier for my Molle-Loks. I should be in business by Friday if all goes well.
 
Marcel J.B. Morin, how does the hinge work? I've seen pics of it from the back and it looks like the hinge is designed to provide the the option to set it slower and closer to the bottom piece, for more pressure.
 
i've been using a sheath press from Knife Kits, for awhile now. i absolutely love it. worth every penny (imo).
 
I've had one for about a year now. I put it down on the mat in front of our kitchen stove and stand on it. It's quick out of the stove to the mold.

If there's a problem, it's that you can form it too tight on the blade. I'll put a single layer of blue masking tape on each side of the flats of the blade. Sometimes I'll also cut several thin (1/8") strips of tape and carefully fold them over the edge. That makes a relief that keeps the edge off the plastic when it's sheathed and a nice defining "ridge" that shows on the outside of the sheath.
 
lukus said:
I've had one for about a year now. I put it down on the mat in front of our kitchen stove and stand on it. It's quick out of the stove to the mold.

If there's a problem, it's that you can form it too tight on the blade. I'll put a single layer of blue masking tape on each side of the flats of the blade. Sometimes I'll also cut several thin (1/8") strips of tape and carefully fold them over the edge. That makes a relief that keeps the edge off the plastic when it's sheathed and a nice defining "ridge" that shows on the outside of the sheath.
Click to expand...

i'm no expert, there's ALOT of guys on here with WAY more bending experience than me, but the two portions i've bolded are probably connected.

before i put a toaster oven in the shop, i had to use the kitchen table and i've never put anything heavier than a cinder block on the press. then again, i've never used anything thicker than .080, though.
 
I use a wood vise. Reinforced with aluminum plates.
 
I tried out my new press tonight. In my experimenting earlier this evening, I discovered that it's not a good idea to try to use .125 Kydex with this press. The foam is just not dense enough to press it. . Then again, I may need to adjust my temperature and heat time (used 350 deg for 5 min). I'll try the .08 after dinner and see how I do with it.

I'll update later and if it goes well.......I'll post pics of my Custom Utility (my personal design in collaboration with and made by Jim Crowell).

Murph
 
I have been using this press for about a year. I bolted it to a workbench and use a u-bolt attached to the bottom shelf of the bench to anchor a ratchet tie-down strap to put pressure on the top. Before tightening the ratchet tie-down, I wedge a large screwdriver in each of the 2 slots on top of the tabs to prevent the top fro sliding around. I hope this does not sound too confusing. Good luck and happy bending!
 
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