Kydex Forming

[Josh K]

I've got some kydex, and some 1" foam. I also have a conventional baking oven. (You can guess where this is going.

What is a good temperature to start off for .093 kydex? How long does it take to heat up? Say I want to make a kydex rig for my phone, how much heat does they kydex transfer to whatever it is you're forming it on?

And the real question: If I don't have a press, how much compression is needed to properly form something? Would a couple of books in the foam be any good? I don't have much access to clamps or vices, though I suppose I could pick one up if I really have to.

 

[Kiah]

What is a good temperature to start off for .093 kydex?

Once you get above a certain point, it's all about time. 350 is what I use.

How long does it take to heat up? Say I want to make a kydex rig for my phone, how much heat does they kydex transfer to whatever it is you're forming it on?

What kind of phone? I haven't attempted such a thing, and would be afraid to. Even if the heat doesn't hurt the phone, the pressure and release agent will. I'd suggest a heat gun if you wanna try it though. Heat up a small section at a time without the phone inserted, insert phone, form with gloved fingers, repeat.

And the real question: If I don't have a press, how much compression is needed to properly form something? Would a couple of books in the foam be any good? I don't have much access to clamps or vices, though I suppose I could pick one up if I really have to.

Books ain't gonna cut it. I use a ball-joint press if that gives you an idea of the needed pressure for a good fit. A couple of boards, a jack, and a car can be used in a pinch (not with a phone though).

 

[Josh K]

Once you get above a certain point, it's all about time. 350 is what I use.

Okay.

What kind of phone? I haven't attempted such a thing, and would be afraid to. Even if the heat doesn't hurt the phone, the pressure and release agent will. I'd suggest a heat gun if you wanna try it though. Heat up a small section at a time without the phone inserted, insert phone, form with gloved fingers, repeat.

LG En V. Would using a thinner kydex reduce the forming pressure?

Books ain't gonna cut it. I use a ball-joint press if that gives you an idea of the needed pressure for a good fit. A couple of boards, a jack, and a car can be used in a pinch (not with a phone though).

You're not serious about a car jack are you? That's guessing around 2 tons of pressure.

 

[Kiah]

Would using a thinner kydex reduce the forming pressure?

No. A heat gun without a press would be your best bet. Even heating up the Kydex and handforming without a press would be better. Considering the shape of your phone, what I would do is get a piece of wood or something the same dimensions as your phone, but just a little thicker, and form to that.

You're not serious about a car jack are you? That's guessing around 2 tons of pressure

Jacking a car up and lowering a wheel onto your press is a redneck way of getting pressure. It's not as much as you'd think, since the other three wheels are supporting a lot of the weight.

 

[Josh K]

No. A heat gun without a press would be your best bet. Even heating up the Kydex and handforming without a press would be better. Considering the shape of your phone, what I would do is get a piece of wood or something the same dimensions as your phone, but just a little thicker, and form to that.

Any hints on handforming?

The only thing I was really worried about was would the heat melt it or something. It's a pretty boxy phone, if I really wanted to I'll probably just do that with wood.

Jacking a car up and lowering a wheel onto your press is a redneck way of getting pressure. It's not as much as you'd think, since the other three wheels are supporting a lot of the weight.

I'm so close to Pinckney I can count as redneck. What about backing the car over the press?

I guess my kydex adventures will have to wait.

 

[Kiah]

Any hints on handforming?

Just use gloves and fold. Mike has a DVD that might help. I haven't seen it, but I've heard it's great.

What about backing the car over the press?

Give it shot. Just be careful of spinning your tires and slinging your press somewhere it shouldn't be.

 

[kdstrick]

Hey Josh, just make a press and get a vice. Your results will be much better IMO. Some hand forming is always necessary, but a press with a vice will do most of the work for you. Forget the car thing. If you want really good results you have to get it formed while the kydex is still very hot and pliable. The cooler the kydex gets the fewer detail you will see in the sheath.

Here is my press... homemade. The leather "hinges" which are actually coasters... hold it together but allow it to compress fully inside the vice. I've been using it for a couple years.

There is nothing to it.