Kydex heating

[chabla]

what are any alternative ways of heating kydex for sheath making? ive heard of a toaster oven. would a microwave work?

 

[SDS]

I'm no expert but I would say that the microwave will not work. I have used a regular oven. The toaster oven sounds fine and a heat gun (like for paint removal) also work.

 

[Barker]

I use a toaster oven set between 350 and 375 degrees F. Works like a charm!
-John

 

[butcher_block]

my kiln at 400f thats my way

 

[chabla]

SDSor anyone else who uses an oven how high do you heat your oven too and can you just lay the kydex on the oven racks

 

[SDS]

chabla, it's been awhile since I've worked with kydex but I think I was heating them up to 275-300. If you get it too hot it's really limp and hard to work. I don't think my oven heats properly though so the temp it shows isn't what the actual temp is.

Sorry that probably isn't much help.

 

[CShepherd]

I use my toaster oven set to 275. Works like a charm. I do put down a layer of aluminum foil to keep the kydex clean (it's our kitchen toaster oven) and to make it easeir to pick up the kydes. Wear gloves when you do.

I've also used a hair dryer but a heat gun works quite nicely, especially for tweaking small areas (which you will probably have to do some).

Charlie

 

[jll346]

I like a toaster oven and sometimes a heat gun for final fit and adjustment. I purchased a nice toaster oven that can hold a 12"x12" sheet. I leave it set around 370 so it doesn't heat too fast and start shrinking up to fast. I never take my eye off the kydex when it is in the oven.

 

[Leu Custom]

I set my toaster oven for 350 degrees. Now whether it's actually 350 or not, who knows! Just look at the kydex when it's in the oven. When it starts to CURL up, it's probably pretty good or wait another 10 seconds or so. A lot faster than a heat gun and heats the kydex uniformly and evenly. A heat gun is great for final fitting.

DO NOT use your microwave.

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

I like a toaster oven and sometimes a heat gun for final fit and adjustment. I purchased a nice toaster oven that can hold a 12"x12" sheet. I leave it set around 370 so it doesn't heat too fast and start shrinking up to fast. I never take my eye off the kydex when it is in the oven.

Exactly what he said!

 

[chabla]

Leu Customhow long would it take in an oven or toaster set at 350?

 

[super_tactical]

...would a microwave work?

Don't put it in the microwave!

 

[Keith_H]

Don't put it in the microwave!

Although it might look good to eat, (though it might look good to eat)
like a muffin or a beet, (like a muffin or a beet)
If you dont know just what it is, don't put it in the microwave!

 

[Leu Custom]

Leu Customhow long would it take in an oven or toaster set at 350?

ummm i'd say it would probably take about 30 seconds tops if the oven was already at heat. Not very long...could be even faster depending on whether your oven isn't shutting on or off. You will see. Cut a piece of small kydex for test as you don't wanna try it out on a large piece. You might melt a few pieces, but kydex isn't all that expensive. =)

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Microwave ovens use radio waves to excite water molecules. As there is no water in kydex, placing kydex in your microwave will result in.......Nothing hapening.

 

[Lucky Bob]

Microwave ovens use radio waves to excite water molecules. As there is no water in kydex, placing kydex in your microwave will result in.......Nothing hapening.

Not necessarily... As I recall, microwaves also resonate with most polar molecules, even non-water.

Unless you've got a well-ventilated, disposable microwave, I suggest you still don't do it. Most likely scenarios are nothing happening or uncontrolled heating...