kydex press hinges

E

elasmonut

Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
657
Hi guys I make a few kydex sheaths, and have been getting better and was looking to upgrade to a better press. At the moment I'm using chipboard, foam, and quick clamps, which works but is kind of awkward and fiddly. I've seen lots of different designs on the net, but I really like the look of the steel plate versions sold by some of the knifemaking supplies sites. Since I'm down here in Oz it will likely cost me an arm and a leg in shipping to get one down here, and they look pretty simple, i reckon I could build one myself. What I can't work out is how the hinges work and adjust, so if someone here could be so kind as to post, or point me toward some pics or better yet a vid of one of these presses in action, particularly from the back, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
The hinges on the manufactured presses are not hinges, they are slots to hold the back down while compressing.
The top will come off completely. Hope this helps.
Al
 
Don't know how strong the chipboard is, so this may not work without switching to plywood or lumber. Easiest solution is instead of using loose boards and trying to clamp them in multiple spots, just drill a couple holes in one end and use paracord for a hinge (run one piece through both holes). That way, they're always together and lined up at one end and you just clamp the other end and be done with it. Not the most elegant solution, but I still use it on some of my own presses. Thickness adjustment can be made by simply tightening/loosening the paracord or sliding in a shim.

elasmonut said:
Hi guys I make a few kydex sheaths, and have been getting better and was looking to upgrade to a better press. At the moment I'm using chipboard, foam, and quick clamps, which works but is kind of awkward and fiddly. I've seen lots of different designs on the net, but I really like the look of the steel plate versions sold by some of the knifemaking supplies sites. Since I'm down here in Oz it will likely cost me an arm and a leg in shipping to get one down here, and they look pretty simple, i reckon I could build one myself. What I can't work out is how the hinges work and adjust, so if someone here could be so kind as to post, or point me toward some pics or better yet a vid of one of these presses in action, particularly from the back, it would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
Hey mate, I am in the process of making a press down here as well just now. Not using a hinged design but a couple of bit of 1/4 steel plate with vertical guides and upper cross bars. I will either use a small bottle or screw jack to provide the pressure.

Where are at mate ??

Andy
 
Hey Andy, Yeah I think I'm going to ditch the hinge idea and just go with some steel plate on a vertical woodworkers vice, keep it simple.
Where am at? Melbourne, Mt Waverly, I visit the Aussie blade forum as well with the same tag. If your close I'd be happy to catch up or chat.
 
I used some longer strap type hinges and bent them around the 3/4" plywood .I lined the press with foam kneeling pads(I got them at a feed store) .For pressure I use some of those quick bar clamps ,I had made a big system to tighten it up but it took to long to tighten up so I just used the clamp and it works pretty well .Please keep in mind I have no idea what I am doing.
 
Would it be possible to just acquire a vise? This is what we use to make kydex sheaths and it works great.
 
Hey Mate, I am up in Sydney so it is a bit far to drop down for a beer... ;) I also just joined up at the Aussie site "Andy" over there. I will post up some pics of my press when I am done, just waiting for a mate to supply the steel and another to do the welding...all at "Mate's Rates" of course ...!!
 
Hey there, I'm from Sydney as well. Haven't done it yet but I was thinking of using much larger board for the base, hinging on some metal bars and putting on a smaller board on top, kinda horizontally swinging on the bars. Leave the bars longer and putting some underneath the base board. Then you can put press it down and even tighten with paracord on the bar extensions. Don't think it would be that hard to make. Might draw something and post later.
 
I was also thinking of using ratchet cargo straps to provide the pressure...... they should be fairly quick into play and provide enough pressure....I am going to scour a wreakers today to see if I can come up with an old hydraulic bottle jack as well.
 
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