Kydex press issues

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d13fledermaus

Joined
Jul 24, 2013
Messages
2
Howdy all, new user here with a very frustrating question!
I've been trying to make a kydex sheath for an old Ka-Bar that I've had for a million some odd years, and I cannot stop splitting boards and ruining my attempts at good forming. I split through some half-inch wood that I didn't expect to be very strong, but when I broke through three inches worth of thickness I figured the issue lay with me and not with the wood. I've just been putting some foam between two slabs of wood and pinching them down with two old C clamps. I was under the impression that a huge amount of force would be needed, so I may just be cinching it down way too much, but I need recommendations on getting a press in working order.


I could do plate metal, but that seems overkill and expensive. Is plywood going to be able to stand up to this sort of nonsense?


I also ran into a bit of an issue the other night after I demolished my "press," and found that as I tried to remove the Kydex from the foam I ripped a decent portion of foam off on the kydex. It wasn't outlandishly hot, and it was foam ordered from Knifekits so I assumed it was capable of dealing with 360-380 Fahrenheit temperature but I may be mistaken.
 
Probably too much pressure, and too big a board (too much leverage). I use 1/2" plywood and foam, too, and never split a board. Of course, it's barely wider than the largest sheath I might need, and I place direct pressure from the middle, not sides. Might want to try placing a heavy weight on the top of the board instead of clamping the sides.
 
Most likely too much pressure and leverage, but It doesn't split between the two clamps, it splits in a line beneath the two. I will give that a try for the knife, but it is also a goal to perform the same operations for a handgun, and therefore I will need the extra wood size. I'll try a smaller press and some weight, thank you very much!
 
Cant comment on the press (I broke down and got knife kit ones) but the foam, if its new, sometimes it does that and can be a bit of a pain to avoid. Not sure what grade you got but I think a couple may be picky about what side you do the forming on so thats something to be sure of. I find that 300-325 degrees to be ideal temps. Also be patient, let it cool. After cooling, take your press apart very slowly otherwise it will easily eat your expensive foam up. If used properly that stuff can really go the distance :thumbup:
 
i got 4 wooden presses made from 3/4 plywood, and i use 12 ton bottle jacks and really put the squeeze on them..never broke any.On the foam i don`t use the KK so i can not comment. The hotter you get your kydex the less pressure you need, and the hotter the kydex, the more chances you`ll take a piece of foam when taking the mold of (personal observations)...you are definitely doing something you not suppose too...recheck your procedure..
 
sonil said:
i got 4 wooden presses made from 3/4 plywood, and i use 12 ton bottle jacks and really put the squeeze on them..never broke any.On the foam i don`t use the KK so i can not comment. The hotter you get your kydex the less pressure you need, and the hotter the kydex, the more chances you`ll take a piece of foam when taking the mold of (personal observations)...you are definitely doing something you not suppose too...recheck your procedure..
Click to expand...

Bottle Jacks? Great idea! How do you do it? More details PLEASE!
 
If you guys want to make killer formed sheaths, check out the vacuum presses that us woodworkers use. Check out the Joe woodworker site.
 
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