kydex safety

M

metallicat

Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
879
Hi. I've done a search on kydex and got the kydex basics dvd. Am working on my first two sheathes, both iwb for a sebenza and a busse heavy duty. This is not a business for me . I am left handed so decided it might be easier to make my own cases. I notice that in cutting the kydex with my dremal that there is dust like charcoal dust. Was wondering about the safety. I read some posts, but on the dvd the guy doing the work wasn't wearing a mask. Also is it ok to heat up kydex indoors. I'm using a toaster oven set to 300. Takes about 5 minutes for the corners to curl which I guess means it ready. I notice a smell, but it doesn't bother me. My wife notices the smell as well, but it doesn't bother her either and my bird hasn't dropped over dead. What do you guys do? Is this such a health hazard that I should rethink the whole deal?
 
Dude, Kydex isn't good for you at all. It's some toxic stuff. Breathing in the fumes and the dust are both harmful. Do any Kydex work in a well ventilated area. I have done Kydex in my kitchen for years knowing well that it was bad for me. WHen I grind it, gotta wear a mask, even with the respirator on, the fumes get through. If you are just doing it a few times or even a dozen times or so you will probably be just fine but as a long term thing you gotta play it safe.
 
I talked to Bob Dozier about Kydex. The first words out of his mouth were, "it will give you cancer". The gas release comes from the heating of the material. I use a heat gun to heat and soften in a well ventalated area. The fan from the heat gun blows the gases around. Doing one sheath occassionaly with awareness is probably not that dangerous. I think an exhaust hood would be good if you were to work with the material regularly. My grinding and buffing is ventilated with dust collection. Don't overheat when doing these chores and it is a very small problem that a dust mask easily remedies. A heat gun or toaster oven in a place other than your kitchen is a good idea. This gas likes organics...Take Care...Ed
 
There was a health related documentary released maybe a decade ago. I believe that this documentary was called "Blue Vinyl". This information will give you an idea of the health hazzards...Ed
 
Does anyone know what variety of Kydex is commonly used in sheathes? Some formulations are actually "fire rated". I am having some problems finding an MSDS on line, but I did find a place to request one. I'd be willing to call and report back..........

Kydex is an acrylic/polvinyl chloride copolymer. Some vinyl chloride monomers are very carcinogenic.
 
Kydex 100 is the usual one.

There's also a Kydex V 100, that's a fireproof blend made from recycled plastics.
 
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