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Thinking of getting into kydex bending.

AntCaps

AntCaps

Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
924
Hey guys,
So I finally decided to buy a house, and along with the terrifying responsibilities I now have there are some positives, I will finally be able to set up a little workshop. I've been searching for a Canadian kydex sheath maker for some larger projects and ov come up short I can't seem to find anyone up here so why not give it a shot? I've made a few smaller sheaths with almost no tools so maybe with some practice and some better equipment I could start churning out some nice stuff.

What I'd like to know is any tips and tricks or unique tools that make sheath making esker or just a better product.
Here's what I know I'll need.
A kydex press (I'll probably make my own either out of some thick plywood or steel)
Drill press
Arbour press
Eyelet dies
A belt sander
Heat gun
Dremel (for making slots)

Thanks for any help guys.
 
Although a heat gun is useful a good toaster oven, or pancake grill, or a T shirt press will be more desirable/practical.
 
Oh I should have mentioned i will probably be using my regular oven for the heating if all goes well I'll invest in one of those fancy t-shirt presses.
 
For large batches or really just more than one a heat gun gets old get a toaster oven and a non contact thermometer or a shirt press also get a bandsaw you can do with out these at first but if u really get good at it they r a must your going to also want a respirator of some kind for use with the belt sander and I would not use your kitchen oven as when you accidentally burn kydex it puts off toxic fumes

James W.
 
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And also post some pics here of your work we all love pics and maybe we can give u some advice
 
I was thinking of a bandsaw I figure I'll putter along without it until a deal pops up on kijiji or something. Maybe I'll grab one of those cheap griddles for heating until it makes sense to spend money on a shirt press. I'll post some pictures when I, home and can take some they aren't much but it's a start I figure.
 
AntCaps said:
I was thinking of a bandsaw I figure I'll putter along without it until a deal pops up on kijiji or something. Maybe I'll grab one of those cheap griddles for heating until it makes sense to spend money on a shirt press. I'll post some pictures when I, home and can take some they aren't much but it's a start I figure.
Click to expand...

Careful with griddle selection. I found that the cheap "Presto" brand ones at Wal-Mart (think I gave like $20 each for mine) have worked great. The "Rival" brand ones I bought were no good. The Kydex would stick to 'em.
 
Thanks Kiah, a good counter to that issue might be to put a thin sheet of silicone on the griddle, but hopefully I will find the presto ones.
 
Tee shirt press is the best if you can afford. I have done over 1000 sheaths with a toaster oven. I got one that can fit a 12x12 sheet in it. For bigger I use my oven.
 
Kiah said:
Careful with griddle selection. I found that the cheap "Presto" brand ones at Wal-Mart (think I gave like $20 each for mine) have worked great. The "Rival" brand ones I bought were no good. The Kydex would stick to 'em.
Click to expand...

We use the same walmart griddle. I like it much better than the oven
 
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