what kydex thickness?

N

nc527

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Mar 22, 2009
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What is the best thickness of kydex to use that is easy to form? Also since Im building my own kydex press, what kind of foam is best, like is it really stiff, or what?
 
Here's a good link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4879055_kydex-knife-sheath.html

Here's another about making a press.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4988362_make-kydex-press.html

It's says that EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or neoprene foam is the best.

You can buy foam specifically for a kydex press here:

http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=41_57&products_id=278

I used 1/8" thick self-adhesive duct insulation that I found a Lowe's, and just layered it about 3/4" thick. It had an aluminium foil backing that I just pulled off. Also, those kneeling pads they make for gardening, construction are either EVA or neoprene I believe.
 
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People use anything from .06 to .093 generally. The thinner stuff is easier to form and work with and makes a prettier mold of the knife. From my reading, .08 is most common; kind of middle of the road between ease of work and strength.

As for the foam, the knifekits foam is very popular and was built for the job. Others say they prefer a camping pad instead based on their own experience. I’m going to try an Army surplus pad on my press. It is firm, but not too firm. I’ve heard of several people using the cheap blue foam camping pad from Wal Mart with good results.

One thing I might recommend is on the eyelet setting tools. I bought the hand eyelet tool with the anvil. You will get much nice results out of the knifekits dies and a small press. I have also seen someone use the dies with a hammer with good results. I’ve set a couple of eyelets with the hand tool and so far they aren’t too bad, but they’re not factory looking like you get with a press.

I've been so busy working that I haven't had a chance to play with any of my kydex stuff I ordered 2 months ago. It sucks!
 
adaman04 said:
People use anything from .06 to .093 generally. The thinner stuff is easier to form and work with and makes a prettier mold of the knife. From my reading, .08 is most common; kind of middle of the road between ease of work and strength.

As for the foam, the knifekits foam is very popular and was built for the job. Others say they prefer a camping pad instead based on their own experience. I’m going to try an Army surplus pad on my press. It is firm, but not too firm. I’ve heard of several people using the cheap blue foam camping pad from Wal Mart with good results.

One thing I might recommend is on the eyelet setting tools. I bought the hand eyelet tool with the anvil. You will get much nice results out of the knifekits dies and a small press. I have also seen someone use the dies with a hammer with good results. I’ve set a couple of eyelets with the hand tool and so far they aren’t too bad, but they’re not factory looking like you get with a press.

I've been so busy working that I haven't had a chance to play with any of my kydex stuff I ordered 2 months ago. It sucks!
Click to expand...

I dont really want to buy the rivets and setting tools, so could I just glue the kydex together and drill holes for attachment points?
 
Sorry don't mean to butt in, but here's a link to someone else who asked that question and got some responses:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1134711&highlight=glueing+kydex#post1134711
Here's another one that's more recent:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717413&highlight=glueing+kydex

Seems like certain epoxies might work, maybe the cement they use for pvc pipe(I think pvc is supposed to be pretty similar to kydex).

I don't know though, you could do it, but to me it wouldn't look finished. Setting rivets is pretty simple, and you can get a cheap setting anvil tool thingy from usaknifemaker.com. Just my 2 cents:o
 
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