Forming Kydex Procedure parts 1 and 2 (picture intensive) MERGED

[luvmy40]

I am posting this here as the same basic procedure can be used to make just about anything from Kydex.
If the Mods think it belongs somewhere else please move it.

Every time I post a pic of a new Kydex project I am asked for pics of the process. Well I finally took some. (Ok I took a lot!)

First up my work bench/reloading area.

This is where I do all my kydex work, gun smithing, reloading and weapons maintenance.

This is the press that I made for holsters and such.


The process begins by measuring, scoring and snapping piece of .063" Kydex to the proper size for the project.




Next the Kydex is heated in a toaster oven @350deg for 1-1/2 minutes.



Then wrapped around the form, sandwiched between two pieces of heat resistant foam and clamped in the press.



After allowing 20 minutes or so to cool, the press can be opened and the formed Kydex removed from the form.



To Be Continued...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[luvmy40]

...Continued From Earlier Post
The desired shape is then laid out on the formed blank and cut with snips or a band saw.










The piece is shaped further with a file or sand paper and the edges polished. I use a Dremel and a fine abrasive buff.





The Kydex molds so tightly to the form that it would be impossible to remove the gun from the holster if some of the details, such as the depression made by the ejection port, are not softened, or loosened. I use a pencil torch for the very small areas and a heat gun for larger areas.




And the almost finished product...




I form the belt clips from a 1"wide piece of .090" kydex. They are formed by hand on a wood form. I use a heat gun to heat only the area being formed at the time, Usually there are 2-3 steps. Wrapping around the form and forming the beveled flare.




The holes are drilled with standard twist bits and cleaned up with a hand countersink burr.
In this case I slip short spacers made from windshield washer tubing over the barrel of the chicago screws. This helps keep the screws secure and provides the spring action for adjustable retention.



With this design you can attach the the belt clip to either side now and have an ambidextrous rig. Or you can re heat and bend the attachment point for either right or left hand use exclusively. Bending the tab makes for a more comfortable fit and feel.

The finished product with sweat shield.

[JD]

Also copied to the Reference section and merged with pt 1.

That's a good looking holster, maybe one day when I have a real shop I can dabble in the kydex...

[HotGuns]

Grat post amd of much interest to me. I've got some kydex sheets on the way hat I plan to "mess" with.

Thankyou Sir !

[target1911]

Do you use the actual gun/knife or is it a form. Where can I get the Kydex.
I have always been one to make stuff myself. I just finished a leather mag holder, started another w/pics when I am done, make all of my own knife sheaths and I am building my trailer for my Harley.
What can I say??? I love to do it myself...

[luvmy40]

Kydex and supplies are available at www.knifekits.com
I use the actual gun but I'm sure the holster makers use RedGun type blanks

[target1911]

cool. Thanks for the link. as if i need another project hangin in limbo lol

[retsupt99]

Very interesting...good post!

I have had some kydes holsters that gave some movement that I did not want. I simply used a torch to heat up the kydes a little and then remolded the loose area...easy to do...but I did not realize what was actually needed to make a holster...thanks!

[QKShooter]

Again GREAT THREAD.

You sure are going to end up helping a lot of members out that want to DIY a Kydex rig.

Thanks much.

[Rob99VMI04]

How long does the hole process take you from start to finish?

I would also like to know how you cut the excess off of the front of the holster?

[phaed]

very cool tutorial...thank you!

[HotGuns]

Ok...I'm ticked.

I got my Kydex in from Ebay and it looks good. I cannot for the life of me find ANY eyelets,rivets or whatever the heck you call them anywhere. Every single link that I have found is broke and I cannot order them. I have .093 Kydex which I beleive takes the 8-9 rivets.

Where can I get the RIVETS ?

[uakaos]

try these guys
http://www.rivetsinstock.com/?gclid=...FQUQFQodZSiFMQ
hopefully that helps.
worse comes to worse the local hardware store

[Harold Fastwaker]

LOL worst comes to worst you can leave your house.


Now, has anyone made Mag carriers? I am about to create mag carriers for my S&W 22a. If that goes well I'll make some for my other guns. I am also going to attempt to make a mag funnel for my 22a as well.

[HotGuns]

Thankyou for that uakaos...

Unfortunatley, I did not see what I needed.

and BTW...
Welcome to the forum !

LOL worst comes to worst you can leave your house.

Beleive it or not, I have hit every local hardware store and even a Hobby Shop. Nothing even close.

Can you imagine the frustration of having 4 new sheets of Kydex staring you in the face and knowing that you are dead in the water until you get what it takes?

I am getting desperate. The weekend is fast approaching and I have all these guns without holsters...