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 Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: ]
#567961
02/24/11 07:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558
El CacaFuego
OP
Junk Yard Dog
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OP
Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558 |
I have your answer!
I was using a hacksaw and elbow grease for my first couple kydex projects. It worked well enough although a pain. But, I knew it wasn't the easiest way.
So, after some thought, I decided to mark my Kydex with a pencil and then put it in the oven. I heat my Kydex in the oven to 190C/374F. That is just under the burning temperature of Kydex according to Kydex's official specs. They say the burning temp is 204C/399F. Then I take it out of the oven and use a utility knife to cut along the lines I drew.
Hot, soft Kydex cuts like butter even with a dull knife.
This also doesn't leave the same mess a hand saw or band saw does. It leaves absolutely no saw dust.
Then just put it back in the oven for a few minutes to get it back up to optimum temperature so you will have the maximum amount of "work time" before it cools too much. This is also why I bring it so close to its burning temp. I don't like to rush things. That is a brilliant solution, I'm surprised it never crossed my mind! After all, it does have an alternate state of composition... Wow, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Thanks JJ, I'll try that out on the next sheath I fold, I have about 6 that are going to happen soon-ish.
"Teaching is not showing others new things, but reminding them that they know as well as you."
JYD #118
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: J33psr0ck]
#567962
02/24/11 07:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558
El CacaFuego
OP
Junk Yard Dog
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OP
Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558 |
Thanks, Bookmarked it, will definitely refer back to it
"Teaching is not showing others new things, but reminding them that they know as well as you."
JYD #118
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: ]
#567963
02/24/11 07:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14,217
MonkeyBomb
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14,217 |
I use a jig saw and finish out the shape with a belt sander. It has worked pretty well for me so far. But I have only built 8 or so sheaths and a couple of holsters.
JYD #113
I'm getting to old for this Stuff................
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: ]
#567964
02/24/11 11:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688
MRpink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688 |
Do you have a dremel? Combine that with high speed cutting disk and that will cut kydex fast.
You can probably find a used one for really cheap on craigslist/garage sale/flea market.
You can also use a hacksaw if you can clamp the kydex down with a vise. Just clean it up afterwards on your sander.
JYD #56
Scrap Yard Sword Club #00
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: MRpink]
#567965
02/25/11 12:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558
El CacaFuego
OP
Junk Yard Dog
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OP
Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558 |
I was thinking about buying a corded dremel shortly, I keep borrowing my friends for all kinds of little things, I may as well get my own.
How about the rivets? any tips for setting them? I kept butchering the little ones I used for my first sheath attempt.
"Teaching is not showing others new things, but reminding them that they know as well as you."
JYD #118
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: El CacaFuego]
#567966
02/25/11 03:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297
Rainwalker
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297 |
What they said! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> One thing that I might add, a little scoring with a sharp blade and a sharp wood chisel comes in handy with me occasionally for cutting tight spots that won't fit through the throat of the bandsaw. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
JYD#35 Dog Walkin in the Rain
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: El CacaFuego]
#567967
02/25/11 03:11 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297
Rainwalker
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297 |
I was thinking about buying a corded dremel shortly, I keep borrowing my friends for all kinds of little things, I may as well get my own.
How about the rivets? any tips for setting them? I kept butchering the little ones I used for my first sheath attempt. Get the rivet dies, totally worth the price if your serious about working with kydex. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
JYD#35 Dog Walkin in the Rain
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: Rainwalker]
#567968
02/25/11 03:39 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,436
David Brown
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,436 |
I was thinking about buying a corded dremel shortly, I keep borrowing my friends for all kinds of little things, I may as well get my own.
How about the rivets? any tips for setting them? I kept butchering the little ones I used for my first sheath attempt. Get the rivet dies, totally worth the price if your serious about working with kydex. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> + 1000 I used a cheap band saw for years to cut stuff out. the razor knife will work well to. just be careful. they are sharp ![[Linked Image from i114.photobucket.com]](http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n271/bbrown789/Cut%20leg/IMG_2630.jpg)
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: David Brown]
#567969
02/25/11 03:51 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,668
sumoj275
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,668 |
David, you are a true man...........stiching yourself up. I did it once on a fishing trip because I refused to let the moment of great fishing slide by. Stiching onself is a lot different than getting them at the hospital.
Men you can't trust, women you can't trust, beasts you can't trust, but Bussekin steel you can trust
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: sumoj275]
#567970
02/25/11 05:27 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558
El CacaFuego
OP
Junk Yard Dog
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OP
Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,558 |
Jeff, I did nab the dies for both size rivets I have (got too small a size first <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />), but I can't seem to pound the small rivets without them getting bent at odd angles or getting chewed up. The larger rivets that I bought from a local leather shop work fine, although they're almost too short to clear the thickness of the folded Kydex. Is there a certain trick you guys use with the rivet dies, like flipping the material over and tapping on both sides?
I've got some final finish work on my 2 karambit sheaths I made, I'll snap some photos tomorrow and post them so you can see what happened to the small rivets.
"Teaching is not showing others new things, but reminding them that they know as well as you."
JYD #118
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: El CacaFuego]
#567971
03/02/11 12:18 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,573
Hooker
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,573 |
You got to spring for a small arbor press now. I think about 80 bucks, but you will be glad you have it. Saves a lot of fustration and makes it look profesional.
JYD 139
"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty",Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Kydex Benders, I need help!
[Re: Hooker]
#567972
03/02/11 01:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688
MRpink
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,688 |
I use the cheap rivet setter from knifekits: http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?cPath=41_57&products_id=1564The dies and arbor press is much more efficient, but you can make the hand setter one work. I've made sheaths for everything from little pikals to Wakis. You have to try and get the rivet setter as flat as possible, sometimes you think it's straight but it isn't. Tap lightly at first straight down or in a 360 degree motion so that the rivet starts to flare evenly. Once the edge is all facing the right direction, pound on it harder until it seals the kydex. Some days it's just easier than others...
JYD #56
Scrap Yard Sword Club #00
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