Kydex Press

[Pat-inCO]

I'm thinking about making a few Kydex holsters. The one thing slowing
me down (other than old age) is the press, and a source for foam that will
withstand the heat and also provide sufficient pressure to get good details
from the gun or knife.

I see several commercially available that run from $80 to way over $200.
Much above $80 is out of my price range. I've also seen many a setup
from wood and clamps, with large hinges to maintain alignment.

Is there anyone actively doing Kydex for holsters that has some advice
for an old fart? Seems that I might avoid spending money that was not
necessary on approaches that are not viable.

 

[sncup]

I watched my holster being made from Kydex, It was simple. He laid the gun and Kydex on a heavy metal screen with piece of metal over that with a rectangular hole in it. The Kydex was warmed in a small oven. He used a shop vac to apply vacuum to the bottom side of the metal screen, and the Kydex sucked right down over the contours of the pistol. The Kydex was then cut to shape and fastened to the leather backer of the holster. The leather was flat, the Kydex was vacuum formed to my pistol.

He used my gun as he did not have a Red gun of my model to work with.

 

[tsubaki]

I’m out of town at the moment but will take pictures of my setup and parts when I get back.
Not a press but it consists of clamps, foam and plywood.

 

[tsubaki]

These are 12"x12" pieces of 3/4" plywood with (stadium seating or kneeling pad) foam glued to them.
The lower portion has legs just tall enough to get the short ratcheting quick release clamp beneath it.
Toaster oven and temperature gun are also very helpful.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/30586062038_e93847310c_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/43546212805_790e233f5d_c.jpg