How To Make A Kydex Press?

The kydex press is a pretty basic tool that most people make use of. It consists of a hard, disk-like material that you place inside your hand and where the pressure is applied against. The disk must be struck with enough force to break, or fold over.

The disk must also be folded over in order for the pressure to apply. This process can take a few moments or days, depending on how much you update your creation.

Find a steel rod

how to make a kydex press

When you’re ready to make your first kydex press, the first thing to do is find a steel rod. This rod will be the base of your press.

You can get a short length of steel rod, or you can buy extra long ones to make more presses. Either way, they must be the same length!

Next,Find a piece of wood that is at least as thick as your steel rod. You will use this wood to brace your kydex sheet against when pressing the release button on your wallet or card.

Finally, Find some pressure-relief material such as leather or Kydex coverings and stack them up! These materials will protect your hard work from accidental presses and releases.

Grind the rod to a point

how to make a kydex press

When you press the tip of the knife into the kydex, it should be grinded to a point. This prevents large pieces of kydex from being pressed down and preventing a sharp knife hole through the material.

Too much sharpening can lead to stuck knives and off cuts. If you have to use an edge, make sure it is a sharp one!

Made right, your knife press will feel like a butter knife in your hand. You will love it!

If you would like to make your own, there are many places to find help online and in DIY shops. Many offer free tutorials or just show you how to get started.

Purchase leather for the mold

how to make a kydex press

When choosing leather for the mold, two main things must be considered. The color and texture.

If you are using a smooth, soft leather such as peau d’orange, then it is recommended that you choose a texture that has some line-work or lining. If you are using an armored leather such as Kydex or a more rugged leather such as tup Olive Dras then it is recommended that the leather is thicker to provide more support. These two suggestions may not apply to all wallets, but we will discuss them here!

Color wise, there are some colors that do not work with each other. For example, red and black does not go well, nor does green and black. There are some sites that list these colors so that you can find ones that work for you.

Make the mold using the knife and leather

how to make a kydex press

Using a knife is the best method for making a kydex press. The way to do this is to make the mold half-way through the process of shaping your leather.

First, cut a small piece of leather about one inch long and about half an inch wide. Then, using the knife, spread the leather slightly apart and down until you have created a hollow space where your mold will go.

Place your leather in the hollow space and wrap it securely in place with more leather. Then, mark where one side of the press meets one edge of the hollow space to create a guide for removing the press later.

Pour resin into the mold

how to make a kydex press

Once the Kydex is formed, you can add your patterns or decorations!

Now is the time to add your decorations! These can be paper, yarn, fabric, and/or materials such as wood or ceramic. You can use either a patterned paste or liquid adhesive to place your decorations on the Kydex.

To make the decoration sheets, I used leftover hot glue and cuttings from plants. The hot glue kept it in place well! This was very helpful to do separately, as some people may not have used glue before this process.

Please do not put any dangerous materials in your Kydex due to the risk of fire or burn formation. These substances could damage the Kydex and cause it to collapse upon itself.

Let it dry

how to make a kydex press

Once your first layer is completely dry, it is time to add your second one. Make sure it is the same size and thickness as the first one!

How to Make a Kydex Press

Because Kydex does not have a lot of directions, this process can be tricky. Luckily, we have a few tips to make your second press perfect!

First, make sure the back of your first press is flush with the back of your new one. If it is wider or thinner, add more material to make it match.

Make sure the neck and mouth of your first press are closed so that nothing gets leaked out. If they are open, put something over them to prevent air and water from coming in and out.

Use your press to make custom kydex sheaths

how to make a kydex press

A kydex press is a great way to make some extra money as a skilled mak​e-yourself​kydex sheaths​. There are many different ones, so let your creativity take you!

Many people make their presses by buying one at a gun store or hunting supply store, but you can also find them online. Most are quite expensive, coming around $80-$120.

You must take care of your new investment to keep it working, so do not purchase one if you do not intend to use it regularly!

Instead, find another way to make custom kydex sheaths! Many people use YouTube or Youtube videos to help guide them into the world of making them.

Profit!

how to make a kydex press

Pressing is a great way to make money as a beginner maker. There are many ways to use the press, and only a little woodworking experience is needed to make one yourself.

You do not need special presses or machines to press your material. All you need is some curved, beveled kydex tubing and you are ready to go.

Many popular makers use this simple machine to start making products. It is low cost and easy to learn.

If you are more advanced, you can switch to using the more advanced presses from above.

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