A
Anonymous
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Kydex is a thermoforable plastic that is very user friendly, virtually unbreakable, extremely flexible and not temperature sensitive. You find this stuff showing up in high end knife sheaths, all over the automotive industry and in a myriad of other applications.
For the boater there are endless possibilities. I recently completed an overhead holster for "the boatgun" which is mounted under my electronics shelf. In time I intend to make holders for all the kitchen tools, knives, spatulas, large spoons etc and mount them inside the cabinet doors under the sink.
Pre heat your oven to 300, lay a piece of Kydex on a cookie sheet, place in oven till ready. You'll know, it's like maccaroni when done (it gets soft).
Pull it out of the oven and slid it off onto what ever object you want a holster for. Using a dish towel just work the plastic gently into the shape of your item. The dish towel will protect your hands from the heated plastic. It only takes a minute or so for everything to normalize. Using heavy scissors trim the edges into what ever shape you want. A hole punch penetrates this stuff real well with out splitting and once you have your holes you can attach it to virtually any surface that you would put a screw into. I like to use c-washers for their greater holding power as well as good looks.
If you don't get it right the first time, run er through again no worries you can't screw it up! The goal is to get your holder formed just tight enough to hold the item and still be able to get it out. On the above mentioned holster, once in place it was tighter than I wanted so I applied some heat via propane torch and worked it until I was happy with both the retention and release.
This stuff comes in many colors and thicknesses, stay under .090 thick and all will go well. The internet is a great place to find this stuff.
I also finished up my Stainless bow cap and pictures of these items are in the upgrade and jewelry album for anyone who is interested.
Mike :smiled
For the boater there are endless possibilities. I recently completed an overhead holster for "the boatgun" which is mounted under my electronics shelf. In time I intend to make holders for all the kitchen tools, knives, spatulas, large spoons etc and mount them inside the cabinet doors under the sink.
Pre heat your oven to 300, lay a piece of Kydex on a cookie sheet, place in oven till ready. You'll know, it's like maccaroni when done (it gets soft).
Pull it out of the oven and slid it off onto what ever object you want a holster for. Using a dish towel just work the plastic gently into the shape of your item. The dish towel will protect your hands from the heated plastic. It only takes a minute or so for everything to normalize. Using heavy scissors trim the edges into what ever shape you want. A hole punch penetrates this stuff real well with out splitting and once you have your holes you can attach it to virtually any surface that you would put a screw into. I like to use c-washers for their greater holding power as well as good looks.
If you don't get it right the first time, run er through again no worries you can't screw it up! The goal is to get your holder formed just tight enough to hold the item and still be able to get it out. On the above mentioned holster, once in place it was tighter than I wanted so I applied some heat via propane torch and worked it until I was happy with both the retention and release.
This stuff comes in many colors and thicknesses, stay under .090 thick and all will go well. The internet is a great place to find this stuff.
I also finished up my Stainless bow cap and pictures of these items are in the upgrade and jewelry album for anyone who is interested.
Mike :smiled