User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 7:42:25 AM EDT
[#1]
Here is the info that you seek: DIY Kydex linky.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 9:40:19 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryYeah I read a ton there. I ended up watching it on Amazon and got it pretty cheap on several occasions. I made a press from plywood and a foam knee pad in the gardening section of lowes. A couple of tips. Starting out, always use more kydex than you think it will take. If not you'll be stuck with not enough room to put your rivets in. Don't try the two piece rivets, they are horribad. Don't use the oven to heat your kydex, it works but it's not great. Go to walmart and buy the cheapest electric griddle you can find it is perfect for this. HAve fun with it. At first you are going to waste some kydex trying things out seeing what works. I think I had the most trial and error with belt loops. I ended up using 1/2" strips and wrapping them around a big paint stirrer. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 10:06:15 AM EDT
[#3]
what is a good source for kydex?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 10:21:08 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: what is a good source for kydex? I get most of mine from Knifekits.com I've ordered some from Amazon but Knifekits always gets it right. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 10:58:19 AM EDT
[#5]
I just buy the cheap Chinese made stuff.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2015 11:09:19 AM EDT
[#6]
I've done it, but I'm not very good at it.
I've made a couple holsters and a couple mag carriers. Usually I've got to do it 5 or 6 times before I get it right. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2015 1:37:07 PM EDT
[#7]
Kydex is my full time business. It's not too hard to do a decent job. Plenty of youtube vids to help get you started. As with most things, you will learn by actually doing.
Knifekits.com is one of my preferred sources. Also loo |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2015 9:59:12 PM EDT
[#8]
knifekits.com is my go to. Been doing it on and off for a little over 2 years. Just actually started getting some of my things into some gun shops.
Knife kits will get you set up. They have good foam, rivet tools, supplies... I use a drill press, dremel, harbor freight belt sander, heat gun, and 6 inch buffer wheel. You can get away with less tools and still make a decent holster. Just speeds things up and the fit/finish is better with the right tools. It's nice getting a new gun, then the next day having awesome holsters for it 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2015 10:55:31 PM EDT
[#9]
Blister & Chainsaw.....
What are you guys using for a heat source? I've been using a HF heat gun for small hand forming stuff and a pizza oven for my main. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2015 10:59:10 PM EDT
[#10]
What's the cost on a standard IWB holster to make?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2015 11:39:48 PM EDT
[#11]
I used to use the kitchen oven
I ended up getting a small toaster oven off amazon. works great, heats the kydex quickly. the heat gun is nice for spot heating if you need to adjust fitment and for doing belt loops |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/23/2015 11:10:01 AM EDT
[#12]
I use a heat press (like the t-shirt guys use) and a toaster oven depending on the size(s) and projects. Get a IR thermometer to watch your temperatures. Get it too hot and it will shrink and get brittle.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/23/2015 11:44:15 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I use a heat press (like the t-shirt guys use) and a toaster oven depending on the size(s) and projects. Get a IR thermometer to watch your temperatures. Get it too hot and it will shrink and get brittle. Been there done that. I had a box of scrapped pieces for a while until I figured out temp & settings. The tshirt press sounds interesting...  |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/23/2015 12:03:42 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's the cost on a standard IWB holster to make? Just rough estimate Under 10 for the kydex (another 15 or so, if you do a hybrid and add leather, unless you can get it in bulk, cut shape and dye it) Under 5 for the screws/rivets/eyelets 5ish maybe a bit more for the loops or however you fasten to a belt or Molle strap... I don't see a lot of profit in it (after you figure in your hourly wage).... You'd have to get to where you could whip them out really fast, while maintaining the fit, finish and quality... I'm not thinking I'll make any money with it, but it looks fun... If I can make a few bucks to offset my supplies and other costs associated with this new hobby, It'll just be a bonus... If I get into it that is... |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/24/2015 10:47:59 AM EDT
[#15]
I charge $55 for an OWB holster. Raw material cost will vary greatly depending on what quantity you are ordering. The holster making kits from KnifeKits.com start at $25 for single holsters.
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
