Moulding Kydex

[ovenpaa]

Apparently I ideally need a heat gun to form Kydex and that is one thing I don't have. So, has anyone tried forming Kydex with boiling water or know of any alternatives means of heating the stuff or generally dealing with it? I was thinking of using either 2mm or 3mm sheet to form a cheek piece for a rifle.

[kennyc]

If you have a form to mould it over then heat it in an oven

[Triffid]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/energer-enb4 ... 240v/59740

Useful for all sorts of jobs. Just don't try to dry your hair with it.
Triffid

[andrew375]

You need at least 160 degrees c in my experience. Als,due to the high thermal capacity of the material you will have to apply the heat for some time, so an oven is best for working a whole piece. Use a heat gun if you are heating specific spots, like forming a bend. You will need a pair of very heat resistant gloves, oven gloves won't cut it.

[Les]

This stuff is good, and it is totally re-usable.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POLYMORPH-Mo ... q25QtM9E7w

[Blackstuff]

I used a bog standard hairdryer but that was just 1-1.5mm stuff

[Pippin89]

Yep, in the oven at 160°C for an hour or so, depending on thickness. I have used it to make knife covers for my homemade knives. For that it is best to clamp it in a vice with some upholstery foam sheet over it for a bit of give and better coverage of force. Not sure on your plans for moulding a cheek rest but I would advise on a thin layer of foam between your clamp and the kydex. It gives a better finish

[1066]

Have you thought about 3D printing?