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Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 8:32 am
by 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.
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:30 am
by kennyc
If you have a form to mould it over then heat it in an oven
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:32 am
by 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
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 11:55 am
by 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.
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 6:51 pm
by Les
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 7:02 pm
by Blackstuff
I used a bog standard hairdryer but that was just 1-1.5mm stuff
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:33 am
by 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
Re: Moulding Kydex
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2020 12:12 pm
by 1066
Have you thought about 3D printing?