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Warning: using a table saw and soldering iron can be dangerous activities. This post is to give insight into how I bend Kydex, but be sure to consult an expert prior attempting on your own. Full Disclaimer
If you’ve never experimented with Kydex, its a tough material that become malleable when heated. Its often used as an alternative to leather for holsters and sheathes.
This project is a bit of a pre-requisite for some upcoming projects I have in store. You can choose to use a heat gun, but a strip heater is a useful tool for isolating portions of a piece of Kydex for tight bends…something often needed when making accessory clips.
Building A Simple Kydex Strip Heater
Materials Needed
- .08″ Kydex
- Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
- Soldering Iron
- Staples
- 3/4″ Plywood
Step 1: Cut A Groove in the Plywood
If you have you have a dado stack you can easily cut a groove with a table saw. If you don’t (like me), you can make multiple passes with your table saw to create a groove. Finish it off by cleaning the groove out with a wood chisel.
Step 2: Create A Heat Reflector
Press heavy duty aluminum foil into the groove of the plywood, working it smooth along the way. Using a staple gun, fasten tight along the top edge of the groove. Once fastened, run a carpet knife down a square to cut a straight edge.
Step 3: Heat It Up
Preheat a soldering iron. Once hot, you can lay it in the groove of the foil and place a piece of kydex over top to efficiently heat a small area until pliable (or you can just use a heat gun).
Conclusion
The possibilities with Kydex are only limited to your imagination. Stay tuned for some interesting projects this strip heater can help you tackle for your next time in the treestand.