I have done a little molding on a project and I used a foam sleeppad or yoga mat that I had gotten from Walmart at sometime. I cut it into pieces and doubled it up on which makes for about an inch on each side. I was just making a press out of what I had around. It worked really well for the couple things that I have molded.
I was looking at the HolsterSmith website for foam. They have a foam called Extreme that’s supposed to be their best and give great definition and last a long time. They have two other grades of foam in addition to the extreme. I saw somewhere that the stiffer and the denser the foam, the better the definition. They recommend preheating the foam with a heating pad sandwiched between the foam sheets before pressing.
I found out making micarta, due to the time considerations, that it is MUCH faster to put your press on the BOTTOM of the bench surface and (i know it sounds crazy, but it works) using a hydraulic car jack underneath. If you relief cut the face of the jack into some plywood(even hardwood will split) it won't shift. you can do the same for kydex, without turning and turning clamps. faster and saves wear and tear on the wrists and joints.
You make some of the best holsters that I have ever put on my Friend, I'm so glad you are getting some well deserved benefits , Thanks I still need that 340 M&P LOL
I know you commented on this a really long time ago, but since no one replied I thought I would try to help you out. After watching this video 100 times and pausing it 10000 times. I found out the clamps he was using are Jorgensen 12" clamps, those clamps have a 3" throat.
Thanks bkpickell! watched it 50 times and paused it 5000 times until i scrolled down and seen your response. I've only been able to figure out they were Jorgensen's just didn't know that throat size. You're a life saver. Thanks again.
I had to search for foam as well because knife kits is out of theirs. I haven't tried it yet but I ended up finding rolls of neoprene on amazon. I chose the 1/2" thick foam and double it up for top and bottom; this gives me a 1" thickness for top and bottom. I will also try this foam that you found; this is a timely video for me as I was in the same foam dilemma.
Nice press!! You mentioned movement from using hinges, very true. Your vid just made me a believer on going with the vise method. What's the dimensions of yours? Just the outer and inner that the foam rests against? Nice job!!!
I'm just eyeballing it, but the clamps he is using are Jorgenson 12" Clamps with 3" throat depth. So that would make that top brace piece about 9" long which should make the piece of wood under that 12"x12", I'm guessing the piece of wood under that would be about 18" square. The bottom assembly should mirror the top with the exception of the legs.
It seems that the foam he's using is neoprene based on what's available from the website he mentions. Neoprene can be bought by the sheet or it can be had in the form of already made things like exercise mats, car repair pads, gardening knee pads, etc.
I got a press from knife kits and it came with their maxx foam and the foam is really stiff like you have in this video.... I'm trying to make gun holsters and it's so stiff I cant get the press and the foam to squeeze together all the way there is a gap because it's so stiff and I get bad definition on my holsters. Any advice on how to get it softer and more useable?
At 7:20 you show improved definition on the magazine pouch. Wouldn't that be a problem with a loaded mag? Anyone's experience? I'm copying this press and method exactly os I'm curious if anyone had this problem. Thanks in advance!
I know you can always just reheat kydex and do it again, but why beat up your wrists if you don't have to? plus will speed up your output a lot. Just cause you were saying about increased order volume, thought I'd share a trick. hope it helps.
If I were to send you an AR-15 Pistol grip, would you make a removable featureless add on for those of us in CA? ( I know there are others out there, but they don't have one for the BCM gunfighter.)
Jon Can you give me the overall measurements for that press? I want to make one just like it but I need to know the length and width of the plywood pieces. Or maybe give the guy who made it for you my contact info and maybe he'd give me the measurements.
USAknifemaker is also out of stock of the foam. I will just have to use amazon for right now. Anyone know of any other sites that sells this style of foam?
Nice press!! You mentioned movement from using hinges, very true. Your vid just made me a believer on going with the vise method. What's the dimensions of yours? Just the outer and inner that the foam rests against? Nice job!!!
