Holster Press Question

[Tac]

Ok, I am looking at getting a press to help with molding my holsters. I don't have a lot of space and I don't want to spend alot of money (not looking for much am I?)

I came across a manual press that is used for making Kydex sheaths and was wondering if anyone here had tried using it (or someting like it) for making leather holsters/sheaths? Also, for those of you out there using a press (Randy, Monica, Boomstick.....) Does this look like something that would provide enough pressure to work?

http://www.knifekits...products_id=636

Any comments? Suggestions?

I have no experience with a press at all and have done all of my molding by hand. I am looking for something to help speed things up and take some stress off of my hands/fingers.

-Tac

Edited December 15, 2009 by Tac

[Denster]

Ok, I am looking at getting a press to help with molding my holsters. I don't have a lot of space and I don't want to spend alot of money (not looking for much am I?)

I came across a manual press that is used for making Kydex sheaths and was wondering if anyone here had tried using it (or someting like it) for making leather holsters/sheaths? Also, for those of you out there using a press (Randy, Monica, Boomstick.....) Does this look like something that would provide enough pressure to work?

http://www.knifekits...products_id=636

Any comments? Suggestions?

I have no experience with a press at all and have done all of my molding by hand. I am looking for something to help speed things up and take some stress off of my hands/fingers.

-Tac

Tac

I think this question was asked before about this press and the response was that it was not suitable for forming leather. For a less expensive and less space consuming option do a search for the thread on vacuum forming (not seal a meal) that I posted. The whole setup cost less than $250 and all you need is a 2'X2' flat work surface. Can be set up and taken down in a couple of minutes and stores in a small space. I have since found that the poly bag works better than the vynal even though it costs more initially and it allows detail boning right through the bag while under pressure. The thread also lists links to the suppliers.

[Eugene]

I made this press about a year ago and have been using it ever since. So far I'm pretty happy with it. If I remember right I think it cost me about $40 plus the rubber pads.

Eugene

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Tac, I have the press that you show in your post and it is not suitable for leather. I don't actually even use mine for kydex anymore.

[Tac]

Thanks for saving me some money guys... Especially your response Boomstick... First hand experience is the best.

I am not inclined to go the vacuum route and I don't have the patience/skills needed to make my own vice from scratch. I was looking at a cheap alternative with the press in the link.

I will keep looking for another alternative.

Thanks again.

-Tac

[Bronson]

I will keep looking for another alternative.

I have this 6 ton press from Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1666

If you sign up for their email updates they'll send out coupons and I know my local store will let me stack coupons on top of sale prices. I think I got mine for around $60 + taxes when all was said and done. I've got the rubber pads from McMaster Carr ...it's a little cheaper if you get one 24"x12" piece instead of two 12"x12" pieces. Now all I have left is to get some steel and have the press plates welded up.

Bronson

[Bronson]

Oh, and if you know anybody who gets Maxim magazine ask them for the Harbor Freight coupons that are often inside. A guy at work always brings me his since he doesn't use them, they are usually good for 20% off.

One thing about that little 6 ton press is that it will only accept a 10" wide plate ....just so you know.

Bronson