Press Molding A Holster. What Rubber Hardness?

[NC Holster Maker]

Those of you that use a hydrolic press to mold their leather. What hardness rubber are you using? I thought I read somewhere that it should be around 60 -70 on the hardness scale.

[WaG35]

I dont use a press but I believe it is 40 durometer gum rubber that folks are using.

Those of you that use a hydrolic press to mold their leather. What hardness rubber are you using? I thought I read somewhere that it should be around 60 -70 on the hardness scale.

[woolfe]

I use 40 durometer.

I think this is the same stuff here that I have product number 8633K63 from mcmaster carr. It was a while ago when I ordered mine.

http://www.mcmaster....-rubber/=camlxj

Edited May 14, 2011 by woolfe

[Dwight]

Yep, . . . 40 is the correct number.

Mine came from McMaster Carr, . . . natural gum rubber, . . . works like a champ.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Randy Cornelius]

What thickness are you using, the 1"?

[Shooter McGavin]

What tonnage press is needed?

[billymac814]

What tonnage press is needed?

I don't think very much, a 6 ton press is probably more than enough and can be had pretty cheap, I went with a 12 ton since it's a floor model instead of the 6 tons which are benchtop. Harbor freight has their 12 and 20s on sale now and you can find a 20% off coupon. I'm sure you can find better presses but for molding holsters thiers are fine.

I had about 110.00 for the press, 125.00 for the two sheets of gum rubber from McMaster Carr (1" 40 hardness) and I got two steel plates about 5/16" thick for free from a friend. So less than 250.00 depending on what the steel plates run, thick plywood could probably be used as well but I'd think steel would be best and last longer.

[Dwight]

Mine uses a 8 ton jack from Harbor Freight.

Total investment: +/- $125

May God bless,

Dwight

[KAYAK45]

Hi Dwight!

Love your press.

Read this, went to the garage, and yep, a hydraulic jack. Looked further and found a two inch tubing, welded square... bout the right size, maybe a little big, but a couple 2x4's and it'l be right as rain. Thanks for the picture.

[Shooter McGavin]

Mine uses a 8 ton jack from Harbor Freight.

Total investment: +/- $125

May God bless,

Dwight

Looks good Dwight. I'm curious what the holster looks like when removed from the press? Do the blue guns hold up OK?

Also, looks like you're into reloading as well. Good stuff. My workbenches alternate between being loaded up with leather stuff and reloading stuff it seems. Too many hobbies.