Vacuum Molding

[jlsleatherworks]

Those of you that vacuum mold holsters, what do you use to do so? I have one of those "as seen on TV" vacuum sealer for the kitchen and have been thinking of trying it on holsters but Im not sure if it produces a powerful enough vacuum to actually mold a holster. Any thoughts?

[electrathon]

It will work. I use a flat piece behind the holster (flat plexi usually) to keep the back from pulling forward. Use the lined side of the bag to the rear or you will get bad texture. Push fast and hard as it is drawing down.

[Dwight]

Vinyl bag made from JoAnn fabric clear vinyl. ($20)

Vac pump from Harbor Freight. ($110)

Hose fitting from on line vac supplier. ($15)

Misc fittings from local hardware store + hose. ($25)

Like electrathon said, put something flat behind it, I use a white cutting board sold at Wal Mart for about $10.

With this rig, . . . I don't usually have to help it much, . . . push the "ON" button, . . . 5 seconds later turn it "OFF". Repeat once or twice if the mold is not enough detail the first time.

Only one I had much trouble with was a WW2 / over the shoulder / chest carry rig / suede lined / for a Glock 35. I had to leave it in for about 10 seconds.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Thornton]

I use a vacuum storage bag (for storing clothes and bedding in a compressed state) and a shop vac.

[particle]

Thanks to Denster for listing his kit a couple years ago - this is the kit I use based off his list.

http://www.adamsleatherworks.com/vacuum-press/

[dsolsbery]

Thorton, how does your setup work?

[IngleGunLeather]

I use a vacuum storage bag (for storing clothes and bedding in a compressed state) and a shop vac.

[IngleGunLeather]

This seems like the cheapest way to go. However, I'm curios to see the results. Do you have any pics of your holsters?

[SooperJake]

How do you keep the bag from sealing up on itself and where is the vacuum port on the bag in relation to the dummy gun or holster?

[SooperJake]

Thanks to Denster for listing his kit a couple years ago - this is the kit I use based off his list.

http://www.adamsleat...m/vacuum-press/

Eric, is the paracord still working for you or have you switched to vacuum mesh material?

[particle]

I actually have been butting my gun or magazine up to the platen - not using the paracord or mesh at this time.

[DHopper]

I've been using a food sealer vac with great results so far. The bags get spendy when doing a lot of holsters, but they work great every time.

Edited December 3, 2012 by DHopper