I get a lot of questions about buffing, polishing, and edge finishing in regards to the final fit and finish of making a Kydex holster. Here's a quick video on our set up and some basic buffing techniques and materials.
quick tip: wipe off the kydex when switching from a wheel with compound to a wheel without or a wheel with a different compound. it keeps you from cross contaminating your wheels
You can buy the wheels from Home depot or lowes. One thing that Ive noticed that is cruicial for not causing a hazed or foggy finish is having a very light touch. Even without a rouge or rubbing compound you can achieve a very nice glossy finish if youre gentile. Ive worked as a jeweler for years and it was tough to get over the more aggressive buffing that is often used. Take your time to keep a constant uniform pressure and you will see great results.
Sisal is pronounced "size-el". I'm pretty sure you've mispronounced in every or of your videos so far. Great videos though. They helped me make my first holster which I hope will be the first of many.
It's always funny to me when folks choose to try to correct others, and they are actually wrong. Might want to check your references before you correct others. Turns out both pronunciations are correct. si·sal noun \ˈsī-səl, -zəl\
I spent 15 years in dental prosthetics as a dental laboratory owner. Kydex is very similar to dental acrylics and polishes the same way. We removed grinding marks with pumice or "Dazzle" www.henryschein.com/us-en/Search.aspx?searchkeyWord=Dazzle+PS and finished to mirror shine with Moldent Polish Buffing Agent #3 www.henryschein.com/us-en/Search.aspx?searchkeyWord=denture+polish&pagenumber=3 . Hope this helps it works great for me!
I find your videos very informative and helpful. From my very first attempts I have been able to create nice kydex sheaths mostly due to what I've learned watching your videos. THANK YOU!
Hi 👋 For the moment I don't have the rivet press can you tell me which Chicago screws I can use for holster making and for the belt loops I will be using .06 .08 and .125 for the belt loops like you suggested
I've watched several of your videos today. You clearly know what you're doing. Do you have a website where is the direct link to purchase one of your holsters?
Are there any ways to do similar buffing without a bench grinder? i'm just starting making kydex stuff? i do have a Dremel tool if that opens any options.
Anybody have a good source for buffing wheels? I tried the ones at Harbor Freight but they are junk. They just fly apart and sling cotton strands all over the place.
Jon, you are such a good teacher!!! Thanks for the information.
quick tip: wipe off the kydex when switching from a wheel with compound to a wheel without or a wheel with a different compound. it keeps you from cross contaminating your wheels
really appreciate your vids...they have helped me alot
You can buy the wheels from Home depot or lowes. One thing that Ive noticed that is cruicial for not causing a hazed or foggy finish is having a very light touch. Even without a rouge or rubbing compound you can achieve a very nice glossy finish if youre gentile. Ive worked as a jeweler for years and it was tough to get over the more aggressive buffing that is often used. Take your time to keep a constant uniform pressure and you will see great results.
I have a hard time at the sharp corners at the top. It alwasys cuts lines in the kydex. Straight edges im good with.
Sisal is pronounced "size-el". I'm pretty sure you've mispronounced in every or of your videos so far.
Great videos though. They helped me make my first holster which I hope will be the first of many.
It's always funny to me when folks choose to try to correct others, and they are actually wrong. Might want to check your references before you correct others. Turns out both pronunciations are correct.
si·sal noun \ˈsī-səl, -zəl\
I spent 15 years in dental prosthetics as a dental laboratory owner. Kydex is very similar to dental acrylics and polishes the same way. We removed grinding marks with pumice or "Dazzle" www.henryschein.com/us-en/Search.aspx?searchkeyWord=Dazzle+PS and finished to mirror shine with Moldent Polish Buffing Agent #3 www.henryschein.com/us-en/Search.aspx?searchkeyWord=denture+polish&pagenumber=3 . Hope this helps it works great for me!
I find your videos very informative and helpful. From my very first attempts I have been able to create nice kydex sheaths mostly due to what I've learned watching your videos. THANK YOU!
great video how do you do your bend to hug the body?
Please tell me, what are these grinding wheels called?
Hi 👋 For the moment I don't have the rivet press can you tell me which Chicago screws I can use for holster making and for the belt loops I will be using .06 .08 and .125 for the belt loops like you suggested
I've watched several of your videos today. You clearly know what you're doing. Do you have a website where is the direct link to purchase one of your holsters?
New subscriber. Great channel. Be careful with those bench polishers and grinders. They bite.
That moment when I realized this was yours. Love the videos! Definitely have helped me with my holsters and carriers!
now how are you getting that same smoothness and shine for the sweat shield and hard to reach places the bigger wheel wont touch up?
I can't get a buttery shiny finish on my holsters to save my life, how can I achieve this?
Can I buff the edges prior to shaping my piece? It's much easier in my case.
Great video. Can't wait to try the techniques
Gotta love tools to make that stuff easier! Have you tried leather? or is it too aggressive?
Do you do bends/forming edges before buffing and polishing?
Best video I've found yet on this subject. Thanks a ton!
Where do you purchase your wheels? Any particular details?
How do you block during the molding process for a belt clip? Thanks Rocky
Are there any ways to do similar buffing without a bench grinder? i'm just starting making kydex stuff? i do have a Dremel tool if that opens any options.
A power or cordless drill in a clamp might work
Get in there real nice like.
Beautiful work!!!
Anybody have a good source for buffing wheels? I tried the ones at Harbor Freight but they are junk. They just fly apart and sling cotton strands all over the place.
Unfortunately I do not, however, now knowing a "review" from Harbor Freight helps. I've been using a dremmel for just about everything...
Better get'em before Sears closed
Where can I buy this compound that makes the shiny finish?
Aspis Tactical has them on their website.
Legend.