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Author Topic:   Working with Kydex

rhysleo posted 03-16-2012 04:16 PM ET (US)
Is [Kydex] hard to work? How hard is it to form [Kydex] into a simple U-shape with 90-degree angles? Will [Kydex] chip or splinter when cutting with a power saw or jig saw? I want to make a custom storage box under the seat of a 13-foot Boston Whaler boat using [Kydex] because it's light, cheaper than starboard, and it's what was used in the original rear storage compartment in a '985 13 Whaler.
David Pendleton posted 03-16-2012 04:36 PM ET (US)
I've worked with it to make holsters. With a good heat gun, it's easy to form.
I've only cut it with shears when it's hot and soft. You could probably cut it okay with a high-speed jigsaw or Dremel-like tool with very fine-toothed blade. That should reduce or eliminate chipping.
Jeff posted 03-16-2012 08:24 PM ET (US)
[Kydex] is very easy to work with. All you need is a heat gun like David said and something good and straight to bend [Kydex] over.
Getting [Kydex] is tough due to the minimum quantities your need to order. Getting [Kydex] in the OEM color and pattern is next to impossible do to the larger minimum order quantities. That said, Mike at Nautical Lumber did buy enough to clear a minimum order and is currently making the 13, 15 and 17 underseat pans as well as the Revenge and Outrage under gunwale close out panels. You may be able to have him make you what you need or you my be able to source materiel from him.
Nautical Lumber
24441 North River Road
Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043
Telephone: 586-463-4505
Email: Mike@nauticallumber.com
Website: http://www.nauticallumber.com/
David Pendleton posted 03-17-2012 07:54 AM ET (US)
You can also try Professional Plastics:
http://www.professionalplastics.com/KYDEXTSHEET?&search_id=862555
They have a minimum order dollar amount, but it isn't much.
Whalrman posted 03-17-2012 08:44 AM ET (US)
Is [Kydex] the material that the two side pannels are made of on the classic Outrages that cover the fuel and wire harness?
jimh posted 03-23-2012 07:59 PM ET (US)
I believe Jeff answered your question. See above.
rhysleo posted 03-24-2012 11:34 AM ET (US)
I have to ask. Why is the word 'Kydex' in brackets for each post?
Jeff posted 03-24-2012 12:38 PM ET (US)
Whalrman, Yes Kydex is what the close out panels are made of
The instances of [Kydex] are the moderator editing posts to increase the site's searchability.
lizard posted 03-26-2012 10:17 AM ET (US)
Well, you learn something new every day. Kydex jackets are custom molded and fitted 2-piece, jackets, that certain patients have fitted after certain spinal surgeries. I never imagined an application outside of the medical use.
Whalrman posted 03-27-2012 12:23 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the reply and information of the close out pannels.

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Author	Topic: Working with Kydex
rhysleo	posted 03-16-2012 04:16 PM ET (US) Is [Kydex] hard to work? How hard is it to form [Kydex] into a simple U-shape with 90-degree angles? Will [Kydex] chip or splinter when cutting with a power saw or jig saw? I want to make a custom storage box under the seat of a 13-foot Boston Whaler boat using [Kydex] because it's light, cheaper than starboard, and it's what was used in the original rear storage compartment in a '985 13 Whaler.
David Pendleton	posted 03-16-2012 04:36 PM ET (US) I've worked with it to make holsters. With a good heat gun, it's easy to form. I've only cut it with shears when it's hot and soft. You could probably cut it okay with a high-speed jigsaw or Dremel-like tool with very fine-toothed blade. That should reduce or eliminate chipping.
Jeff	posted 03-16-2012 08:24 PM ET (US) [Kydex] is very easy to work with. All you need is a heat gun like David said and something good and straight to bend [Kydex] over. Getting [Kydex] is tough due to the minimum quantities your need to order. Getting [Kydex] in the OEM color and pattern is next to impossible do to the larger minimum order quantities. That said, Mike at Nautical Lumber did buy enough to clear a minimum order and is currently making the 13, 15 and 17 underseat pans as well as the Revenge and Outrage under gunwale close out panels. You may be able to have him make you what you need or you my be able to source materiel from him. Nautical Lumber 24441 North River Road Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043 Telephone: 586-463-4505 Email: Mike@nauticallumber.com Website: http://www.nauticallumber.com/
David Pendleton	posted 03-17-2012 07:54 AM ET (US) You can also try Professional Plastics: http://www.professionalplastics.com/KYDEXTSHEET?&search_id=862555 They have a minimum order dollar amount, but it isn't much.
Whalrman	posted 03-17-2012 08:44 AM ET (US) Is [Kydex] the material that the two side pannels are made of on the classic Outrages that cover the fuel and wire harness?
jimh	posted 03-23-2012 07:59 PM ET (US) I believe Jeff answered your question. See above.
rhysleo	posted 03-24-2012 11:34 AM ET (US) I have to ask. Why is the word 'Kydex' in brackets for each post?
Jeff	posted 03-24-2012 12:38 PM ET (US) Whalrman, Yes Kydex is what the close out panels are made of The instances of [Kydex] are the moderator editing posts to increase the site's searchability.
lizard	posted 03-26-2012 10:17 AM ET (US) Well, you learn something new every day. Kydex jackets are custom molded and fitted 2-piece, jackets, that certain patients have fitted after certain spinal surgeries. I never imagined an application outside of the medical use.
Whalrman	posted 03-27-2012 12:23 PM ET (US) Thanks for the reply and information of the close out pannels.