Limb form-press perfecting help

[J. R. Harp]

So glued up my first set of limbs and after removing them from the form, I realize what I thought was an almost perfectly square-smooth form has some flat spots and dimples in it.  Any suggestions on how to get your form perfect?  I cut it out with a bandsaw and then sanded it down with spindle sander.  Thanks

[jess stuart]

You can fill in the low spots with bondo and resand.  If the spots are real shallow it is sometimes possible to glue something (formica) over the surface and it will bridge the low spots and make it acceptable. You could also block sand the form to remove the high spots.

[kennym]

I think the best way to a good form is make a 1/4" ply template and block sand it til its as perfect as you can get , then bandsaw the form off the line a bit and use the router and pattern bit to cut with the ply template guiding it.

PS- bend a pc of glass around the curves on the template to find flats and bumps you can't (I can't) see or feel.

[Crooked Stic]

Yep I think Kenny covered it well. I have a router table setup just for form and profiling jig making and that is about all it is used for. I though once that I was going to use a router for profiling-------------we al know that don't work well  

[mikkekeswick]

100% mdf template then router. Make your template half bow length and flip it around a pivot point to make sure both limbs are exactly the same. You will need a good router and a bearing guided straight cut cutter for it that is longer than the width of your form.

[savage1]

Make your self a squared radiused sanding block that is wider than your form and screw a side plate on it. The block is about 2x4x6 and the plate 1x4x6 or so.
The idea is to put on a piece of old sanding belt using small screws into the flat top of the block going around the radius and back to the top.
Place on form and go to town sanding back and forth. The side plate is kept against side of form as you sand. You will find it makes very satisfactory forms and quick.
It should look like a crank and pedal of a bicycle kinda. 90°..

Lou

[monterey]

Lou, a picture of your block would be Nice.

[savage1]

I will take a picture tomorrow.
I thought I posted it last year..

Lou

[savage1]

Email me and I will send a picture.
For some reason smart phone cant post picture. Must need dual window or something.

Lou

[savage1]

Well did you get the pictures?

Lou

[monterey]

Lou, sorry for missing your email.  I had thought it would be posted here.

I checked my email today for the first time in several weeks.  Usually check it more often but not so much during the Christmas season.  I know your message is there but did not see the picture.  Maybe I missed it.

[savage1]

A couple others have asked as well. I think j. Harp said he will try to post some.

Lou

[savage1]

Sent it again matt.

Lou