Grit used in sanding laminations?

[Christoph]

Just wondering what final grit is recommended for sanding the laminations to? It’s my understudying that 36 grit seems to be commonly used. As a occupation as a woodworker, that seems awfully coarse. 36 grit leaves ridges and grooves. I realize a coarse grit is preferred for good glue adhesion, but I was thinking 60 grit may leave a little smoother surface. May even give you a tighter looking lamination and avoid those dark heavy glue lines. Working in commercial shops I have glued up many bent laminated head or jamb casings. We would usually sand to 80 grit but that was on a wide belt sander that leaves a far better surface than a drum sander due to the natural oscillation of the belt. I realize thats using a wood glue and being water based probably has a very different absorption characteristic to it verses epoxy. Curious to see the responses to the preferred grit size.

[Krasus]

I use 80 grit

[Christoph]

Interesting because I was talking with the RoseWood Shop and he was telling me most guys want there laminations sanded to 36, but he didn't think it was because of glue adhesive properties. He was telling me that most guys are using a small drum style sander and it requires less effort for a small machine to sand to a coarser grit. Having owned two different drum sanders over the years I can concur  to that. I was always under the impression 36 grit was preferred because it left a rougher surface and therefore better glueing characteristics.

[kennym]

From Smooth on site, 120 is rough enough. I use 50 most times, 36 can show scratches thru clear glass....

WOOD LAMINATING / BOWMAKING EA-40® has been used for many years for laminating fine woods. It is preferred by bow makers around the world and offers longevity, flexibility and memory required for making award winning performance bows. Suggested laminating procedure; 1. Plane or lightly sand all surfaces to be laminated with 120 grit sand paper 2. Blow off dust with compressed air and wipe all surfaces clean using acetone (Warning – acetone is flammable. Follow acetone manufacturer procedures for handling). Let acetone evaporate for 10 minutes. 3. Mix and apply EA-40® as directed between layers of laminate to sanded surfaces using a brush. 4. Carefully clamp laminated pieces together applying even pressure. 5. Place in oven and use the following step-cure schedule: Temperature Duration 120°F / 48°C 2 hours 150°F / 65°C 2 hours 185°F / 85°C 2 hours Important; Let cool for at least 6 hours to room temperature before releasing clamps or handling.

[Mad Max]

60 and 80
120 on veneers

I prefer 60 grit...

[Walt Francis]

80-120 grit is my preference, never had any issues.  Always figured less glue, less weight, and less handshock, it all equals a smoother shooting bow.