Press construction

[skeaterbait]

I am in the process, or prepping for the process, of making a couple of laminating forms. After I have cut and shaped to two halves of the form I understand that it's best to glue a strip of something to the bottom form where the bow laminates will lie.  

What is the best and most available material to use for that?

[Bowjunkie]

Formica.

[kennym]

Or glass, I probably have some clear streaky or something you can use. About same price as formica strip.

[Bvas]

I don't think it is completely necessary. I believe most use something in case there are any slight imperfections in the form to help smooth it out.
That being said.....I used 1/16" X1-1/2" aluminum strips from the local hardware store on my first form. The aluminum is alright, but could be a bear if your curves are too tight.
My second form turned out much better. So I think I'm just gonna use a good coat of wax on it.

[kennym]

That's true Brad, a lot of test bow forms don't get anything but the router method and a little block sanding around here.

[Bowjunkie]

I use formica for that, making patterns, and some other stuff, so every once in a while I get a sheet of it.

[kennym]

Yup, it works great, but I got a stack of so so glass.  

[skeaterbait]

so so glass... you could market that:

"Beginners glass, when you know you're going to screw it up"


 

[Bvas]

Also great for camo paint jobs  

[Bowjunkie]

Or dips. Anybody ever do the hydrographic dip on a bow?

[hunting badger]

I use 1/16' aluminum, I buy at Lowes, to line my forms. It's only 1 1/2" wide so if you are building anything but longbows, it will be too narrow. I just nail the very ends to the form after drilling holes for the nails, and then contact glue the metal strip to the form and nail the other end. the aluminum strips work well and doesn't crack or break like formica or glass. I've used both and have had to replace both because then deteriorate after awhile.

[skeaterbait]

Next question....should I look for an emoji with me ducking?

The plans I have for the form says to use 3/16" strap for the brackets to hold the halves in place. Is there any reason that 1/8" would not work? I find it hard to believe that 65 lbs of air would take that apart.

[kennym]

I've used 1/8 x 1.25 and it worked but after a few bows it bent slightly away from the form. Not a bad thing because it was easier to set the top form on without catching the plastic covering the bow. Don't think you will break it.

[skeaterbait]

Thanks everyone for the patience and input. I am just an old dog trying to learn new tricks, just so happens I am a slow learnin dog.

[Crooked Stic]

I use .060 parallels for form caps. And 1/8 straps will not break if they are wide enough.