Bow Form Help

[D.A. Davis]

I need some help with a bow form I'm currently building.  I've put two pieces of 3/4" plywood together and have come up 1/16" short of the 1.5" thickness that I need.  I can't find anything to use to give me the 1/16" I need.  I've found some bathroom board that's .090 thick, but that's .0275 thicker than 1/16".  The sales person toldthat the bathboard would not compress.  So, is .0275 something to worry about, or can somebody tell what else could be used?

D.A.

[bjansen]

I wouldnt worry about it.  Get a piece of .100 hickory or maple (or what ever you have really), 1.5" wide ang glue it to the top of your form. This will not only make a smoother, better surface than the plywood, but also give you an exact 1.5" to lay your stack on.  Just hang it over 1/32 on each side...no big deal. Good luck

[kennym]

Exactly what Brad said,if you think the glue will hang under the 1/32,bondo it a bit!

[Apex Predator]

Yep, that's what I did with one of mine.  Also use a small washer under each large fender washer (used for alignment) to make clear that 1.5" surface.

[D.A. Davis]

Per what I saw in a bow build project a while back, I was planning on putting a 1.5" wide strip of 1/16" thick of aluminum along the top to give me a smooth, consistent surface.  This will do the same thing, won't it?

D.A.

[bjansen]

Yes indeed. That should take care of it.

[Robertfishes]

After getting the form surface as perfectly square and as smooth as I can, I glue a piece of 050 black fiberglass onto surface of form. Some use a formica strip instead of fiberglass.

[ChristopherO]

The form I am just finishing up was shy in thickness, too.  A piece of formica sandwiched between the plywood took care of that perfectly.  Then a strip of formica glued to  the top to smooth out the router work gave me more confidence in what eventually will be the finished product; a bow!

[eman614]

this is just my two cents, but i'd use 1/8in thick aluminum. if there are any flat spots in your limbs, it is less likely that the 18/ stuff will form to them. this just something that i've noticed in the few bows that i've built.

[kennym]

Good point Eric.